I’m curious. What are everyone’s thoughts on rejection letters?
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Something I’ve been hearing a lot lately is people complaining that nobody – recruiters or companies themselves – has the common courtesy to let them know that their job applications have been unsuccessful.
Maybe it’s because I’m from a younger generation, but I’m well used to that! I thought that was the norm.
I recall working in admin for a company, which received hundreds of applications for another administrative position. I got to wade through all the unsuccessful applications and replying to them, a task I shared with the new admin person. (Wouldn’t you think that was odd, starting a new job and being asked to immediately send “thank you for your application” emails to all the other candidates you beat out??)
I’ve worked since the age of 16, and I’ve applied for countless jobs in the five years since (sounds like such a short time…) I just assume, when I don’t hear anything back within a week or so, that I should move on.
I applied for two jobs last week that were both a bit of a long shot. But they were jobs I would have enjoyed, and I thought it was good practice for putting together resumes and cover letters for my field. One, I haven’t heard back from – inside sources tell me they’re looking at someone who already works there – and the other, well, I was surprised to find a “thanks, but no thanks” email from today.
I don’t have a problem with being knocked back – god knows it’s happened so many times before – but there’s something a little bit crushing about seeing it in black and white.
I actually prefer to receive a letter or a phone call, that way I know FOR SURE that they didn’t decide to hire me, not that they just got busy or something. And if I haven’t heard back in a week or so I usually follow-up with a phonecall, that’s just me though!