Any reason why companies do this?

Dudess

I've received a bunch of PFOs of late (and yes, I'm feeling really disheartened). Several of them have advised me that the "position has been filled". I don't understand why they can't just send me correspondence weeks earlier, to tell me that I haven't been shortlisted for interview. What's the purpose of dragging it out for weeks until someone has been appointed? I think it's quite unfair. Anyone got any idea why this rather sh!tty approach is taken?

BuffyBot

At least you've got a response. There seems to be a marked rise in companies that don't bother to reply to applicants.

That's something that really bugs me, and I try my best to make sure anyone that applies for a job I have a say in gets a response.

leeroybrown

I've seen a few situations in the last year where the initial group of candidates picked for interview don't make the grade (or the only suitable candidates turn the offer down) and a second group are picked from the applicants. It can make sense to leave the option of a second set of interviews open rather than dismiss everyone early.

Dudess

leeroybrown wrote:

I've seen a few situations in the last year where the initial group of candidates picked for interview don't make the grade (or the only suitable candidates turn the offer down) and a second group are picked from the applicants. It can make sense to leave the option of a second set of interviews open rather than dismiss everyone early.

I was thinking that but it doesn't make sense to leave it until after the position has been filled. It's really unfair. I know it's not personal but I think it's rather unprofessional.

Owen

What drives me mad, are the recruitment companies offering 'Sales jobs'. No mention of the product you're supposed to sell, you could be selling toothbrushes, or transits. How the hell are you supposed to know if you're interested or not?

leeroybrown

Dudess wrote:

I was thinking that but it doesn't make sense to leave it until after the position has been filled. It's really unfair. I know it's not personal but I think it's rather unprofessional.

In one way I agree with you but I think the real issue is companies who make slow progress through the recruitment process. If a company is taking their time and stringing people along for longer than necessary then it is a tad unprofessional. In the cases I referred to above the turnaround between close of applications, the initial interviews, the offers and the second round of interviews was relatively quick.

pwd

They are keeping their options open.
You should keep yours open too and not delay any decisions waiting for them to reply.

Eoin

Dudess wrote:

I was thinking that but it doesn't make sense to leave it until after the position has been filled. It's really unfair. I know it's not personal but I think it's rather unprofessional.

Their first choice(s) for the job may not accept the offer, so they are just keeping their options open. It's generally a lot more convenient to just wait until a contract has been signed and send all the letters out, rather than sending them out at different stages.

Tar.Aldarion

pwd wrote:

You should keep yours open too and not delay any decisions waiting for them to reply.

.

I don't think it matters too much, keep on going as if they had turned you down.

pwd

Tar.Aldarion wrote:

.

I don't think it matters too much, keep on going as if they had turned you down.

Yes that's what I meant

Tar.Aldarion

My "." just means I am agreeing with you.
I then say to her, get on with it woman!

rediguana

Some good points here.

I've got a lot of PFO's the past six months. Some companies don't bother to reply.

It's been my experience that those that are interested in meeting you will contact you sooner rather than later.

Try not to depend on any companies getting back to you. Just plough on as though you've no offer yet.