Job Seekers' Top 5 Complaints About Employers

Reader Comments

Back to blog

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. of TN 2:41PM June 24, 2010

1. Misrepresenting what the job entails.

2. Misrepresenting what the job pays.

Even in a recession, even entry level applicants have a floor below which they won't bother to apply. If it's a 1099 job, shouldn't you let applicants know upfront?

3. Demanding some ridiculous level of experience for a salary that doesn't pay rent in any city in the continental U.S.

4. Expecting that applicants should drop a better-paying part-time temporary job over your lower paying, dead end, part-time contract job. Not going to happen.

5. Launching a long misspelled diatribe in your ad about what you don't want in an applicant. If you want to limit your applicant pool, write a better ad, don't whine!

Anna of NE 9:34PM June 21, 2010

Alison, I agree with all these. I've seen publicly-traded companies drag out the decision-making process months after the final interviews are completed. It still amazes me companies using expensive automated application systems can't send out a form letter "thanks, but no thanks" email to applicants they're not going to consider.

Separately, however, candidates need to understand that their resumes are not going to get them a job. This post - http://marklolson.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/your-resume-wont-get-you-a-job/ - explains how candidates need to do the work to show how they fit a particular position.

Just sending in a resume forces the HR dept to interpret your background and experience and figure out if it is a fit. By using a Sales Cover Letter, the candidate takes the Position Description and describes line-by-line how he or she is a great fit.

Conversely, if the candidate can't show line-by-line how he or she is a great fit, then there's really no point applying in any form.

Mark Olson of NV 3:49PM June 21, 2010

The past two interviews I've had yielded no response from the employer. I can understand not hearing back when you apply as they receive hundreds of applications. But, if you took the time to interview me, I at least think I'm in the running, and therefore deserve a yes/no response.

I also wish most employers would ask for desired salary, not a salary history. For the right position, I might be willing to take a pay cut.

Jenny of DC 2:37PM June 21, 2010

I would add a couple of other things to this if you ever grew this list:

Not putting years of experience in the job post. Its a lot easier to gauge interest/applicability if you know they are in the ballpark of your experience.

Asking for a "senior director" or someone with "significant experience" and then listing the # of years required as 3+. Respect what makes someone "senior".

On LinkedIn - listing the job on a group but not listing the location in the title or even in the description.

Great post. Well written

Robin of VA 2:26PM June 21, 2010

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

On Careers

Find savvy job advice from the brains behind top careers blogs, including Ask a Manager, Lindsay Olson, Keppie Careers, CareerBliss, Kontrary, Jobhuntercoach, Career Sherpa, Eat Your Career, Marty Nemko, Infusive Solutions and Marla Gottschalk.

Jobs That May Interest You

See Jobs Near You

advertisement

Slide Shows

What Will the Job Market Look Like in 2020?

How will the job market look at the end of this decade?

25 Career Mistakes to Banish for 2013

Remove these mistakes from your repertoire.

10 Wardrobe Musts For Your Next Interview

Tips on what clothing items job seekers need.

Latest Video

advertisement