Unemployed. Need a job!

Manners. What's become of them?

Remember back in the day when you'd apply for jobs and you'd actually hear something back right away? You know, the standard, "Thank you for applying to Company XYZ. We are in the process of reviewing your resume and if you are considered a fit for the job, we will be in contact with you shortly."

What's happened to these form letters? And are people really too busy at their jobs nowadays to have the decency to send them?

I can't tell you how often I am frustrated by hearing absolutely nothing. OK, I am smart enough to know that no answer is also an answer. But what gives, people?

I recently applied for a job where I thought I already had an "in." I'd written a freelance piece for the magazine in question and handed in my work before deadline. I thought I was on good terms with the editor. Or at least good enough terms to deem a response. After all, we're in the writing biz!

But nope. No feedback. More than two weeks have gone by and I have e-mailed twice and even called once. Nada. Nix.

Even if I suck -- please be so kind as to tell me. I'd rather hear that than nothing at all.