Lately, I’ve been getting a number of responses to applications (solicited through job boards or otherwise) that say things like the following:
Dear Andrew:
Thanks for your submission! We’ll be putting you in our system and will let you know if something comes up that matches your qualifications.
Some people might be mad about this. Saying things like “What the hell?! I’ll never hear from them again!” or “Well, screw you too!” But me? I’m happy.
Keep in mind that they got back in touch with you. How many apps have you sent out when you didn’t get any response at all, except maybe a confirmation email? If they got back in touch with you, that means that at least their interest is piqued.
“But ‘the system’ is a euphemism for the trash,” you say. Not so! Many companies now employ databases of potential hires and applicants that can be called upon during job openings. Also, why would someone bother sending you an email to tell you euphemistically that they were junking your application? Seems counter-intuitive to me.
The point is, it’s rough right now for people on both sides of the job market. And sometimes they want to hire you but can’t. But they do want you to know that they’d like to talk to you more, and see you as a possibility. And isn’t that better than an empty inbox?
Sorry, no applicable pictures today. Enjoy this one!
