Four ways to follow-up after an application

‘You can reach them by railway’…

OK, so that’s not strictly true. However, although not all the words to Oleta Adams’* 1990 hit are applicable when it comes to following up after an application, the sentiment certainly rings true.

And with 82% of recruiters indicating that it reflects well on a candidate when they get back in touch, one thing is clear: it doesn’t matter how you follow-up, just follow-up if you can (hint: you definitely can).

Here are four ways to get in touch after your application:

 

1. Via email

The number one preferred choice of communication for recruiters comes in the form of email.

In fact, the majority of hiring managers we asked indicated in a recent survey that this is the best way for candidates to follow up after an application.

Put a few short sentences together thanking them for their time in reading your application, and ask directly if there are any questions they have regarding your CV or credentials for the job.

Although not all recruiters will get back to you, sending a follow-up email demonstrates your enthusiasm and desire for the position, and could just be the difference between you and a candidate with similar credentials.

Just make sure to send it from a professional-sounding address. A message from loverboy_69@emailaddress.com with the subject line ‘call me back’, is unlikely to be well-received.

Job search: Dos and don’ts 

Interview thank you email template 

 

2. Via phone

Ah, the direct approach.

While it may initially seem intrusive to phone an employer for feedback, in certain industries it can be an excellent way to demonstrate your initiative.

For sales or PR positions, for example, hiring managers often welcome phone calls from candidates because it shows you have no fear when it comes to calling clients.

It can be as easy as asking whether they’ve received your application, and enquiring as to when they’re looking to make their decision. If you’ve been unsuccessful, ask for feedback and thank them for their time.

And if they haven’t made their decision yet? You’ve just ensured that your CV is instantly more memorable.

Why haven’t they called? The importance of asking for feedback 

 

3. Via social networks

If you have the name of the recruiter, or you’ve spoken with them directly, it’s perfectly acceptable to consider adding them to your social networks.

Not only is it an excellent way to keep in touch, it’s also the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate the size of your network and your position within the industry.

If you have a number of sector-specific contacts within easy access, you might start to see recruiters being more receptive when it comes to your CV.

Just be careful when choosing your method of communication. Adding them on LinkedIn is fine. Following them on Instagram may not be…

Social media: How to make your profiles recruiter-safe

Five ways social media is costing you the job

 

4. Via letter

It may seem old-fashioned, but putting a personal touch on your application is a great way to demonstrate your dedication.

All you need are a few (possibly hand-written) short lines to reiterate why you’re the right person for the role, and a polite thank you for their kind consideration. It’s as simple as that.

If you work in a creative discipline, you could also use this opportunity to show off your skills. Sketches, samples or even sending a slick-looking business card across could all be cute ways to show you really care about your career.

 

Final thoughts

OK, so now you’ve decided on the how, it’s time to take care of the when.

In fact, getting the timing right can be just as important as the method you choose to take. If a number of people are applying for the same role, for example, the hiring manager undoubtedly deserves a couple of weeks to adequately analyse all of the applicants.

However, if you’re hammering the phones after not hearing back for just a few days, you can rightly expect them to be perturbed. Patience, rather than persistence, will often win the race.

Finally, not hearing back after an application can be tough-to-take, and is undoubtedly one of the most frustrating parts of the jobseeking process. However, taking the time out to contact a recruiter directly could be a complete game-changer, and one which you should always consider.

So don’t wait for them to get in touch. After all, what do you have to lose?

What to do after a job interview 

Six reasons you didn’t get the job

*Originally by Brenda Russell. Obviously. 

 

The most frustrating thing about looking for a job… 

Let’s face it, not hearing back from recruiters definitely ranks as one of the most annoying parts of jobseeking.

We spoke to a group of university students to find out what else frustrates them about looking for a job…

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VYteciValQ&w=700&h=400]

 

Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now

 

 

80 comments on “Four ways to follow-up after an application

  1. Helen Baker - January 27, 2017 at 10:23

    any out of work secretaries know of any good agencies I am desperate for some work. It is not fair how I am treated Im only 50 the new 40!!! come on give me a chance

    Reply
  2. Katy - January 30, 2017 at 19:03

    true

    Reply
  3. Aura - February 24, 2017 at 08:57

    Very interesting but you didnt advise on how long should you wait before you follow up an application. What do you suggest?

    Reply
    1. Michael Cheary - February 24, 2017 at 16:12

      Hi Aura,

      1-2 weeks should be the perfect amount. Soon enough for them to recall your application, but just long enough that you won’t come across too keen.

      Best of luck,
      Mike

      Reply
      1. Aura - February 24, 2017 at 20:55

        Thank you Michael, much appreciated.

        Reply
      2. Sonia Fichera - June 20, 2017 at 10:34

        Surely you WANT to come across as ‘keen’? It is a job we are applying for after all, we are not stalkers!

        Reply
        1. Michael Cheary - June 20, 2017 at 10:46

          Coming across keen is fine. But I’d definitely recommend waiting a few days, to allow them time to go through any other interviews they have set up – and even properly debrief after your own.

