Reply to unsuccessful applicants?

shifty_uk · 18 Jan 2017 at 16:33

What's everyones take on the above?

When recruiting for roles, do you reply to every candidate, even in instances where you've had 100+ applicants?

On the flip side of that, does it make a difference to you if you receive a personalised 'you have been unsuccessful' email?

I'm conscious of wanting to secure talent in future and as a brand building exercise, I guess but like the above, typically get 100+ candidates per advertised job role so it's difficult to manage.

If you didn't receive one, would it put you off applying to the company in future?

radderfire · 18 Jan 2017 at 16:41

Personally I think you should. It reflects well on the company if it is done. At least a default reply to let them know.

If a reason can be given, all the better, and try and be nice and constructive about it. However, I appreciate this can be an effort, but I still think it's a good thing to do.

AHarvey · 18 Jan 2017 at 16:52

It'd be nice to receive thanks but no thanks, it sucks to get one but at least you know.

But 100+ candidates it's not a quick job.

A simple template email and adding all emails on is the fastest option but doesn't really show a company in a good light anymore than receiving nothing.

Taking the time for a personalised response explaining why they didn't receive it would really make you stand out, but again, it'd take you at least a day to get through them all.

Freefaller · 18 Jan 2017 at 17:04

I'd reply to the finalists/shortlisted applicants.

If I had 100+ it would be a case of doing a BCC generic email really - it's a going to be tedious either way.

snips86x · 18 Jan 2017 at 17:18

Freefaller said:
I'd reply to the finalists/shortlisted applicants.

If I had 100+ it would be a case of doing a BCC generic email really - it's a going to be tedious either way.

Yeah, just don't forget to use BCC. I'm sure it was in the news somewhere that a university had emailed hundreds of unsuccessful applicants but BCC wasn't used and the email included names, addresses etc...

Freefaller · 18 Jan 2017 at 17:21

Oops!

Mr^B · 18 Jan 2017 at 21:00

I reply to everyone who makes it to interview - a reject at the CV stage gets a templated response.

I also include feedback into what they did well and what they didn't do so well. It's important for the company that people who are rejected have as "good" an experience as possible - and understand the reason why they were rejected.

Sites like Glassdoor make this even more visible, as it seems to be a generic stamping ground for people moaning about being treated unfairly at an interview, or having a bad interview experience.

Zefan · 18 Jan 2017 at 21:15

snips86x said:
Yeah, just don't forget to use BCC. I'm sure it was in the news somewhere that a university had emailed hundreds of unsuccessful applicants but BCC wasn't used and the email included names, addresses etc...

If I recall it was actually an HIV information newsletter.

:edit: yep. https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/...ned_180000_by_ico_over_hiv_newsletter_breach/

Thinking about it this mistake has undoubtedly been made many many times in different situations.

tres · 18 Jan 2017 at 21:27

I used to receive up to 50 applications a day - I sent a generic email to them all every time

helpimcrap · 18 Jan 2017 at 23:38

Personally I think it is just plain rude and ignorant and shows the companyin a bad light. I understand that companies can get hundreds but why can't they send a generic rejection email out?

Rroff · 18 Jan 2017 at 23:53

Depends a lot how much someone made an effort or not.

llamadal · 19 Jan 2017 at 00:52

I make sure everyone has a response, I think it's just #### that someone has made the effort to complete an application and we can't have the common decency thank them.

Semple · 19 Jan 2017 at 08:21

Based on some of the above replies it's nice to think that there are employers out there that would respond.

I remember when applying for graduate positions and sending off a CV or filling out a very unique application form, and then not even hearing whether you're successful.

It is a very stressful time when applying for jobs, attending interviews/assessment centres and to think that you put all that effort in and the company can't even be bothered to send a templated response to say "thankyou for your interest, but unfortunately you've been unsuccessful this time". It also stops people clinging on hope that they may have a chance (no news is good news right?), and also another negative if a potential candidate liked the company and turned down other interviews for this particular company, and then doesn't hear back isn't nice.

Either way for me, it doesn't show a company in good light, the response doesn't have to be personal and full of reasons, it's just there to thank people for their time and let them know of the outcome.

helpimcrap · 19 Jan 2017 at 08:52

llamadal said:
I make sure everyone has a response, I think it's just #### that someone has made the effort to complete an application and we can't have the common decency thank them.

Exactly. To me it's just common courtesy. It's not always easy but then every job has its challenges and if you can't do it maybe one of your applicants is better suited.

Freefaller · 19 Jan 2017 at 10:39

llamadal said:
I make sure everyone has a response, I think it's just #### that someone has made the effort to complete an application and we can't have the common decency thank them.

Do you give a personalised response or do you do a generic response?

For big recruitment drives I have done generic responses in the past for the people whose CVs weren't up to scratch. The shortlisted individuals got a more in depth feedback reply. I don't think you can ask much more than that from organisations.

wozza2k · 19 Jan 2017 at 10:46

Doesn't it state on most applications that if you're not contacted assume you are unsuccessful? For the CV stage of course.

We only contact candidates that we've invited to meet/interview.

sanaxe1 · 19 Jan 2017 at 11:24

I think you should tell them they are unsuccessful, especially if they had to apply online. It wouldn't take long to have a template emailed to them.

helpimcrap · 19 Jan 2017 at 11:47

wozza2k said:
Doesn't it state on most applications that if you're not contacted assume you are unsuccessful? For the CV stage of course.

We only contact candidates that we've invited to meet/interview.

And this is the cop out answer. Seriously it's just a courtesy thing. Part of the reason the UK is going down the pan with respect.

Terminal_Boy · 19 Jan 2017 at 11:51

tres said:
I used to receive up to 50 applications a day - I sent a generic email to them all every time

This.

Candidates have taken the time and effort to send an application, so it's the least you can do to let them know that it wasn't successful.

Basic manners.

dacads · 19 Jan 2017 at 11:55

Yep better than no email and yes it would put me off applying in future

I think most companies do have the courtesy to reply though.

Agencies on the other hand stalk you, and tell you don't take it personally if they don't reply. (In nicer words)