The one thing almost every job seeker tells me when they find out I write job postings is that they really hate applying for jobs. Specifically the part where they don’t even hear back after they apply. The company will give them instructions like “put this sentence in blue” and “put this sentence in red” then “dance after you hit send.” Yet, for some unknown reason, they still don’t have the decency of setting up the application acknowledgment email. It’s automated for Christ’s sake.

It’s okay when it happens once or twice. They wouldn’t remember never hearing back if they applied to ten jobs and got nine responses. But when they apply to ten and nine *don’t* respond? The lack of response adds up to a loss. The impact is on them. 

Constant rejection hurts people. The people who feel it most are the ones who have applied to all of the jobs and lose faith in themselves and their skills. As much as I want to talk about how application acknowledgment emails might help employer brands, we have to talk about the cost of getting it all wrong, too.

Google It. It’s Scary Out There

When I did a quick search to find research behind what percentage of employers send application confirmation emails, I was met with over 6 *billion* results from candidates asking why they didn’t hear anything back after applying. No joke. Google it for yourself.

The prescriptive articles all suggest it’s likely the candidate’s fault if they’re not getting confirmation emails. Sure, user error happens to everyone. You may have spelled the email address wrong or something. The other half of the results are some lame ass templates.

“Thank you for completing the application for [Job_title] position at [Company_name],” they say. “Your [application/resume/portfolio] is in, and our hiring team is currently reviewing all applications.”

Look. If that’s all you’ve been saying? You’re missing out on some important real estate in the candidate experience and for your employer brand.

Writing A Better Application Acknowledgment Email

Personally, I think the application acknowledgment email is one of the most influential pieces of employer brand material that no one thinks about. This should be cherished real estate that you save for the most important messages. In the 30 minutes after an applicant submits an application, you have all of their attention. This could be your secret weapon.

For all those people who like writing 2,500 word job postings because you have to tell everyone about the benefits and everything else, listen up. This email is a great place for all of that extra content.

Here are a few other things you might include:

• Set expectations about the interview process.
• Use examples to show your commitment to DEI instead of saying you’re committed to DEI with an EEOC sentence at the very bottom of your post. 
• Set expectations about if they’re not going to hear from you.
• If your benefits are bad ass, this is your moment to shine.
• Your values. Remember: show, don’t tell.

This intel is meant to convince your applicants to hang out and wait while you review candidates. This is your moment to retain someone in the process. 

Go Work On Your Email, Now

The significance of sending thoughtful application acknowledgment emails cannot be overstated. In a job market where candidates often evaluate prospective employers based on their overall experience during the application process, acknowledgment emails are a crucial touchpoint.

You want to stand out? Do something different. Employers who leverage this communication channel are showing their commitment to transparency and respect for candidates’ efforts in a way most people aren’t. The impact of acknowledgment emails extends beyond the immediate application stage. By recognizing the time and energy candidates invest in applying for a position, employers create a lasting impression that can influence the candidate’s perception of the company.

These seemingly routine communications represent an untapped resource for building your employer brand, influencing not only the current candidate pool but also leaving a lasting mark on the broader talent market. Every interaction matters, and acknowledgment emails are a potent and underutilized tool for shaping a company’s reputation.

Candidate Generation and Nurturing Recruitment Marketing Advice application acknowledgement emails application process emails