What HR managers told us: Do you get back to rejected applicants?
June 23, 2008 by Jim GiulianoPosted in: Behavior, Communication, Hiring, What HR managers told us
We asked 366 HR managers, “If you reject interviewed applicants, do you get back to them and let them know they weren’t selected?” Here’s what they said:
I almost always get back to them and let them know: 74%
I try to get back to them if I have the time: 23%
I don’t bother getting back to them: 3%
In a recent survey, job-hunters said their No. 1 pet peeve was “HR people not getting back to me.” If you’re one who does get back to them, pat yourself on the back. If nothing else, it’s good PR for your company.
Tags: applicants, interview

June 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
If we interview a candidate, we definitely get back to them to let them know their status. Having been on the other side of the interview desk, I can empathize with candidates. I was amazed at how many times I heard nothing from the companies with which I interviewed–even after two in-person meetings. In my opinion, it reflects badly on the company if HR does not let interviewed candidates know their status.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Yes, we do respond to candidates that we interview. It is a good policy to follow.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
What about the candidates who just drop off their resume and don’t fill out an application or go through an interview? Do you need to get back with them as well?
September 15th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
We respond to ALL that applied for an open position. Interviewed or not, qualified or not. After a certain period of time most applicants will know whether or not they were selected. However, I think the right thing to do is inform everyone of the status once the position has been filled.