          Calling the next day would definitely fit into the ‘too keen’ category…

          Best wishes,
          Mike

          Reply
  4. Darren Taylor - February 25, 2017 at 22:21

    Why does it take long for employers to get back to you even or even human resources to respond back and why are the websites and other websites that are connected to each advertising the same job on a daily basis and even when you call the company direct they haven’t a clue or even three different hrs divisions in the same company don’t even no I have all this experience recently I’m very disappointed with the employment of big companies while the big chiefs up stairs me millions

    Reply
    1. Gary Overall - February 28, 2017 at 17:50

      A little advice Darren… maybe work on your spelling and grammar a little before applying for roles. Just saying.

      Reply
      1. Nigel Hickman - March 2, 2017 at 19:13

        Due to text messages people rarely use sentences or paragraphs, let alone punctuation.

        I am sure his written letters and CV will be checked thoroughly .

        This chap sounds frustrated and possible under pressure, criticism is the last things he needs!

        Empathy is a quality we should all cherish.

        Reply
        1. Mykal - March 12, 2017 at 18:50

          I agree with Darren fully. I’m a part qualified accountant with over 10yrs experience and yes, I also take the time to convert my cv for specific roles on websites and do you get a reply nope. Do u get an automated confirmation email from the recruiter yea. But do h get a response after that. Probably not. I also agree that when you contact an employer or agency they hardly know what vacancy your on about n yes u do have to be passed or transferred to how many people before u even get the right person n then they say it’s filled but yet they are still advertising the role. In other cases the jobs posted on website do not even exist and it’s just another tool for agencies to fill their books with candidate details. The job market for those with experience n know their value will also hinder our progress. As every employer prefers to cut costs n employ inexperienced staff to lower the wage bill rather than to pay a man/woman Their worth. Straight Liberty. Best to go self-employed and record all costs as business expenses n claim back the tax relief after.

          Reply
        2. Mike Tonkiss - October 5, 2017 at 17:54

          Hear Hear Nigel

          Reply
      2. Philip Lang - May 31, 2017 at 16:56

        That’s very good advice, when you’ve completed an application Read it once, READ IT twice & guess what!!!! READ IT AGAIN!!!!

        Reply
  5. Neil Pereira - March 5, 2017 at 17:35

    I also judge whether it is worth joining a company on how they respond to request for information. It is common courtesy if time and trouble is taken to apply that the company has the decency to reply. I have turned jobs down because of this lack of decency. The old adage treat people in the way you want to be treated!!

    Reply
  6. Nisha maru - April 9, 2017 at 22:13

    Since my last job I went to a few interviews for some roles which I really liked and thought I did well. A few weeks later and no response and I follow up still no response. Then I apply for the same role/same company in another location. I get offered an interview with the same guy that interviewed me in the first place. How unorganised and confusing. Surely I wudve thought they had me on their system. After informing them they said i wudnt need to repeat the process and theyll get back to me. That wás already like 2months ago. Anyway…if they not going to offer you the role then why not just say no in an email or phone or update the candidate of whats going on instead of dragging on and on. Puts you in anxiety.

    Reply
    1. Scott Willders - April 14, 2017 at 17:44

      I find that if i keep multiple options open and go for interviews for more than one place, then I wouldn’t get stressed out while waiting for a response.

      Reply
  7. Chas Cooke - April 15, 2017 at 08:55

    I went for my dream job last year. My application was accepted and I was told i would be contacted re an interview. Nothing heard despite several chasers. The same job came up in March and was interviewed on Friday 17th March. I was told I would hear either Monday or Tuesday. Again nothing heard. I called the recruitment department on the Wednesday afternoon to be told that the decision had been deferred for a short while. By the 7th April still no decision notified so called again. Was told that the decision would then be made the following Monday, 10th April. Again I heard nothing so e mailed the recruiter, no reply, I rang and was told he would call back – no call back, called again, again told he would call back, again no call back, finally e mailed explaining that I was putting other interviews on hold to await their decision and asking when a decision might be made. I then received an e mail by instant reply saying i had been unsuccessful. I do question whether I would have taken the job due to the way the two recruitment processes had been handled and, if they knew I hadn’t been successful why take almost five weeks to tell me?

    Reply
    1. LJ Dellar - October 2, 2017 at 16:38

      From the way you describe it, there was no job. This sounds a lot like the “fishing” expeditions” some recruiters are fond of going on when they know that they will need some candidates in the not-to-distant future. Having been on the receiving end of more than one of these, I turned up at the recruiters offices on spec and asked the receptionist whom I needed to see with respect to job number xxxxx. She found the reference but said there was no client attached to the file…

      Reply
      1. Alex Allan - June 27, 2019 at 17:13

        Yes. I’ve had this over and over again.

