Do employers no longer follow up on applications and interviews?

Question

A month ago, I applied for a job in the graphic design field. I met all of the qualifications, and was called in for an interview, which I felt went quite well. I was told that the company would be calling for second interviews within a week. The owner handed me a business card and told me that I was free to check back with him any time.

The next day, I sent a thank-you letter. I waited the allotted week, and after not hearing anything back, I called. I was given a receptionist, to whom I left a message stating that I was checking on the status of my application. I was told the owner would call me back. He never did.

It doesn't bother me so much that I didn't get the job, but I feel like I put quite a bit of effort into it... updating my portfolio, sending a resume, travelling to the interview (which was an hour away), and mailing a thank-you letter.

Am I wrong to think it would be proper to at least send a letter or email saying that the position has been filled?

The reason that I'm asking is this:

About a week ago, I sent in another resume to a similar company in the same town, also an hour away. I sent the resume to them online, and less than three hours later, they'd called to schedule an interview.

This interview went even better than the one with the previous company, and I was told that I could "very easily" be called for a second interview, and that once again, I'd hear from them.

I'm still in the waiting process, and more than anything, am wondering if this is just the trend companies are leaning towards today, to tell their prospective employees that they'll call either way, and not follow through with it.

Any advice on how to deal with this, or any similar experiences would be appreciated.

Answer 1

No of course you're not in the wrong, and you in an ideal world should have received some sort of notice. On the upside, be thankful you dont have to work for jerks like that. After many unpleasant experiences, I have learned not to waste my time on extras like thank you letters - mainly because it ends up being for nothing anyways. They decide wayyy before you send a thankyou letter that you're not right for the job so its pointless. Treat them the same you get treated.

Answer 2

I agree with your points, but in reality it is not always possible. Sure, if you are interviewing 5 people for one position it is fine. However, imagine interviewing 300 people and writing to 200 of them after they didn't make the cut. Most people would then complain that the letter was not personal, just the same as the other 199.

Your frustration is understandable, but there is always another side. We have all been there and all I can say is;

1) Don't give up and
2) Don't give up

Answer 3

Your totally right about this. I went for a 2nd job interview last week which i was told i would get a call back at the end of the week. I got no call back and when i tried to contact the employer i just get the guys voicemail. I hate when they do this, it causes so much stress on a job seeker.

Answer 4

You're totally right.And I'm telling you this .Exactly the same happened to me 3 weeks ago.They promised I would have received a call telling me the result of the first interview within days.They never did it.And I'm as disappointed as you are.

Answer 5

It is purely the choice of the employer. A lot of them feel like they are doing you a favor just letting you interview. From what you said you followed professional manners perfectly. It also depends on the competiton and other factors beyond your control.

Answer 6

Just be thankful you didn't get the job. A company that operates in this fashion is not one that I would want to work for.