Please be patient if you've sent out resumes.

[Binnie]

I also wish that if you had an interview they would tell you WHY you didn't get the job. To me, it goes without saying if you just sent a resume and never got a call..then there is a zillion reasons I am sure why I didn't get hired. I don't get bothered by that. But if I have an interview, then no feedback..that bothers me. Even an email would be nice: "Thanks for your interest, we went with someone with better flexibility/more experience/lighter colored hair." I realize the last one could be a liability issue, joking on that one.

It is HUGE potential liability to give any feedback on why people weren't selected, especially when people are hurting for work and (in some cases) looking for someone to blame.

Hiring is a hugely time consuming process, no matter what, and businesses are pushed to the upper limits of productivity. Unfortunately, "common courtesy" has to be the first thing to go out the window. In the last two weeks, for example, I have received more than 300 applications for a PT Customer Service position. There's no way that I can (as a solo, PT HR person) acknowledge all those applications and tdo what I need to do to take care of the 100 employees currently on my payroll. I'm faced with the choice to be rude to applicants or to do my job, and I know I'm not the only HR type dealing with this problem.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Keep a list of the ads you've responded to. I usually run my ads in the paper for 4 or 5 days and they appear on the internet for 30 days. I don't want a resume from you each day (this happens most often with those that respond via email). I will not consider you - you lack attention to detail.

I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind.

Let's say you posted an ad on Craigslist, and I applied for it but didn't send much of a cover letter. Then you repost the position a few weeks later. Should I apply again, with a better cover letter? My resume already indicates I have the experience and skills you seek. Or did you eliminate me from consideration forever? Or, worse, do you tend to think I have too much experience / I'm too old / you can't afford me?

Thank you in advance.

 

[underdesea]

In the last two weeks, for example, I have received more than 300 applications for a PT Customer Service position. There's no way that I can (as a solo, PT HR person) acknowledge all those applications and tdo what I need to do to take care of the 100 employees currently on my payroll. I'm faced with the choice to be rude to applicants or to do my job, and I know I'm not the only HR type dealing with this problem.

When candidates are actually interviewed, though, the numbers are much smaller. In the two cases recently where I was interviewed and led to believe that the employer was interested at the conclusion, then never heard another word, only six people were brought in as "finalists" for each job. Surely in those cases a quick, impersonal, "Sorry, we went with another candidate" email isn't too much to ask. Well, obviously it *was* too much to ask, but I don't think it should be. JMO.

 

[Randi]

More info about my orig. post. The job is for an hourly wage accounting clerk. Not a high paying job by any means. the job is in MA at our accounting office. If anyone looked up the company name on the Web, they would have gotten the number for our warehouse facility in NY state. So what happens is that they call that number and reach customer service who then redirect the call to MA. I take the call, but the resumes are not in the office where I work, they are with my boss in another town in MA. So i would have to call her to look for that person's resume. Personally I would never hold it against the candidate, & I don't think my boss would, but it could happen.

Sending out over 100 postcards to say a resume is received does seem a bit much. I never had it happen whenever I applied for a job. But I have always had the standard clerical type of jobs. Nothing like managerial or higher up. After an interview, yes I always received some sort of communication which my current boss does do.

Retirement looks awfully good right now. I will be moving out of state so that is keeping me very busy. I won't have much money but Social Sec. & some small savings. One of the advantages of working for small wages is that you don't need much after retirement. Social Security is covering nearly 75% of my pre-retirement income. And expenses are going to be less. So I should be OK.

Good luck to everyone of you in finding work.

 

[Minnie Lor]

I am the HR Manager for a small company, so I'd like to offer some advice, too!

