Why do companies do this?

Question

I recently went for an interview for a job. Originally I thought this thing was very professional. The 3 interviews I was called to were also very professional. My last interview I was told as before that I would be contacted within 5 days of the last interview. 5 days pass and I hear nothing back. I politely send a follow up email after the 5 days thanking them for the interview and that the next business day I would contact them via phone to follow up. I do this just to be told that the job was filled not even an hour after I had left from the interview. Why is it that employers expect a great amount of professionalism from prospective employees, but yet are sub par at best when it comes to professionalism. If you tell someone you are going to contact them, you do that. Any thoughts to this?

zipper · Answer

SONNY! They get a very good candidate they jump at hiring him right there and then. They expect you to just vanish into the wood work. It does suck, but that's life.  I had an interview for a State job walked in and was told up front the job was filed but he had to do so many interviews before he could confirm. I lost a full days pay for an interview of a job that no longer existed. Tell me about it!

Anonymous · Answer

Sometimes it’s to avoid answering questions. Also people are crazy these days and can get very threatening if they get bad news. It’s also sometimes so they can keep your resume on file if someone changes their mind or doesn’t work out.

Linda · Answer

Normal.  Continue looking for a job.

Judy · Answer

It is reasonable that companies don't contact every applicant if they get a large number of them.  But I agree that someone who has interviewed deserves to be contacted and told even if they didn't get the job.  Contact by phone, mail or email is ok.

Casey Y · Answer

Honestly, a job has zero obligation to inform you that you aren't getting the job...

D.E.B.S. · Answer

You need them more than they need you.

Elaine M · Answer

The interviewer is often not the one that makes the final hire.

Anonymous · Answer

Because it’s a waste of time to call someone and let them know they didn’t get the job. Why would they care about you if they are never going to be associated with you since they’re not hiring you anyway? It’s nothing personal, just the way things work. It sucks for you, you didn’t get the job and I understand you feel a bit salty, but that’s how it is. Forget, move on and look for a new job. Good luck

Anonymous · Answer

When I interview applicants I tell them that I will be making a decision in five days.   If only I had a nickel for every applicant who morphs that into "I will call you and let you know in five days".    It doesn't mean that at all.

I agree it's rude to tell applicants that you will call them either way and then not do it.

Nutshell?   It's standard practice not to call all applicants.  It's a waste of time and not what managers get paid to do.   And that's why I don't tell applicants that I will.

Getting your knickers in a twist about something that is standard and to be expected is also a waste of time.

daniel · Answer

Wow I'd be furious too! Unfortunately I can't answer your question, I apologize.

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Why do companies do this?

18 Answers