        Reply
    2. annie anderson - October 25, 2017 at 08:46

      kids on phones

      Reply
  8. Brett Rapley - April 28, 2017 at 13:21

    I have just been reading through the responses here. The level of frustration does not surprise me with regards to organisations/job recruiters not getting back to you, which I think is damned ignorant on their part. It’s also annoying that once some of us reach 50 or above, that we seem to have been put out to pasture. Do these recruiters seem to forget that those of us that have experience are just as important as someone younger and that we can pass on the knowledge we have learned onto the next generation. I may get people’s back up by saying this, but I always feel that, because those of us that have working experience should be paid at a higher rate for the skills and knowledge we have, yet they are more interested in employing younger people that have to develop their skills and paying them less money while doing so. I worked for the NHS for 18 years in total, so that gives me a better knowledge base than someone who is just starting in the care/nursing sector. Recruiters go on about skills and what is needed/required, but do they not realise how those of us that are having to look for a job feel ? Spending 7 hours a day/35 hours a week is soul destroying to look for a job, knowing that you are more than good enough to do what they are asking, yet we seem to get brushed under the carpet and left to rot !

    Reply
    1. Debby - September 12, 2017 at 17:24

      Totally agree with your comments Brett, it is soul destroying to know that you have a lot to offer but have difficulty in getting an actual face to face interview nowadays.

      Reply
      1. James Sheehan - September 19, 2017 at 16:53

        I’m approaching my 62nd birthday in November and feel like I’m munching grass in the pasture.How can any right minded employer not wish for me to impart all of my many years of experience to the young people already employed?The tradition in the far Eastern cultures is to honour and revere older people because of the wealth of knowledge and experience they’ve accumulated.Shame on our society for deleting that wealth of knowledge and condemning older,more wise and infinitely more reliable potential employees to the scrapheap.

        Reply
    2. Shane - September 18, 2017 at 15:23

      Brett, just read your comments. WOW, do I know that feeling!!!!
      I have worked in Distribution for 30 years of which were 14 in Management, call me old fashioned but is it not a polite and professional thing to do to reply to a person. Whatever the feedback.
      I am not sure was is more soul destroying, being ignored by agencies or the government.
      The personal touch has disappeared.
      Well said!! And Good Luck

      Reply
      1. Renata Renata - May 28, 2020 at 11:41

        agree. Unfortunately recruiters have been almost unhelpful nowadays. Yes, they do have a lot on their plates, but so do people who are looking for a job. Helpfulness is the key. Some recruiters are nice. I have talked to the helpful ones.

        Reply
    3. Clint Ghatt - October 5, 2017 at 09:30

      Well said Brett I get the same thing I have 30 years work experience 15 of those spent in aviation and yet are treated like an outcast having lost my job in this recession within the last 4 years and yet I have far more to offer than someone who say is 21-24 it’s very frustrating
      .

      Reply
    4. Mike Tonkiss - October 5, 2017 at 16:06

      Hi Brett absolutely agree with you and when you check the culprits on linkedin you find they are in their twenties and little experience. The standard “if you dont hear from us in X days you ahve been unsuccessful” is contrary to their websites when they say they are a “people” organisation I hope they get the same cold shoulder when they get to our age!

      As regards your comments re:salary the role has a set amount and if I apply I acknowledge that however one recruiter said that the drop in salary may indicate I will get bored!! That is presumptuous in the least and condescending in the extreme!

      But having said all this I have worked with some consultants that still treat candidates as people!

      Reply
    5. ChrizK - November 28, 2017 at 15:19

      Not sure if that makes me feel better or worse (knowing others are experiencing the same).
      >30 years in IT, >15 in Telecoms. Made redundant eight months ago, and only two interviews. Too many applications with absolutely no response. Phoning agents only to be told ‘he/she is on the phone, I will get them to call you’ loses its appeal very quickly, and is completely sole destroying.

      Reply
    6. Kev McDermid - April 7, 2018 at 20:08

      Can’t be that desperate for a job or you would go back to NHS as they’re always looking for people

      Reply
    7. David Murphy - April 11, 2020 at 17:32

      I understand and feel the frustration, IT contractor of many years standing and I have to go through this almost every year. It feels like the recruiters are a bunch of filthy mannered trash, but I also know they face a great deal of pressure. They have to ‘sell’ who they think best placed to win; they get hundreds of applications per role and responding to everyone is near impossible, so I can see their side of it too.

      Where I get swerously angry though is where they have responded and pout you forward, and then you hear nothing, or even worse you get the job interview and you never hear back.

      Its a tough world for all of us, especially now. Best of luck

      Reply
    8. Robert Weiss - October 8, 2020 at 21:51

      Just wait untill you get to 3 years short of retirement age and are made redundant.

      I have 48 years experience as a mechanical / electrical /electronics engineer in many differing fields, each requiring that I learn how the equipment works. I managed to get these jobswith only a single city & guilds qualification because my CV shows the wealth of experience I have gained. This experience has allowed me to work for fortune 500 companies maintaining their fleet of flagship machines for major customers but at age 63 I have next to zero chance of landing a job that pays more than the living wage.

      I applied for a position that was in a different sector than my previous jobs. I got a call from the recruiter who was saying all the right things right up until it got to my age. I answered honestly and added that for the right job I would be open to working betond retirement age (66 for me), only to be met with – ‘Oh, I’m sorry. My client is looking for someone with 10 to 15 years’.

