The Reason Why You Don't Get Feedback

Step 1: Give these companies time.

Two days have gone and sweat is beginning to form? Chillax. Bastardised portmanteaus aside, just hold steady until either the deadline has passed, or roughly a week or so, before taking any action. Bear in mind that it takes time to sift and select.

Step 2: If the time is now ripe and you've still received no word, pick up the phone and make a few calls.

This technique, while massively underrated by the 2.0 generation, is useful in being direct and almost always producing a response. Top tip: make sure you call the correct person - this will save time and reduce frustration. Graduates should try and appreciate that the onus is heavily placed upon them to instigate this process. While companies will often be internally and externally 'scored' in terms of communication efficiency, it is also true that HR departments are increasingly overworked and therefore need a reason to go further than the minimum.

Step 3: Once all that is done and the correct correspondent has been reached, be polite and charming (as ever) and enquire about the process of the application.

You'll either be told the considerations are ongoing or else discover that your application was unsuccessful. The clincher here, if the answer concerns the latter option, is to then graciously request any feedback available as to why this decision was made. Doing so may provide an insight into what employers are looking for generally and also how you specifically failed in this instance. What's more, in certain instances the determination and enthusiasm shown by making contact can either provide significant 'brownie points' to help you secure the job (if it is still up in the air), or direct an employer's attention towards an alternative role to which you might be suited. Most importantly of all - as we often state here - is to remember that a lack of feedback, or negative feedback, is not personal and should always be used to aid in the learning process through increased experience and awareness. Jordan, GRB Journalist