As a candidate who has submitted his resume to individuals and company databases, and as an HR and Recruiting manager receiving resumes, I’ve considered many times, what is the proper response from a company after you submit your resume for a job. Actually…do companies owe you a response?

I’ve posted jobs where I have received hundreds of resumes and there were literally a handful that might have been an appropriate fit. I’ve always been the type of manager who likes to give a personal response, but with this scenario…it’s tough to say “thanks for applying for the tech support job” to the automotive technician who matched the word “tech” and blasted his resume without so much as an introduction in his email.

This ruins it for the candidates who are serious about the job who actually went to the company website and pre-qualified their skills, the location and their sincere desire to work for our company.

If you are the type of candidate that feels companies “owe you” a response, then be the candidate that gives the company the courtesy of your serious review and consideration. So much information moves so quickly these days, but when it comes down to it, if you are not a fit for the job, don’t submit your resume. This way, companies and gatekeepers at the company will have time to give your candidacy the attention it deserves when you are a fit.

Companies can do a better job by setting up an auto responder just to let you know that your resume has been received, and even better yet, been reviewed (love this bit of technology that is used on LinkedIn).

Candidates, don’t haunt companies for a response. If they find your resume and don’t want to move forward you are only putting a black mark on your file if you get upset about it. I’ve actually hired candidates that one day I say…”sorry not a fit” and because they were so understanding and professional in their retort, I found another group for them to interview with and they won that job just 2 days later!

On both sides, professionalism reigns supreme.