      Yes, I can appreciate that an employer may well be looking for a longer term commitment from prospective employees BUT until they can reciprocate that commitment and guarantee the same length of time as long as the successful candidate performs well and doesn’t do anything to warrant dismissal, they shouldn’t use this as a reason to dismiss any application.

      There are supposed to be laws preventing age discrimination in the UK but this doesn’t seem to affect the poor prospects of landing the kind of job we are still capable of doing and doing them well.

      Unfortunately, I am not financially able to simply relax & enjoy the 2 years & 8 months to retirement and need to carry on working but should I be able to procure another job, I may have to accept a much lower income and the changes to my lifestyle that will be inevitable.

      Reply
  9. Robert Price - May 1, 2017 at 16:17

    Brett Radley is spot on with his comments. Try being 60! Basically, we have so much knowledge and experience, we frighten those young recruiters and managers to death. Some can’t handle people who are their ‘better’, for whatever reason.
    Plus they forget we ‘oldies’ are less likely to have poor attendance records, demand payrises, be inflexible over extra hours if needed, or constantly seeking promotions or display a lack of loyalty.
    Recruiters need to remove their blinkered approach to us all.

    Reply
    1. LesleyH - July 27, 2017 at 12:43

      Hear hear!

      Reply
    2. Margaret - November 17, 2017 at 08:09

      I think you are right about the fear aspect and they think we want their role- honest we don’t. Society treats employed people totally differently to those not going out to work- sad but true. I just want self respect in a regular job preferably without signing my life away. 1 application form had room for 5 references. Nobody has mentioned moving to where the work is? Live in the north and work Monday to Friday in the south? how many over 50s and 60s would be willing todo that as I did in my 30s and 40s or work shifts or work 18 hours days as I have in my career

      Reply
  10. John Mckenna - May 8, 2017 at 11:02

    reading the comments, it sounds like ageism is rife! Many, many companies claim they hold no prejudices for race, colour, religion etc. and AGE. It is on their application sites in black and white. What say all the recruiters – are they being a little economic with the truth…?

    Reply
    1. Mike Finn - May 8, 2017 at 18:17

      Couldn’t agree more! They’d be just as well lining us up and shooting us . In case you do not recognise this it is “feedback” which should be promptly ignored!

      Reply
    2. littlefaerie94 - June 18, 2017 at 13:34

      Ageism I feel also with physical appearance

      If you look ‘young’ or ‘younger than your age’, you can be slated as not competent or able to cope with work pressures, though of course they could never actually tell you that themselves

      So yeah they basically just link your character traits and reliability to your physical features.

      Reply
  11. Angela Watson - July 19, 2017 at 14:31

    What is even more frustrating, you have attended interview, maybe taken time off work to go and they then cannot be bothered to let you know. Even more annoying (my personal experience) I went for my interview and the bloke who arranged it had gone on holiday and not bothered to let them know I was coming. Then I was told after interview to contact them on the Friday, I did, and was told that that I shouldn’t have been told that as the lady who interviewed me did not work Fridays. Told they would ring me Monday, didn’t happen. I waited till mid week and emailed them for an update, nothing. Then I had a message left on my phone asking me to ring them, I did and the person I was told to ask for had no idea why I was ringing. Total waste of time and to be honest I was at the point that I wouldn’t have taken the job as they appear to be an absolute bunch of clowns. Their loss as I would have sorted out their office in no time.

    Reply
  12. Jules Humpheson - July 22, 2017 at 20:50

    Ageism certainly is rife – listening to Radio 4 today (don’t judge, I listen to a lot of other stations too!) I heard an interview with a researcher on the very subject. To test out the theory, they created two CVs with identical skills, one as a 28 year old, the other as a 50 year old. I was surprised at the result: the ’28 year old’ only received 4.5 times as many job interview invitations than the ’50 year old’! I suspect that one of the issues here is the use of automated algorithms by recruitment agencies to carry out an initial sift of CVs. In common with so much of today’s technology, the algorithms are completely opaque and can quite easily include an ‘exclude over XX years’ in the sifting criteria. One recruitment agency person even suggested leaving off all mention of dates and only giving the last 10 years of experience.
    There is also the unconscious age bias of the recruiter; for those of us in that older age bracket, just try to cast your mind back to when you were in your mid/late 20s. Didn’t people over 50 seem ancient (and past it) to you? Well, perhaps not where I started, as some of the most brilliant scientific and engineering minds were near retirement age, but I think that’s an exception…..
    Unfortunately, there is little any of us can do to change this, but perhaps a little more transparency would benefit the market in general. Just remember, young people don’t have a monopoly on innovation, enthusiasm and the ability to work hard. On the other hand, the young are often viewed as a cheap resource, which itself isn’t fair to them, either.

    Reply
    1. LesleyH - July 27, 2017 at 12:37

      I have been finding that everyone says they love my CV and I have been lucky to get many interviews over the last 9 months. I have a good CV, am smart and professional but 62 years young and if I get any feedback at all it is generally that I am considered ‘over qualified’. All this and the government says I can’t have my state pension (that I have paid into for over 40 years) for another 4 years. When will employers realise what they are missing!

