I am going to throw my two cents in.   It is always helpful to send a note to an unsuccessful candidate.  Nothing is worse than finding out you didn't get the job, by seeing a huge announcement on an organization's website welcoming the person who did.   The best reject I got no only included a letter, but a referral to another position within the organization that I might be interested in. 
 
Carrie Snow


>>> Becky Shields <[log in to unmask]> 3/12/2008 1:11 PM >>>
I have to agree that even the briefest note is helpful to the unsuccessful candidate.  The job search is absolute torture and can really have an effect on your self-esteem, so even cursory correspondence is better than none.  Not to mention, now that so many applications are done online, I often wonder if my materials were transmitted at all.  (I love gmail, but it has a habit of leaving large attachments off e-mails.)  Correspondence with the candidates at least offers a little closure.
 
Finally, the rejection letter/note/e-mail may be worth something to the candidate.  My alma mater hosted a Rejection Letter Bar Night, so that puppy would at least have been worth a free PBR in a can.
 
Becky

On Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM, Rebecca West <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Even a quick email is much appreciated by job seekers.  I recently copied and pasted a rejection email to over 100 applicants for an Admin. Assistant position (recession, much?) and it took me less than 20 minutes.  It is just a few minutes of time that really makes a job search much less frustrating for many.
 
Thanks.

 
On 3/10/08, Jim Roberts <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I do agree with Gayle; and there are other things that need saying.

I know, from representations made to me by job seekers, that closing
dates are also very helpful. What is not helpful is "open until filled".
Just think how galling it is to spend time reading a job description and
person spec, tailoring your application to suit the employer and the
spec, sending it off and then being told, "I'm sorry, the job was filled
some time ago."

Of course, many job seekers send off applications and then simply do
not hear anything because the employer thinks that "Only those called
for interview will be contacted" is acceptable. It really isn't. Employers
owe the same courtesy to applicants as they do to anyone else. How
much (real) effort can it be to send a card/note saying "We are sorry,
on this occasion you have not been successful"? And, is the cost really
not bearable?

Or am I just an old fashioned dinosaur?

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