In Japan it is considered impolite to say, “No”.  So if a Japanese company decides after a lengthy presentation that they do not want your product, instead of saying no, they will politely gush over how wonderful your product is. And then never contact you again.

Are your interviewers turning Japanese?

Perhaps a recruiter calls you,  interviews you twice, and tells you that you’re a perfect match for the client, and then … you don’t hear back. Or, you do a phone screen with an HR director, take two hours to complete their online personality assessment, and then … the long, dark rabbit hole of incommunicado.

What gives? Why is everyone turning Japanese when it comes to saying no? What can you do about it?

“Yes” comes quickly, and “no” never comes

In almost every situation, if an interviewer or client is interested, they will get back to you right away. And if they don’t, you will never hear from them again.  This seems to be the accepted practice in dating, business, and the entertainment industry as outlined by a screenwriter in The Happiness Project. You don’t have to like it, you just have to accept it.

Why no one says “no”

If you are still ticked off about people not following up with you after the three interviews or even the online application, think about the way you say no. There are emails you never respond to, phone calls you didn’t return, RSVPs you didn’t reply to. Or worse, you said yes and never showed up.  You were too busy or felt uncomfortable saying no.  Same with those employers or recruiters.

If having some empathy with the employers doesn’t work to reduce your anxiety not hearing back, then take three minutes out of your day to become more inspired.

Change the way you act

To paraphrase Gandhi, make it your business to become the change you wish to see in the world.  From now on, when you are looking to hire someone or select a vendor, always let the candidates know the outcome. The longer you spent talking to them, the more personalized the response should be.

Mojo Moves

• Don’t take a non-response personally,  but do understand it means “no”
• Commit to operating with more courtesy yourself, in the future
• Stop negative thinking, get inspired, and reinvigorate your work efforts

Got a story about non-responses?  Tips on how to deal with it?  Share below.

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