Remember folks, it is NOT what you know BUT, WHO you know that counts

Maybe this candidate was really disappointed and poured himself a few drinks. I'm not saying it justifies anything, but it sort of sounds that way.

What struck me about this article was that at least this candidate knew where he stood. So often in today's job market candidates who are interviewed are never told of the hiring decision. I can respect that not everyone can be offered a position, but I strongly feel that HR lacks courtesy and respect these days, especially if a thank you letter and follow-up inquiries are sent to the employer following the interview. It does not take much time to send a boiler plate e-mail to a candidate if they are not going to be offered the position. Nothing is more frustrating than to spend the time preparing for the interview, but never to be told of the status afterwards.

@ Heron: It seems that most hiring managers use the excuse in receiving many applications as a poor excuse. I would be interested in hearing any hiring managers out there on their take why this is happening. I can respect hiring managers not responding to every single resume received. However its another thing if a candidate takes time out of his/her scheduled to be interviewed for a position, but is not told of the hiring decision.

As a former hiring manager, I have a great deal of sympathy for the author of this article. After my firm closed a few years ago, I found myself back in the interviewing circles for a new position and as one might imagine, in this economic climate, available jobs are scarce and candidates are overly plentiful! Clearly, this equation results in plenty of rejections. However, I followed the very advice you shared above: be gracious and professional at all times. As it happened, a year after interviewing for a role and being rejected, the company called me back and hired me directly. They were looking for someone to help out and were impressed with my professionalism through all stages of the interview process. This just supports your advice and I sincerely hope all prospective candidates take heart: You may be the #2 candidate now but could become the #1 candidate. As difficult as it may be (and I know how much rejection stings), hold your head high, be dignified and professional at all times. You will come out ahead.

An excellent column! I formed a job club over 3 years ago (if you are interested in receiving job tips e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com). A few of the people who I have helped have advised me that they were rejected for jobs at specific companies or organizations---only to be hired later by the same people who originally rejected them. Don't get discouraged!
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Excellent column.

@Fleetwood. What happened to you is unprofessional. Your assessment of the type of company they are seems was clearly correct. I hope you have moved on to bigger and better things.

@Fleetwood: I'm glad you are able to move on. I found myself in a similar predicament not too long ago in which I cleared my calendar and spent the day at a company interviewing with executive staff, taking tests, and speaking to HR at great length. My interview lasted six hours. I sent a Thank You letter the next day and recently sent a polite follow-up e-mail noting that I was still very interested in the position (I was advised through the grapevine I made a great impression, but the company was in the midst in negotiating new contracts). However I feel that after six weeks in not hearing back, it's time to move on and stop hoping for an offer to come through.

Late to the party, but really good topic, and great comments. Early 2000s I too, was 'held hostage' by a company that did not make any decisions, just kept interviewing. I, too, found out it was better not to deal with a company this arrogant, and withdrew my name from consideration.