• Follow the instructions in the ad. If the ad says not to call, dont call. If it says to apply in person, don't send an e-mail. Not following instructions may disqualify you from the position.
• If you're filling out an application, completely fill it out, and don't put "any position" when it asks what you're applying for. It sounds horrible, but I don't have time to chase down information from you to complete the application. It will go in the garbage if it is incomplete.
• If you're applying in person, dont be rude to the receptionist/security/whoever is receiving the application. I will find out, and I don't want a meanie working with us.
• If you're applying with a resume, spell and grammar check it! It shouldn't be more than a page or two, anyway, it's not that hard.

I don't mean to be mean, I know that lots of people need work, and I know they're eager, but there's only one of me, and I can only do so much at one time. I hope it helps someone to find a great gig.

Good advice. Here's one back. If after interviewing someone and they don't get the position, give them a call or send a letter right away. People used to be courteous. I don't know how many intereviews that DH has gone on and they've seen very impressed with him - then we hear nothing back - nada. The people doing the hiring need to think of the people that are desperate to hear that they got the job. Life at home comes at a stand still waiting for word. When we hear nothing from them - I don't think to highly of those company's and they've just hurt themselves in the PR department. I know that I'll think twice before doing business with them.

 

[marlynnp]

I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind.

Let's say you posted an ad on Craigslist, and I applied for it but didn't send much of a cover letter. Then you repost the position a few weeks later. Should I apply again, with a better cover letter? My resume already indicates I have the experience and skills you seek. Or did you eliminate me from consideration forever? Or, worse, do you tend to think I have too much experience / I'm too old / you can't afford me?

Thank you in advance.

In that case I'd probably send it again. If I rerun an ad after a few weeks I expect that I will get a few repeats - chances are though, if I receive the exact same resume/letter again, I won't pick yours again - so definitely change it up a bit!

In my example I was talking about a continuously running ad.

 

[Sandy22]

I also work in HR. We don't ackowledge receipt of applications - there are just too many of them. We do however send a short e-mail to candidates who were interviewed but not selected.

My #1 tip: I review hundreds of resumes per position - I have very little time or patience to deal with long winded resumes where I have to search out whether or not you have the experience required. Keep it short and tailor your resume to the specific position you are applying for. I personally don't bother reading cover letters UNLESS you've used our hiring criteria as headers and you're describing how you meet each requirement.

I agree with the OP that answering calls to confirm we've rec'd your resume are time-consuming and annoying - but we don't hold it against the applicants.

 

[chager]

First of all EVERY employment fair, employment counsellor, and guide I have attended, meet with or heard, and read have said to follow up with a company if you really want the position. So that is to be expected.

DH became frustrated recently after completing 2 interviews being told they were waiting on his background check to come back, and they would be calling in about a week. This was FOUR weeks ago!!! Since then he has done follow-up calls. 1st call: Still waiting on background to come back. 2nd call left message NO RETURN CALL! 3rd call: Oh she doesn't work here anymore leavea voice mail on this extension...No call back. Tried one last time...leave a message at this extension....nothing. A courtesy call or letter saying they went with someone else or the position was eliminated would have been nice. He really wanted this particular position.

We are both unemployed. We are surviving on unemployment. Make too much for any other assistance. We will be losing our home in the next couple months. Mortgage company refused to work with us because unemployment is not income. Hence, really would like a job! Mcdonald's isn't even hiring near us. Now for the real treat. On unemployment we can't qualify for housing in a decent area because the rent would take the over 50% of what we are getting. Not a sob story just facts.

SO really neither of us is trying to be annoying, but we are trying to show some initiative by contacting employers that we really would like to work for. However, I think the next job counsellor that tells me to follow-up I will tell him that according to some companies they are going to trash my resume if I call and see what his answer is to that. I am curious as to what he will say to that. Trust me I only really followup on a few positions because to be honest some I apply for are only to satisfy my unemployment requirements.

 

[Minnie Lor]

First of all EVERY employment fair, employment counsellor, and guide I have attended, meet with or heard, and read have said to follow up with a company if you really want the position. So that is to be expected.