      Reply
      1. Margaret - November 17, 2017 at 07:59

        I Think this is particularly true of women when we are more likely to be judged on appearance- witness the comments about Ms May’s leather trousers several months back.

        Reply
        1. David Murphy - April 11, 2020 at 17:55

          Appearance MIGHT affect you at interview or later, but not when you submit an application.

          Reply
    2. David Murphy - April 11, 2020 at 17:39

      “One recruitment agency person even suggested leaving off all mention of dates and only giving the last 10 years of experience. ”

      I have heard the same a couple time recently, though not specifically for this reason. When recruiting I have seen a number fo CVs clearly written i that way. Problem is I don’t care what age a person is when I recruit, just can they fit on and do the job, I get slightly put off when I know people are covering up. OTOH I know why they do so so try and ignore it.

      Reply
  13. DeadCaL - July 26, 2017 at 16:16

    This advice might work if you apply direct to a company, but a hell of alot of jobs these days are via agencies, who often make it quite clear in the job advert they don’t want you following up.

    “If you don’t hear from us in 7 days…” … it means you haven’t got the job ಠ_ಠ

    Reply
  14. David Nicholson - August 2, 2017 at 16:22

    As the pension age continues to rise, people age 50 are expected to have 15-18 more years of working life in them – utter insanity to apply ageism to recruitment.

    Reply
  15. Gbenga Olajugbagbe - August 24, 2017 at 20:37

    Who is Brenda Russell, I’m not sure of the world she lives in. Calling back for feedback shows enthusiasm?! The employers made up their minds up the moment they saw you. Sometimes they call you for interview to make up the number or to tick their equality and diversity box. They promise to get back to you and they never get back to you. When you contact them they tell you that those who interviewed you are on holiday and they will get back to you. They still won’t get back to you. If they get back to you, the reason is so shallow that you wonder if they are competent for their roles. If I can’t trust a company for their words, why would I want to work for them in the first place? I was invited for an interview by a college in London to deliver level 4/5 in Health and Social Care. There was nothing in their advertisement that said you need to have a Master degree to teach the deliver the qualification. After the interview, they told me that they will get back to me in a week. I asked specifically if they will get back to me even if I wasn’t successful. They said Yes. I waited 2 weeks and nothing from them. Then I called them to find out how it went. The guy on the phone said that he will get those who interviewed me to call me back. A few minutes later, I got an email from him to tell me that I did very well in the interview but I was not successful because I didn’t have a Masters degree. I emailed back to at least talk to any of the interviewers as to why they didn’t say that at the interview. First, you didn’t need a Master degree to deliver the qualification. Second, they did include Masters degree as an essential requirement otherwise I wouldn’t have applied for the job because I do not have a Masters degree. Third, if that is an essential requirement, why did they invite me for interview, when it clearly indicated in my CV that I don’t have a Masters degree. For me, that is incompetence or they were hiding the real reason I was not successful. I have more frustrating experiences with recruiters. Recruitment Agencies are not better.You applied for a job only to find out that the job never existed in the first place.

    I have to say that i get more frustrations from requesting feedback from employers. From my experience, their feedback did not help me but creating more doubts about whether I would really want to work with such employer. If you can’t trust the words of an employer at the point of recruitment, how can you trust that they will honour the contract you sign with them?

    Reply
    1. Neil Brown - August 28, 2017 at 16:59

      Brenda Russell is one of the most prolific and successful songwriters since maybe the days of Carole King and Gerry Goffin (you probably don’t know those names either, so your age will easily get you the job over anyone with actual experience. (unless of course the job is on Radio 2 early Saturday Morning of course…)

      Reply
      1. Gbenga Olajugbagbe - September 17, 2017 at 15:07

        I have no clue what you are on about Neil!! Maybe you are living in the same world as Brenda. The real world doesn’t operate as Brenda suggested, neither does it work as you suggest.

        Reply
        1. Mike Tonkiss - October 5, 2017 at 17:51

          Hi I think Neil was being sarcastic

          Reply
    2. Mookesh - September 15, 2017 at 22:10

      Brenda Russell is the Song writer referred (see Asterisk**) & NOT the ARTICLE WRITER as its by Michael Cheary….

      Reply
  16. Karin - August 26, 2017 at 19:57

    What about companies that contact you, and hear about your current employers (as if this isn’t in the resume), and than can not help you because this employer is also their client.
    I just found out by accident (a trainee recruiter told me and I am sure she wasn’t supposed to) that where I live almost all recruiters have connections with all the companies here.
    This way it is hard, really hard, to find a new job as most of the positions are filled by recruitment agencies. Even now, applying in a completely different country.

    Reply
  17. andy sharp - September 1, 2017 at 04:41

    I feel in the days of email why cannot recruiters send a thank you but no thank you? In the days before email applying for a job was by postal service costing a stamp. Recruiters and employers replied costing them a stamp. Email is FREE!!!!!
    I think main issue is software. How many recruiters actually read your CV? its scanned by software. Computer says no thats it your out despite possibly having other qualifications which far exceed what is required.
    I offer proof! Jobsite applications. try it you will see when you apply the following
    “great news this employer does not require a covering letter” thats because the software used to scan your CV’s cannot read them.
    The money recruiters are paid they should be made to read every application, but alas i speak in vain,
    As you may have gathered i hold recruiters in the same frame of mind as estate agents and bankers maybe a mis spelling is required lol

    Reply
    1. Debby - September 12, 2017 at 17:27

      On the same page as you with this Andy.

