Have you recently applied for a job, but have yet to hear anything back?  Don't be surprised if you never do.  

Job Courtesy
Flickr User Alan Cleaver
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According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, many job seekers are reporting that they've been disappointed at least once over the past year because when they've applied for a job, they never heard back from the potential employer.

The survey found that of 1,083 workers who said they had applied for a job in the past year, more than 800 said they never heard a peep at least one time.

It comes as no surprise to Business Etiquette Expert Barbara Pachter.  "I believe when you send your resume in, companies are receiving so many of them in today's economy that they can't possibly respond to all of them," said Pachter. "The interesting part is that people are coming in for interview and then they aren't hearing back and that's just rude."

Does such behavior hurt the company in question? "I think there's a balance," said Pachter. "If companies don't respond to you and then later on, you have the opportunity to work for them or someone else, it may influence your decision. But, it's important to keep in mind that it's often Human Resources people who handle the first process and you may not be working for them. You could be working for someone in a different part of the company who is absolutely wonderful and may not even know what is going on with Human Resources and all of the applicants."

Once you apply for a job, there are a few things you can do.

"I would try to find someone who knows someone in the company. That's a great benefit of LinkedIn," said Pachter. "Track someone down and talk to that person. You may find out who to call and you may find out whether they're going to be hiring anytime soon."

If you actually get called in for an interview, there is nothing wrong with asking some questions.

"Ask them the process, find out when they might be looking to fill the position, so you have an idea of what's going to happen and when. You can also ask them how they feel about your skill set and how they believe it may fit with the job you are interviewing for. You can gain valuable information that way," said Pachter.  "Once you leave the interview, if you don't hear anything, wait about a week to ten days and follow up with an email. If you still hear nothing, then let it go. If a company wants you, they're going to find you."

As for thank you notes, Pachter recommends that you definitely send one via email shortly after the interview takes place.

 

 

 

 

 

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