Job Seekers' Top 5 Complaints About Employers

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I applied to a position at a law and strategy firm in DC this past spring. I made it through two rounds of interviews, meeting with a total of 8 different people for close to 3 hours altogether. At the end of the second meeting, two of the principals at the firm were very excited to go to the next step, asking me if I could do a quick research project to see my writing and research skills. I was told to expect the assignment within a couple days, but after sending a second round of handwritten thank you letters and patiently waiting for the assignment, nothing came through. I got the run-around when I either tried to email or call, with the secretary first telling me that I should have received the assignment, but then belatedly telling me that maybe it hadn't been sent to me after I spent days freaking out that there was something wrong with my email. I tried one more call and email, but no response. After spending two afternoons interviewing with eight people, handing in a whole range of application materials, handwriting thank you letters, being told I was such a great applicant, and giving up two shifts at the part-time job that has been paying my rent, all I got was the run-around and an even deeper wound to my self-esteem. I put so much into the interview process - is it that hard to send me a brief email saying that I am no longer under consideration?

Scorned Job Hunter of VA 4:57PM July 25, 2012

temp agencies are notorious for telling the potential employee that they have nothing. Week after week they do this type of thing. In illinois that is the most annoying thing for people that need an income, but theese agencies don't care.

Jeremy of IL 2:36PM July 21, 2012

Its not what you know, its who you know.

Made in America of AZ 5:21PM July 17, 2012

You got that right.A large portion of employers have no concept on how to treat candidates. They are like numbers to them. I ask the employer ,were you a candidate at one time,were you treated like dirt? Well if you were,you should know better and treat people like you want to be treated.I een given the run around on more than one occasion.They lie and tell people they will call and never do. I for one ,do not need your approval, I can take it when you state you have or will hire some one else. Just be honest and tell the candidates you have hired a better suited candidate for the job. "It is as simple as that"

Eileen 5:36PM February 07, 2012

I and my son have applied to dozens of jobs..we both have degrees...and everybody from state, federal, educational, and private sector...all are not responding even to acknowledge the application...NADA...more examples of how the US is falling into the history of past empires...adios...such stupiity...

Dirk Garza of TX 3:29PM February 03, 2012

I have been looking for work for two years. I have applied online, gone to the locate Job Force looking for work. I did in other words the whole nine yards.
I was lucking in getting interview with one company after applying online. The next day I received a call for an interview, after set up a time and date. The next day I received email thanking me for apply with the company, but I don't fit there needs. I called the person I was to have the interview to see if the interview as
canceled. No the interview was as schedule and to come in. The explanation I got for that email was a miss communication between managers. I didn't send a email to HR of the company stated I more then quality to do her job in experience and the task of reading the applications.

Stephanie of MN 1:19PM December 16, 2010

Job seekers need to remember that the job search is a mutual selection process. Just because a job seeker interviews - doesn't mean that he or she should just wait by the phone. I encounter job seekers who interview and then wait by the phone and don't pursue other opportunities...because they are waiting to hear from that company.
As a job seeker - don't wait. Also with the economy recruiters have more applicants to go through so their response times take a hit (but yes, they definitely should provide some communication.)
Companies miss out on great candidates too when they wait.

Lanie of OK 4:09PM December 14, 2010

Wow! I agree with what you are saying in your article. I am a resume writer and I was recently in San Francisco at a job fair assisting people and critiquing resumes. That job fair was so deceiving because it did not have half the employers it claimed on their website, and the job positions were very limited which excluded a lot of applicants looking for a job. The people there were so disappointed. This article gives job seekers something to think about when applying for employment.
Edda
Resume Advisor
Analyze My Resume

Edda of CA 2:25PM July 18, 2010

I am a recent college graduate and I notice that my fellow graduates are having difficulty gaining employment. I have an internship but I am still on a trial basis. I have other friends who have part-time positions but are still on a trial basis as well. I notice that many businees are going by this practice. It seems that with the struggling economy and increasing competition out there businesses don't want to take the risk and commit to new employees when they can find someone who has more experience and pay them the same salary. Businesses know that with this economy people are willing to take what they can get and why hire a entry level person when they can hire someone with more experience. I can see the logic however how do you become a confident worker when you are on a sort of hiring trial basis?

Chelly of GA 11:25PM June 28, 2010

The waiting game is bad enough when you're a job seeker desperately waiting for an interview...how much more so when you actually completed the interview! Job hunters deserve a response so they can continue planning...just as companies do when they're waiting for applicants to respond to job offers.
You made some great points here and I have to agree with all the peeps who commented on this post...they all deserve to be heard and acknowledged.
Looking forward to your next post, Alison.
Karen, The Resume Chick - on Google or Twitter if you need me -

Karen F. The Resume Chick of TN 2:42PM June 24, 2010