DH became frustrated recently after completing 2 interviews being told they were waiting on his background check to come back, and they would be calling in about a week. This was FOUR weeks ago!!! Since then he has done follow-up calls. 1st call: Still waiting on background to come back. 2nd call left message NO RETURN CALL! 3rd call: Oh she doesn't work here anymore leavea voice mail on this extension...No call back. Tried one last time...leave a message at this extension....nothing. A courtesy call or letter saying they went with someone else or the position was eliminated would have been nice. He really wanted this particular position.

We are both unemployed. We are surviving on unemployment. Make too much for any other assistance. We will be losing our home in the next couple months. Mortgage company refused to work with us because unemployment is not income. Hence, really would like a job! Mcdonald's isn't even hiring near us. Now for the real treat. On unemployment we can't qualify for housing in a decent area because the rent would take the over 50% of what we are getting. Not a sob story just facts.

SO really neither of us is trying to be annoying, but we are trying to show some initiative by contacting employers that we really would like to work for. However, I think the next job counsellor that tells me to follow-up I will tell him that according to some companies they are going to trash my resume if I call and see what his answer is to that. I am curious as to what he will say to that. Trust me I only really followup on a few positions because to be honest some I apply for are only to satisfy my unemployment requirements.

DH experienced a very similar situation on two occasions...and heard nothing back. I'm so sorry that you're losing your home and all of the grief that you are going thru.

I don't have alot of respect for HR people. They don't understand that people are in a crisis and they NEED this job. If they did, maybe they wouldn't throw resume's away because it was too long or someone called about it. Also they need to show respect for the person that they interview. So many of them say "you'll hear from us by the end of the week" or "we'll let you know either way" - that's a total lie.

 

[underdesea]

I don't have alot of respect for HR people. They don't understand that people are in a crisis and they NEED this job. If they did, maybe they wouldn't throw resume's away because it was too long or someone called about it. Also they need to show respect for the person that they interview. So many of them say "you'll hear from us by the end of the week" or "we'll let you know either way" - that's a total lie.

Trust me, it's not just HR people. I've interviewed directly with a manager/director (in one case, the organization head) who have said the exact same thing, then -- nothing. Either they want to avoid an uncomfortable call (in that case, take the easy way out and send an email) or they simply don't care.

I always think, though, that eventually the recession will be over, and some of the same people they have treated this way will be back in the work force. Today's inconsiderate interviewers just might find themselves having to one day deal professionally with the people they have treated so coldly.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

DH experienced a very similar situation on two occasions...and heard nothing back. I'm so sorry that you're losing your home and all of the grief that you are going thru.

I've also had the same heartbreaking experience with 2 companies: 3 interviews (HR, hiring manager, and then hiring manager's manager). Was told by HR at one company that the hiring manager would likely bring in lunch as a group thing during my third interview (I was actually meeting with the team I'd be working with)...but no offer came. I know your pain.

 

[WDWBarb]

I don't have alot of respect for HR people. They don't understand that people are in a crisis and they NEED this job. If they did, maybe they wouldn't throw resume's away because it was too long or someone called about it. Also they need to show respect for the person that they interview. So many of them say "you'll hear from us by the end of the week" or "we'll let you know either way" - that's a total lie.

I'm not in HR, but I've always done my own hiring. It is very frustrating to post a job and then receive hundreds of phone calls regarding it (especially since I always specify NO phone calls, please). I have more than a full-time job and having my phone ring all day long with questions about the position is very frustrating. I do understand how hard jobs are to come by and I'm very nice to callers, but it doesn't do anything to help me consider them for the position. I choose interviews based on the cover letter and resume. From there, I take my time deciding on the best cantidate. If I have interviewed someone, I don't mind a written follow-up (email or snail mail, but email is preferred).

The advice given here is excellent regarding what to do and how to dress. Another suggestion? Don't list demands during the interview and don't "brag" on yourself. You can discuss previous successes without saying that you are the most incredible person to ever live.

Also, if you think it's going to help you to go over my head and call my boss and ask for the job, you're wrong. Seriously.

