Whatever Happened to Common Courtesy?

So, I decide to go looking for an internship for this summer (this was some time ago when one would start looking for summer internships) because I really didn't have that much going on, and I though it would be interesting to actually have to go to work and stuff.

I send out a very well crafted letter to a few potential internship targets, one of which writes back telling me that they loved my letter and wanted very desperately to see my "portfolio". So, I send my portfolio. And then?

Nothing. Not one word. I made a few follow-up inquiries after an acceptable amount of time had passed, but I received absolutely no response to those, either.

Now, I can tell that they obviously didn't think too much of my portfolio. If they had, I'm sure they'd have had me in for an interview or whatever. But is it really all that difficult to shoot me an email or a form letter saying "Thanks, but no thanks"?

Why the disappearing act? There was no reason for it. It's just rude. I don't think they'd appreciate my ignoring them if they had made an offer of some sort.

And that got me to thinking how it really is rare to actually receive any sort of acknowledgement from companies when I submit my resume and whatnot. I've applied for many positions throughout the years, and more often than not, I never receive any kind of response from those companies.

And the times I do get called in for an interview, I almost never receive a call or letter letting me know I didn't get the job once they make that decision.

Personally, I just find that rude.

But maybe it's just me.

 

Of course, I've had these same problems since I graduated college the first time back in 1992, even during the boom times. But yeah, I imagine it's worse right now.

It is funny how there are certain questions that all interviewers seem to ask and how they expect a certain answer. The interview is often not about getting to know the candidate, it's about knowing the "right" answers to the questions. I always found that weird (as it's been like that for as long as I've been interviewing).

I just wish I could get interviews. Usually, I can't even get in the door (and again, that goes back to 1992 and includes the "boom times").

 

Well, then I hope their clients do the same to them. I can imagine how much this company would like it if they pitched an account and then the potential client was just too busy to let them know they went with someone else.

Of course, in this particular firm, you'd think they'd have plenty of time to contact people since they've lost so many clients recently.

The thing about this one that got me specifically was that I had FIVE different contacts with the woman prior to sending my portfolio.

I first inquired about their internship program. She said they didn't have one officially, but that she and others were trying to get it started again. If they started it back up, they'd let me know. She praised the package I sent originally, etc.

A little while later, she send an email telling me they had approved the internship program and that she wanted me to send her my portfolio. I was out of town at the time and could not repond to the email.

By the time I got back, she had emailed again basically saying the same thing. Send my portfolio as soon as possible.

I wrote back saying I would. She wrote back giving me a deadline as to when they'd like to receive the portfolio, etc.

Once I send the portfolio, I email her and let her know I sent it. She reponds that she's looking forward to seeing it.

It was at that point that I never heard from her again. So, she had plenty of time to talk to me before she saw my portfolio. Now I can't even get a response at all. Not even a simple "Not interested" (And personally, I'd have a stock rejection email ready to go. It would take a matter of seconds to let me know something).

Add to this that portfolios are meant to be returned to the applicant. Most applicants don't have the money to spend to put together a full-color portfolio for each and every company they apply to. But if I want mine back? Too bad. They can't be bothered. I guess if I want it back, I have to drive over there and make a scene.

Oh, and I have been on the other side of the situation. Whenever I post a casting notice, I get slammed with hundreds of headshots, yet I manage to get back to every single person who submits, even those who I have no use for. If I can do it, anybody can.