When an employer says they'll call you back, why don't they do it?

Question

I've interviewed recently with two different companies, and both said that they would let me know in the next week about their decision. They never called or e-mailed, as promised. Is this normal? Are all "business" people a******s?

Answer 1

Some companies don't notify external job candidates when they filled the position with someone else.  Some does.

Answer 2

Unfortunately it's normal.  Obviously if they wanted you for the job they'd call back.  If you want to you can certainly call them and ask if the position is still open.  Odds are they've made their choice.

Answer 3

What the other two posters have written is certainly a possibility. But, oftentimes the company expects you to call back the next week. God knows if this is some sort of test. But, you should always call back. I almost made the mistake of not doing so once, until a friend of mine, who at one point was a recruiter at a bulge bracket firm, informed me that I should always call if they're past due. Anyway, what do you have to lose?

Answer 4

Yup normal, they usually have interviewed so many people its very time consuming to call all of them back!  And time is $ according to them!  You might get a letter or email after the fact.