Why do many employers not give the common courtesy of acknowledging the receipt of resumes from candidates?
This reflects poorly on their company and what they really think of their employees.
Some may argue that they receive such a huge amount of resumes and couldn't possibly respond to them all. I'd say, at least in my field, that is absolutely ridiculous. It doesn't take a lot to create an auto-responder (preferably one that indicates a time frame in which you can expect a decision).
Here is what appears to be the recipe for these employers:
1) Define opportunity to attract qualified applicants.
2) Make sure to indicate that your employees are "your most important asset".
3) FAIL to treat applicants with enough respect to let them know that you received the resume and appreciate their interest.
4) Most certainly don't commit to giving the candidate a time frame in which they can expect to hear from you (regardless of the decision).
Item four may just be too much to ask of many of these companies but item three can be automated!!
Letting a candidate know that their application was received and is appreciated is the RIGHT thing to do.
If I am ever in a hiring position, I will try to do better.
About Me
- Kevin Compton
- Entreprenuer and professional software developer. Husband, Father and Friend.
Friday, January 23, 2009
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3 comments:
I've never tried submitting to a company website because I expect this kind of reaction.
There is no substitute to actually meeting people face-to-face. Attending users' groups in your area is the best way to meet interesting, passionate people. Better still, you introduce yourself as someone who has the same interests / passions.
A network of friends & respected colleagues is also a great way to find a new position (again, a user's group is a good way to build up one's network).
That said, yeah, if you're advertising a position, the least you can do is respond when I apply. I won't be holding my breath, though.
I'm surprised to hear that you have never submitted a resume directly to an actively advertising company.
However, upon considering further, many of the best positions I've had were due to personal recommendations. Including, at least indirectly, my current position.
Thanks for the comment! -- Giving acknowledgment and appreciation ;)
What Chris said. Every single job I've held - going back to my lab aide and help desk days - I got through personal contacts.
These days I think of updating the resume as something of a formality - it's just something to give the HR gremlins to chew on should a potential job come my way through word of mouth. It really is all about who you know (or who knows you - a potentially important distinction).
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