Why do 48% of tech companies fail to communicate respectfully to recruitment applicants?

In the aftermath of the 400,000+ tech industry redundancies that occurred in 2022 and early 2023, I've heard many stories from friends and colleagues who have applied for a new role, only to be met with silence.

One good friend tracked 9 months of applications for over 100 roles, all with technology companies. Shockingly, nearly half (47%) of their applications were confirmed received, but then there was nothing but silence. No "thanks but no thanks" email. Nothing.

This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a sign of disrespect to candidates who invest time and energy into tailoring an application - each taking an hour or more.

In an era where automation and AI tools are abundant, particular for the tech companies I'm taking about here, there's no excuse for failing to send a simple thank you and acknowledgment that they are not proceeding with the application.

Recruitment teams have access to a wealth of technology that can streamline their processes and ensure that no candidate is left in the dark. Every single Talent Acquisition software product should let you send emails when events happen, like when a candidate's application is marked as not progressing. I've demonstrated these tools when I worked at SumTotal Systems, LLC , now part of Cornerstone OnDemand , and know that we had that functionality.

That’s why statements like “due to the high number of responses, we will only respond to candidates that have been shortlisted” are just a cop-out.

So why don't recruiters use these tools properly? I wish I knew.

Automated emails are a simple yet effective tool that can be employed to let candidates know where they stand. This not only demonstrates professionalism but could be used to foster a positive candidate experience, leaving individuals with a favourable impression of the company, even if they weren't the perfect fit for a specific role.

These same tools can update candidates on the status of their application - for instance that the process has been delayed or that role might have been put on hold - so that candidates aren't left wondering.

Consider the broader impact of this lack of communication.

Candidates who feel undervalued or dismissed are likely to share their experiences with their professional network (like I’m doing here). This could potentially tarnish the reputation of the company, affecting its ability to attract top talent in the future.

Should I ask my friend to provide the list of tech companies who didn't bother to respond, in order to name and shame them here?

Recruiters would do well to remember that every applicant is a potential brand ambassador. Treating candidates with respect, transparency, and courtesy is not just professional, it's an important reflection of a company's values and its commitment to creating a positive workplace culture.

In past, when I was recruiting for my team, I would send a personal email to every person I had interviewed to say thank you and wish them the best. I'm still in touch with many of them today, because no-one knows what the future might bring.

So, to all my fellow professionals out there who have been left wondering about the status of their applications, know that you are not alone.

And, to the talent acquisition professionals who read this, can you please make the effort to elevate your industry by putting respectful communication back at the forefront of your practices?