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At least once each week, someone
e-mails me complaining about HR. Usually, they are angry
because a company didn't bother to acknowledge they got
their resume, or failed to call them after an interview.
These same people are always shocked when I don't
commiserate with them. But you see, I've been on the HR
side, so I know why you aren't hearing from them.
Just like the book (and now the movie
by the same name) that explains to women why "He's Just
Not that Into You" - HR shares some of the same reasons.
Here they are:
1) They only pursue candidates
they are really interested in AND when they are ready to
hire them. They've got your e-mail and your phone
number and they know how to use them both. So, if you
haven't heard from them it's because A) they aren't
ready to hire for the position yet, or B) they aren't
choosing you. FYI - Some hiring processes take months to
complete. Hence, you can come off looking really
desperate and hurt your chances of getting hired if you
impulsively start harassing HR about the job. Following
up to let them know you are definitely interested in the
position is one thing, but stalking them repeatedly is
another.
2) You are not their main
priority. Filling the job is just one of HR's numerous
responsibilities. Finding a job may be the main
focus in your life, but to HR, you are just one item on
a long to-do list.
3) They don't have the time,
money or desire to let every candidate down easy.
These days, some HR people are receiving more than 1000
applications in less than a day of posting a job. That's
right - 1000+ cover letters and resumes to review.
Imagine having to look at them all? That is one
overwhelming and potentially unproductive process.
Especially, when many people don't tell the truth on
their resumes or apply in spite of the fact that they
are completely unqualified for the job. As a former HR
person who has seen this first-hand, I can tell you
there is nothing more frustrating than to go through
piles of resumes, pick the ones that look the best on
paper and then call and find out they aren't what they
portrayed. In fact, I've been told candidly by more than
a few hiring managers that when they get inundated with
resumes for an opening, they don't bother to look at all
the applications and seek referral candidates from the
bunch instead. Just like in dating, HR is interested in
the 'hot' applicant that comes highly recommended. (Tip:
The single fastest way to get your resume to the top of
the pile for consideration is a personal recommendation
from a credible source.) Moreover, most companies are
not equipped with the personnel and technology (nor want
to spend the money to acquire them), just so they can
send out personalized rejection e-mails to thousands of
people. Their thought process on this is as follows: If
you are in the job hunt, you understand the rules. Not
everyone wins and you aren't owed an explanation. In
fact, trying to get one (i.e. Calling or e-mailing to
complain about not being chosen or that you weren't
informed you weren't chosen) is the quickest way to be
remembered as someone NEVER to hire.
To sum it up, the next time you
want to complain about how inconsiderate HR is, why
don't you try to put yourself in their shoes and think
of ways you can do a better job of attracting their
attention and gaining their respect...that is, if you
really want to? Let's not forget this simple law of
attraction: It takes two to tango. Thus, maybe it's
better to just move on and keep searching for the right
job where you will be valued and appreciated for who you
are. If they figure out they want you down the line -
they'll be back. Then, you can decide if you want them
too.
Leave your comments
here.
J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally
syndicated advice columnist, author and founder of
CAREEREALISM. Her work has been recognized by leading
sources including, CareerBuilder.com and
BusinessWeek.com for it's timely, cutting-edge job
search and career strategy advice for young
professionals (ages 18-40). For more articles, visit her
at
www.CAREEREALISM.com. |