Without a doubt, the worst part of the job search is not getting the job, but a close second is not knowing why. And this isn’t a problem only military spouses have, but why can't companies just tell you when they've determined you’re not the right candidate? And is it really too much to ask that they give some direct feedback as to why?
It's frustrating to wait on responses for jobs. And I definitely agree, the tight timelines don't do any favors for military spouse professionals. You're also right in thinking that this isn't something only military spouses experience.
But if you’ve taken the time to follow-up after an interview and have asked them if there’s something you can work on for the next time, then you’ve really done all you can at that point.
Try to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager or HR professional. Depending on the size of the organization to which you're applying, they could receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants for each position. Even if the position you're applying for seems specialized, just remember that not every application they receive is as well qualified for the position as you are (obviously), but that doesn't keep people from submitting themselves.
All of those applications have to be sorted. Multiply that by the number of jobs they're trying to fill at any given moment and, well, you get the picture. Responding personally to each and every candidate just may not be possible.
That said -- keep doing what you do. There will likely be times that they can respond appropriately, or someone will take the time to give you feedback on why you weren't selected, and those opportunities are priceless. They're well worth the time you spend doing that follow-up and, you never know, professional follow-up may be what makes you stand out from the other candidates and gets you selected for a future position.
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