 

[Kitty 34]

My middle DS has spent the summer looking for a job. He even posted his info/resume on Monster and a firm came looking for him. He had two interviews (one with the guy he would be working under; the other with the CEO of the company).

My son called me Tuesday. He got the job!!! Yea!! He wore a suit, he had looked up every piece of info he could on the company and obviously said the "right" things in his interview.

My son would highly agree with other posters.......there is definitely an Interview protocol to follow.

 

[kaytieeldr]

More info about my orig. post. The job is for an hourly wage accounting clerk. Not a high paying job by any means. the job is in MA at our accounting office.

Oh?! Any chance you'd accept one more application? Never mind the petty details such as, oh I don't know - where in Massachusetts...

 

[BelleWDW]

More info about my orig. post. The job is for an hourly wage accounting clerk. Not a high paying job by any means. .

I hope the applicants realize its not for immediate hire.

Amazing that you've gotten so many resumes for such a average job-with lowish wages!

 

[kaytieeldr]

In my example I was talking about a continuously running ad.

Thank you! One advantage to some of the online job posting sites like CareerBuilder.com is, the site itself will recognize if you've already applied for a particular job and ask if you really want to apply again

 

[kaytieeldr]

The advice given here is excellent regarding what to do and how to dress. Another suggestion? Don't list demands during the interview and don't "brag" on yourself. You can discuss previous successes without saying that you are the most incredible person to ever live.

Ah, let 'em. Incredible technically means not believable if you break down the word into its root and its prefix. By the way - does anybody need a proofreader?

 

[Binnie]

I don't have alot of respect for HR people. They don't understand that people are in a crisis and they NEED this job. If they did, maybe they wouldn't throw resume's away because it was too long or someone called about it. Also they need to show respect for the person that they interview. So many of them say "you'll hear from us by the end of the week" or "we'll let you know either way" - that's a total lie.

I absolutely understand that people need jobs. I've been there, and someday, I'm likely to be there again. I do my absolute best to be kind and respectful to every applicant--even the ones who don't follow my instructions.

Frankly, to my mind, it wouldn't be fair to those folks who do follow instructions to consider those who don't. While I'm at it, I might as well hire people who don't have the qualifications I need, too. I mean, the ad doesn't really mean anything, right?

Sarcasm aside, what I tried to give was several pieces of advice for people who are looking for work from my perspective as an HR Manager. If you'd like to do things as you see fit, more power to you. I'm sure that your lack of respect for HR people and the work that we do will work in your favor.

 

[NMAmy]

I've gone through this myself when hiring someone. I would never recommend that an applicant call before the application acceptance period has ended--which has happened to me repeatedly. I don't even look at applications until that date has passed--they're online and I print them all at once and it takes time to look them up in the system. I usually set the due date for a time when my office is not as busy. Calls during extremely busy periods are a bad idea.

Our system is set up with email responses so if someone is not chosen for an interview, all we have to do is push a button and an email goes out. For those who are interviewed but not chosen, I tell them the date by which I plan to make my decision and I do call each and every interviewee. Yes, it's an uncomfortable call to make but I feel I owe people that for giving me their time by coming in for an interview.

I'm not sure why career counselors tell folks to follow up on a position or resume with a phone call. I think a better way to do it is by a regular letter or by email. That way, it can be routed to the proper person and they can respond when they have time and don't have to drop what they're doing to respond immediately. As the OP has pointed out, we don't always have all the resumes waiting right on our desk.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Anyway, I just wanted to give some helpful advice as I know how difficult it is to be out of work. I hope everyone will find the job they want soon. Keep sending out lots of resumes, you never know how long it will be before you hear back.

A friend of mine applied at the new KIA plant back in November. In March they called her for a 40hr week test. Crazy. Well, she heard nothing.
In July, they called her for another test and drug screenings. She just started the beginning of August. That's 10 months from interview time to start time.
In this economy (and for a decent job) it takes a long while, unfortunately.