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Comment by atdrummond | Hacker News Reader

You know what would really help the poor? Not putting up job apps that have zero intention of ever getting back to applicants. The single most frustrating thing during my current job hunt has been applying to hundreds of jobs and hearing back from maybe 5% of them.

I have zero issue with a rejection. I understand the law of large numbers. Where I get frustrated is spending hours on applications to firms and they can't be bothered to spend 5 seconds letting unsuccessful applicants know that the position as been filled.

(I definitely have plenty of other complaints but this is the one that is presently dragging me down mentally.)

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I hear you.

There is an asymmetry. You need a job. It’s your only job. They get hundreds of applications.

One adjustment I recommend is calibrating the amount of time you spend on an application. You shouldn’t be spending hours on a single cold application. Write your resume. See or hear of an opportunity. Send your standard resume and standard introduction. Hours of upfront work, but only a few minutes per application.

Focus on finding warming connections. The strength is in weak ties. Tell your family, friend, former coworker and update your linkedin.

Technical people are in huge demand. Given your skills you should have plenty of offers without much anxiety. You’ll get lots of non response. So it goes.

Good luck

I don't mind getting a "no" and I do feel I've gotten the right ratio of effort per application nailed after some time. I just hate that most employers can't seem to bother to close applications in a timely manner or message candidates when they've chosen someone for the role. I hate twiddling my thumbs wondering if I am going to receive any further communication or not.

I think it shows a lack of compassion from employers en masse. There are few negative ramifications to them never acknowledging you submitted your resume. I also submit many applications and I feel like a ghost.

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