This is yet another job application orientated thread.

Im halfway through yet another contract so its time to start the job hunt again.

Something Ive pondered each hunt is read receipts. Usually when someone emails me and requires one, it annoys me, just a little. I understand the reasoning behind them, but its just the basicness of them essentially being a pop-up, in your email.

However, when it comes to sending applications, when you have a filled in form, and have the option to email it or post it, its always a concern as to whether its arrived, or been filtered out.

Knowing how petty some HR depts can be, especially when they have a horde of applications to get through, the question is, would you request a read receipt?
on the one hand you get peace of mind the application has been received and its just a waiting game. On the other hand, it could be just that initial filtering negative which sends it straight to the trash can?

I guess at the end of the day if the company has HR which would bin an application on a read-receipt request, do you really want to work for them?

Thats an interesting query and I wouldnt mind knowing the answer either.

I must admit i dont like read receipts and pay no attention to that email unless its something obviously important. But then again I dont work in HR department.

Generally i seem to find people see them as sneaky and slightly underhanded. Not to the extent that they would take any action but there is some resentment.

For a CV id be over sensitive of sending the right first impression, so I wouldnt use them. Is there really much of a chance an email sent with a sensible subject to the correct email address doesnt get through?

Air on the side of caution imo.

Its not so much the the subject as the content and fact an attachment is, well, attached, that would make it likely to bounce. Given the dept might also get lots maybe the inbox would get full too?

Interesting to see that Im not alone in pondering this though too

I tend to only use read reciepts if the e-mail is important enough that I need to know it has arrived ok.  To many people/user take the send button for granted, so many things can interfere with an E-Mail.

I really wouldt use one for a job application.  It would be more appropiate to make a follow up call and talk to them.

do a delivery receipt instead

Does that require the recepient to click anything to send?

Id post it with Recorded Delivery.

Although I have emailed in and didnt worry about read reciepts. Although I have called up the person I applied to and asked them if they recd the email too

Dont do either and follow up with a personal call to the HR department instead to check the email arrived - easier to paint in the right light and much easier to spin if they sound in any way pissed.

Soys idea seems to be the best of both worlds

Quote from: zpyderThis is yet another job application orientated thread.

Im halfway through yet another contract so its time to start the job hunt again.

Something Ive pondered each hunt is read receipts. Usually when someone emails me and requires one, it annoys me, just a little. I understand the reasoning behind them, but its just the basicness of them essentially being a pop-up, in your email.

However, when it comes to sending applications, when you have a filled in form, and have the option to email it or post it, its always a concern as to whether its arrived, or been filtered out.

Knowing how petty some HR depts can be, especially when they have a horde of applications to get through, the question is, would you request a read receipt?
on the one hand you get peace of mind the application has been received and its just a waiting game. On the other hand, it could be just that initial filtering negative which sends it straight to the trash can?

I guess at the end of the day if the company has HR which would bin an application on a read-receipt request, do you really want to work for them?

having worked closely with HR department, yours really is a valid point. A few weeks back the  HR Assistant informed IT that she had just discovered the recruitment email (for returning submitted applications) wasnt working. 3 vacancies had opened and closed by then. quite a few applications were never considered.

On the other hand, i know that the HR Manager does not send read/acknowledge reciepts.

So moral of story is, its quite a good idea to maybe phone the company and just say something like, "i;ve been having problems sending emails, did you recieve my application?" Most places should have a master list of names i.e. applications forms received. And at least it shows your keen.

Is another viable option to just request a confirmation email in the body which says the application is attached? Its not as in your face, and shows a bit of courtesy, but at the same time I guess requires more effort on their part:(

Again. Pick the phone up.

Quote from: BigSoyDont do either and follow up with a personal call to the HR department instead to check the email arrived - easier to paint in the right light and much easier to spin if they sound in any way pissed.

 

But then you end up with the old ruddy mess of when to call, you dont want to seem overly keen, but you also dont want to play hard to get....