      Reply
  18. Kamil - September 15, 2017 at 15:48

    Can Anyone answer me ? I applied to more than a hundred jobs which require BSC or MSC and I am a PHD holder with vast experience . Is it becuase:
    1- I am too old , why dont they tell me?
    2- Over qualified ?
    3- missing documents , tell me please
    4- they do not apply Equal Opportunity Employment ?
    5- 70 per cent do not ever communicate.
    I have yet to enjoy and feel the atmosphere of one interview. I love to try and answer them of what i learned going over interview questions and answers .. I shall continue sending applications until no 1001 is reached . Perhaps I shall get interviewd , never mind about getting the offer . Even if takes twenty years I am not made to surrender .
    I am dying to know the reasons

    Reply
    1. Mookesh - September 15, 2017 at 22:14

      In case not tried yet – penny’s’ worth advise…….
      Try get the CV REWRITTEN by one of professional firm. Get FREE review first from few on-line ones to decide whatever suits U. Also omit the PhD quantification to see if it helps.

      Reply
    2. Margaret - November 17, 2017 at 08:02

      Not being too critical, Might be an idea to improve the quality of your written English- quite a few missing punctuation marks, capital letters and try comparing your cv with someone in the same industry- pose as an employer!

      Reply
  19. Lizzy Millar - September 24, 2017 at 15:41

    One time, I completed a 60-minute test at an interview. The recruiter later said that I didn’t get the job but didn’t give me results of my test or a valid reason. After pestering him, he said he would at least find out my test results. Judging by his off-hand attitude toward me, I had little confidence that he would pursue my case. I waited three weeks and still nothing so I emailed the interviewer herself. Apparently she went ape shit at the recruiter who then called me to say how dare I contact his client and never to contact him or his recruitment agency again: I had been blacklisted. He said if I had a little more patience he would have obtained the results. I was devastated. All I wanted to know was how well I did in the test after spending so much time preparing for it

    Reply
  20. David Ward - September 27, 2017 at 13:45

    I’m 55. I have 26 years experience working with the same organisation. I took a 12 year break through necessity (caring for a sick relative). Since January this year I have applied for over 700 jobs, all of which I am (more than) qualified to do. I have had two interviews. OK they both told me why I did not get the job – one of them was a rubbish reason and was obviously because of age, the other was given to a 20 year old who knew it all. My gripe is the fact that nowadys people do not have loyalty to the job they are doing, they go in and move on as soon as something better paid comes up. I want a job that I can go in at 9, do my work and leave at 5.30 or 6pm. I’m willing to do that for the next 10-15 years until I retire. I’m not after the moon, I’m not going to go in and tread on people’s toes. And I don’t want to change the world. I have a wealth of experience and knowledge and I would be an asset to any company – like most of the people commenting on this post. Recruiters do not see that and neither do the agencies. They see the tick box OVER 50 and pass it to one side. Don’t they see that they would get more loyalty, knowledge, experience and less hassle from a 50+ person.

    And another thing, how many of the applications I make are actually forwarded to the companies? How many are sifted out by the agency? The only response I ever get – and it’s rare – is that the job has gone to someone more suitable. What the hell does that mean? I think it means younger.

    Reply
    1. David Murphy - April 11, 2020 at 17:37

      “My gripe is the fact that nowadys people do not have loyalty to the job they are doing, they go in and move on as soon as something better paid comes up.”

      How many companies show loyalty to their staff? Hire and fire is the norm except for the favoured few. When you work for a campy work hard. deliver of your best but don’t get emotionally attached, you wont be rewarded for loyalty. And if you tell a prospective employer that you only want to work 9-5.30, just come in work and go, most will not show much interest.

      Reply
  21. Colin Wakeley - October 3, 2017 at 16:41

    Its says in the job advert. If you dont hear back from us in 7 days, you haven’t got the job. Thats good enough for me

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  22. charlotte Pontac - October 17, 2017 at 16:20

    This is one of the most frustrating things for me about searching for a job. I have heard from now an uncountable number of recruiters, who promise me they will be able to find me something soon. I have now been looking for 6 months, have a 2:1 degree from the University of Manchester, and a commendation in Law from the university of law Bristol, and a wide range of experience in Law firms. The worst part of this, however, is i have tried contacting the recruiters directly, and one of 2 things happen:
    1) they have blocked your number/black listed it so they are ‘in a meeting’ or ‘unavailable’ for 4 months straight
    or
    2) If you do manage to get hold of them, they are annoyed at your call, telling you if they had news they would tell you (one recruiter said this and I later found out she knew I was not successful, and just for some reason chose not to tell me).
    I am at a stage where I have no idea what to do. I spend 9-5 calling recruiters, apply directly to law firms, have my hopes brought up by recruitment agencies who ask me to come meet them in London (I have now spend over £100 on trains to meet recruiters who then do one of the 2 previous options) and never hear back when I apply directly to the firms.
    This has been happening for 6 months now. The worst thing is that everyone else on my course has managed to find a job, almost instantly! The person I am living with has a phenomenal job himself, and my parents are very disappointed in me for being in this position. If anyone has any advice, that generally is not ‘just keep going’ I would sincerely appreciate it!!!!

