Filling out job applications can be incredibly tedious and play havoc with our self-esteem. It’s bad enough having to lay out every detail of our work history and education – or lack thereof. It’s even worse when we never hear back about an application we’ve been stressing over. Unfortunately, this is all too common as companies don’t take the time to get in contact. Why do they go silent on us, and is it really a good idea to contact them to follow up on job applications?
Why Don’t Companies Contact Job Applicants?
There are two perspectives we can take when we don’t hear back from companies regarding job applications. One is more of a glass-half-full approach, which puts the issue on the company’s side. The other is more pessimistic and has the applicant insisting that they are the one in the wrong. So, what are some of the possible reasons you’re not being contacted, and is it definitely your own fault?
1) The application wasn’t filled out correctly
This is a common reason for a lack of communication. Companies expect everyone to follow the instructions carefully and meet their expectations. Anyone who deliberately deviates to stand out or accidentally misread something could see their application thrown in the trash. Companies may feel it isn’t worth their time getting in touch with someone who didn’t take their time over the application – whether that’s accurate or not.
2) The cover letter was poorly written
Most people applying for jobs would agree that cover letters are a complete waste of time if they have to fill out application questions and provide a resume. It’s just an exercise in futile repetition. Yet, companies will skip applications with bad cover letters. This could include entries where applicants really tried but didn’t use a proofreader.
3) The company has a policy of only contacting the best candidates
There’s every chance that the application wasn’t the problem. You may have filled out the forms correctly, written a faultless cover letter, and come across pretty well. The problem is that if other candidates are better suited, they’ll get the call for an interview, and you’ll get nothing. It seems harsh, but you have to remember that it costs a lot of time and effort to contact every applicant. That’s especially true in competitive positions with major brands.
4) The company went in a completely different direction
You also have to consider the possibility that nobody got the job. Sometimes, companies will put out a call for applicants for a position and then revoke it. Someone higher up the chain will overrule the decision to bring in new people or take the company in a new direction. If the position stops existing, there’s nothing you can do, even if you would have gotten the job.
Is A Lack Of Communication Your Fault?
What this shows is that when it comes to designating blame for a lack of communication, there is no guarantee that you’re the one at fault. It could easily be something at their end. However, you don’t know that for sure without clear feedback. How you handle that fact could influence what happens next. You can follow one of the three following steps and see how that works out.
1) Assume the worst and try and improve
This is where we have that pessimistic mindset of assuming fault. If you assume that your application or cover letter wasn’t good enough, it’s then on you to do better next time. Look at ways to boost your resume and put that cover letter through an online editor.
2) Assume the best and move on to something else
The optimistic mindset would be to shrug off the loss, not let it bother you, and move on to the next challenge. While that’s healthy mentally in regards to reducing stress, it might not allow for the same level of professional growth.
3) Find out the truth for greater clarity
The other option is to try to find out which of the above situations is true – if any – and get clarification on your status. This may sound daunting or even a little pushy. However, companies may appreciate the initiative taken here. It shows your dedication to your career and interest in the company.
Be Proactive And Contact Them Instead
Applicants that follow this last step can benefit most of all. It can pay off to learn how to follow up on a job application in many possible ways. The best case scenario is that the company is behind on the process, and your correspondence now puts you at the forefront of their decision-making. You could jump to the front of the pack. Even if it turns out that you aren’t suitable for the position, professional feedback could help you improve your chances with other companies. Also, the team may be more inclined to keep your details on file for other opportunities.
There are different ways to do this, and the best one depends on your communication style and the company’s accessibility. Some like to put out a friendly DM on social media, but others may feel this isn’t professional enough. A phone call is a very direct way to have a real-time conversation about the process, but only if the company doesn’t find it too brazen and intrusive. Email correspondence can tow that middle line between professionalism and friendliness. Yet, there is the risk of the email being unread or a late response.
Don’t Give Up On Active Job Applications
Remember that unless you’ve been told that an application is unsuccessful or the post is filled, the application is still active. Therefore, you have every right to check up on its status and see where you stand. You might not like the answer, but at least you have some form of closure over what happened. You are also in a better position moving forward to take what you’ve learned and improve. So, learn how to follow up on a job application, put yourself out there, and see what happens.
