Not getting replies, is it common?

slugger09

I used to at least make the interview stage, now I don't even get that far, OK i have a job but desperately want a change, in the past 5 jobs I've applied for I've not even got a reply, and they have been basic jobs like mystery shopper.

Any advice?

RazWaz

In 18 months of applying for jobs I only ever got 2 replies, both were invites to interviews. There are so many people applying for jobs they just don't have time to reply to everyone now.

elsien

Phone up and ask?
I'm afraid in our organisation it's standard policy not to reply to people we haven't shortlisted. And not being shortlisted doesn't necessarily mean you're not any good, it's just that when we get loads of applications we have to prioritise as we can only interview so many, so some potentially reasonable candidates get missed off because others have more experience, etc.
How different are the jobs you are applying for to what you do now, and have you made sure you've got all the points from the person specification in your application? You'd be surprised how many people miss out the blindingly obvious on their form, so don't meet the shortlisting criteria.

ploder

Yes, it is very common not to get replies. This is due to the volumes of people applying for each role. Since losing my job due to the recession I am in the hundreds for apps and have only been replied to about a dozen times and interviewed twice. Just try to do something else you enjoy other than applying for jobs otherwise you'll go mad.

axomoxia

My current "hit rate" has been of ten applications, I'll get one call back from the agency, from those ten call backs I'll get one interview..... Just remember you can send twenty applications before breakfast these days.

brightonman123

feeling OP's frustration..

I usually send job apps by email, so at least I can prove to JSA i sent something, even if nothing heard back..

imo. it's just bad manners- even an auto reply to say 'thanks, we may be in touch' would be nice..

I bet firms soon find time to reply, if buying something?

scooby088

My success rate for getting any replies was about a ratio of 5;1 which wasn't bad i do think that though it is very hard to even gain an acknowledgement letter these days. So all i say is if you hear nothing for 2 weeks then i assumed that there wasn't any point in following up an application.

greytroot

My reply rate in last month was 44 to 2. Yip 44 applications - one interview - one not short listed. Pretty poor skills only takes a second to send an email.

My interviewer said they had 400+ applicants and they replied to everyone but then when asking for feedback (which was offered) i have had no reply.

But hey we are all in it together!

axomoxia

scooby088 wrote: »

My success rate for getting any replies was about a ratio of 5;1 which wasn't bad i do think that though it is very hard to even gain an acknowledgement letter these days. So all i say is if you hear nothing for 2 weeks then i assumed that there wasn't any point in following up an application.

I've just had an agency come back four weeks after the initial application..... its was for a contract gig as well....

RedSoleShoes

slugger09 wrote: »

I used to at least make the interview stage, now I don't even get that far, OK i have a job but desperately want a change, in the past 5 jobs I've applied for I've not even got a reply, and they have been basic jobs like mystery shopper. Any advice?

Sign of the times I'm afraid. Whilst I see it is near-on impossible to get back to every applicant when there are 100s, I do think it is very poor when you get no response after an interview. It is unlikely they have interviewed such significant numbers that they cannot send an "i'm sorry" email.

Some companies should realise that, not only are you a potential employee but, in the future, you could be a potential customer. They would be wise to treat people a little better.

brightonman123

am thinking of sticking (blu tack only!) posters on back of buses, around town..

-would get plenty exposure, though dount the bus co would be best pleased!