    Reply
    1. UA - November 18, 2017 at 20:44

      Hi Charlotte, I can imagine how difficult this is for you. Firstly I’d advice looking for help with my job hunting strategies just in case I’m missing something (which I have done a few times myself), but beyond that I’ll say just sheer persistence is what will get you through and not loosing faith in yourself is critical. I’m sorry to hear your family are disappointed in you but guess what, graduating with 2:1 takes a lot and you are definitely not a push over, so don’t be too hard on yourself things will definitely work out give it time and find something to be grateful for…health maybe, things will work out you’ll see 😉
      P.s: I know this may be coming a month after your post, better late than never and don’t pay attention to those muppets asking you to come in (except there is something sensible on the table).

      Reply
  23. robbiegee - November 1, 2017 at 11:43

    The attitude /actions of many recruiters is deeply annoying. How long does it take for an employer to send a short email informing you that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion and give a reason why you have been rejected? Less than a minute, I imagine. Surely it is basic professional decency to acknowledge the time and effort that job seekers are putting into their job search activity. It frequently takes several hours to fill in an on-line application (often a well-constructed CV would surely suffice) and it really helps me if I know what I need to do make myself a stronger candidate for the future. Come on recruiters – wake up and smell the coffee!!!

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  24. Simon Pearmain - November 1, 2017 at 20:31

    We now live in an extremely ageist society, where employers are only looking for young people, and pay them low salaries. The amount of times, I have seen youngsters sitting in a shop on their phone, and management don’t seem to care! If you do find a job, the money is lower than It was 15 years ago! and the role has a never ending list of duties, that seem impossible to undertake. I’m 43, and my dad was earning more than me in 1985!! I think the wages are terrible these days, and for what most are paying, It’s not a wage you can live on. One of the biggest problems now is, nobody wants to train anyone. They employ youngsters, and give them management roles, with no training or experience, and let them get on with it. Why not employ someone with experience, that knows what they are doing? My guess, It’s all about paying the lowest possible salary, as most companies don’t seem to care anymore..

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  25. Richard Lewis - November 2, 2017 at 21:48

    Ah corporate capitalism …. how I have grovelled at your feet

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  26. k9workingdogs - January 4, 2018 at 18:07

    There should be LAW for job agencies to come back to you with the reason why they haven’t put forward your application and
    NOT “If you haven’t heard within 14 days then your application was not successful”. I call that bloody $%$%$ lazy !!

    Reply
    1. David Murphy - April 11, 2020 at 17:55

      If an agent gets 400+ applications how can they get back to everyone?

      Reply
  27. Stuart Banks - January 7, 2018 at 20:09

    Although some recruitment consultants, agencies and human resource managers of client employers may consider that an applicant getting in contact personally with them shows initiative it can also be an irritant and show desperation. After all, if the applicant feels that he or she has made a professional styled application and consider they are a good match for the ideal candidate in the job description and specification in terms of relevant work knowledge, experience and qualifications the task has been completed. Where, irrespective of possibly showing initiative by getting in contact; no amount of persistence and cajoling will alter the fact that: 1. We are still considering your application in comparison with other candidate applicants and will let you know if you have been successful for interview with a shortlist of preferred candidates. 2. We do not consider that your application is strong or persuasive enough, compared to other candidates who are a better match and will not be taking your application any further for this job role on this occasion. 3. Your Covering Letter and C.V. application was rejected as unsuitable on a preliminary and automated, keyword sort of the preferred skills set, use and competency of using bespoke, software applications and, or relevant programming language(s), knowledge, frequency of use and proficiency of using relevant regulations, specifications, statistical models and calibrations with years of successful, work experience in relevant, major achievements pertinent to the job role.

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  28. Adrian - January 13, 2018 at 17:30

    Ageism does seem to be a theme. I have 30 years experience in relatively senior and responsible roles in finance, but have had less than half a dozen interviews in 2 years looking – maybe 500 applications. But to be fair, I can understand why people wouldn’t want to hire someone older and more experienced, and possibly better qualified than them. They might want someone who will do what they’re told, maybe do more of the grunt work and possibly bring some new ideas and understanding – recent academic ideas, social media savvy etc. etc. I am happy to do routine tasks and am as diligent as anyone, but I can understand why an employer might want to employ someone with less experience and qualifications for such tasks.So I don’t really blame employers for that, though it is depressing.

