I'm just gonna say it...

In my months of job searching, applying and interviewing I've come to a basic conclusion. People that have jobs treat those without like crap. Generally speaking of course. But over the course of nearly a year, combined with lots of job searching in the past, I've found this to be true.

I understand that there are a LOT of applicants out there right now. I get it. Your desk is nearly toppling with all the applications. Woe is you. I can feel a (very) small bit of sympathy because you have to go through thousands of applications to choose the right candidates to interview. And that's fine. When I send a job application into the internet world (because that is the only way to do it now), I don't expect anything in response.

However, when I do happen to make it beyond the pile, I start to expect just a tiny amount of...you know...respect. Just a little common courtesy. But that seems to be too much to ask. Normally, I'll get a call - usually by someone in HR. If I happen to make it past that stage to the interview, it takes me time, scheduling, babysitting, dressing up, preparation and some nerves to make it into their office. They take the time out of their day to meet me and ask me lots of questions. And then?

I follow up with a thank you. And then?

I don't hear anything. So I follow up again (usually just a quick email - hey, just checking in - type thing). And then?

I still don't hear anything. So I put it out of the my mind. And then?

Sometimes weeks, sometimes months later, I may get an automated email. "Sorry," it reads. "We found someone else." And that's the best case scenario.

Because the majority of the time -- I get nothing. No call, no email, no response. And really? I think that's just plain rude.

It all goes back to supply and demand. There's plenty of supply right now and not much demand. But is that really an excuse to drop basic manner and kindness? Would it really kill you to take 60 seconds to just let me know that I'm not getting the job? I'm not asking you to even talk to me. Just send me an email. Because eventually (well, I sure hope so), things are going to turn around. The economy will get better and you might need people like me. And I might not want to talk to you anymore. Or, guess what? Things might not improve and that person that couldn't give me two minutes of time to let me down easy might find themselves in the same predicament. And then they will see how it feels to be treated like your time and energy means nothing.

So for anyone on the hiring end these days, I ask you to just consider that there is a person on the other end of that application. And they are worth the time to be polite.

Thank you for listening.