Are employers actually better at responding to applications?

Marie88_2

Hi

I always thought it were agencies who were bad at not replying or acknowledging applications, but after I've applied for several jobs through businesses direct, as well as HR departments of organisations, and businesses, I actually think they are worse than agencies. I seem to be getting more rejection notifications from agencies recently, and the only non agency who seem to bother replying are the regional council.

Businesses, university HR departments, NHS, and other small organisations seem the worst, and I haven't had a response back from any of those in about 40-50 applications. Has anyone else found this?

I always wanted to deal with businesses direct, rather than agencies, but I'm really starting to wonder whether there is much advantage in it lol.

wimblewomble_2

if you're sending speculatively, then the chances are they may just bin the letter if the CV isnt remotely suitable.

if they might use you, in the near term, they may let you know.
otherwise, they're not going to spend the cost of a stamp.
unless you include an email.

to a business, a speculative letter is the consumer equivalent of a cold-call. and we know how frustrating they can be.

marybelle01

Almost all the public sector employers around here are telling applicants in advance that if they haven't heard by a certain date, they haven't been successful. A second class stamp is 50p. Say, 200 applicants for a basic role = £90 to tell people who don't get interviews - and 200 is low for basic roles, some posts get 400+ applicants. 10 positions a week advertised (and again, that is pretty low) = £900 per week or some £46k+ a year. Or, in other words, two jobs! Or more, since a lot of these roles are part-time or term time.

agrinnall

I've applied for quite a few jobs with universities in the last 9 months and the majority of them never send a reply - many of them don't even have an automated email set up to say your application has been received.

Edited to add: I noticed the post by MSE for an intern position, https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4041767, and the advert says:

Due to the large number of enquiries received, we will only reply to successful applicants. Apologies in advance.