    What annoys me more is when employers say they will get back to you and don’t. This is rife, and is no respecter of employers. I have had recent experiences with two supposedly super-respectable financial public sector institutions where I was promised a reply and heard nothing – one after a telephone interview. Getting back to them to ask for some response I was initially ignored, then after persisting told quickly I had not got the job, making it clear that the only thing stopping them contacting me was laziness. How is this acceptable? I have to say me experience of HR departments both when I was at work and since is almost entirely negative. Box tickers and arse coverers. I have found a few recruiters with a better attitude, but in general they are naturally not interested in challenging the prejudices of their clients.

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  29. Martin Dodd - March 21, 2018 at 21:19

    Job searches can be both frustrating, time consuming and a full time occupation. As you get older, it gets harder to find a job; I understand it. However, I am also aware of the people that depend on me, and the fact that I must keep trying. It is never simple, and things that are worthwhile fighting for are always rewarded. I have taken side steps, and steps backward to eventually manouevre myself to a position of satisfaction. I am not preaching, but you cannot think the world owes you, but know that where there is will, there is a way.

    Reply
  30. Stuart Banks - August 29, 2018 at 16:09

    I am not concerned if a potential employer or employment consultant “gatekeeper” fails to contact acknowledge and reply to my application. Because if my standards and values of good manners and courtesy towards answering any communication I receive is not replicated by any potential employer then I don`t want to be in their employment.

    Reply
  31. gavin2008 - October 13, 2018 at 16:46

    always a job centre favourite ‘chase them up’. if they are interested they will email, phone, text persistently because they get commission. if they aren’t interested then you will generally hear nothing. reed are certainly guilty of this along with most others. having worked for a recruitment company (not as a recruiter) and asked the question ‘why don’t you usually let people know’, the answer was always along the lines of ‘we don’t have time/i don’t get commission for doing that all day’. i have previously suggested to other recruiters that it would be good to have a standard email reply which gives a reason as to why there is no interest ie ‘not enough experience’ ‘too old’ (yes that does exist) ‘over qualified’ etc. surely a template could be set up. it beats having to check whether your email addresses is actually working and can allow the candidate to tailor further applications accordingly.

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  32. Neil Woodhouse - December 3, 2018 at 17:26

    I agree with many comments here. I am 62, I have an honours degree that is worth something, not a mickey mouse one. Up until recently I ran my own business thanks to the govt my business was killed off. I have spent a considerable amount of time applying for roles that I am suitably qualified to do or have a number of years experience in. Very few recruiters get back, and when they do it is in the negative. Ageism is rife. Agencies don’t help either – including this one – the sneering arrogance of some of the people who work for companies such as this and others is unbelievable.

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  33. George Soliman - April 23, 2019 at 20:58

    Some interviewers who would-be your direct managers in most cases feel UNSAFE to recruit over qualified and probably older person ! Simply they feel jealous or less powerful to manage such a more knowledgeable and experienced employee under them !

    Reply
  34. Gary Holden - June 19, 2019 at 21:05

    Having read the above, if I was applying for a sales position, I would expect the relevant company to get back to me. I want an opportunity where I can be top of my game and earning xxxx amounts of revenue for them. I really do feel if this organisation doesn’t put themselves out to contact me and therefore show they actually want me, do they deserve my talents? In my opinion basic courtesy is a polite response either saying ‘yes or no’ to an application. There is no excuse for ignoring people and I feel this lets a company down badly. In some respects this phenomenon is the same a bad customer service where often organisations will know nothing about what has happened but word of mouth paints a very bad picture and will greatly affect the quality of candidates for future posts.

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  35. Peter Banham - August 12, 2019 at 16:09

    What I hate…. is selected recruitment companies who only let you view their website if you subscribe to it! There is no other access to the company recruiting unless using a recruiting agent……….. bad!

    Reply
  36. Peter Banham - August 12, 2019 at 16:11

    The vacancy is there but unless you use their exclusive membership website it is not available !

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  37. gavin2008 - October 15, 2019 at 06:34

    in response to what others are saying, the uk is one of the most ageist countries in the world. i have had first had experience of it too. as for this article, most recruiters never contact you. they never say why you haven’t been forwarded for an interview, ‘it is not company policy’ is one of many nonsensical responses. that is assuming they are there when you phone. once they have your name, ‘jenny is on holiday this week’. yet when you phone later as someone else ‘jenny’ is there. reed are guilty of this and i use that example as it happened. there is a campaign starting to legally force reed and other companies to give comprehensive feedback on all failed applications. it will take time though.

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  38. Walid Taheer - May 11, 2020 at 20:38

    I believe that the recruitment process is completely had broken , the most important conflict is the low experience the recruitment team always have in main role of the hunted job ,for example in finance if you have vacant for Account receivable you can look also to people applied had experience in Accounts payable because it same way of work , but the recruitment team use to filter the applications wasting 100 of good people maybe better to complete the process

    Reply
  39. Godfrey Chikowore - July 25, 2020 at 08:07

    Recruiters have a very sort of hidden but already common and highly discriminative policy against the old and experienced cadres which favors the young and inexperienced, yet forgetting the older generation provide the critical professional bridge of the knowledge, expertise, attitude and behaviour, integrity and focus and culture of productivity necessary for systems and businesses, workplace to remain vibrant all the time. God bless.

    Reply