DEAR JOYCE: Preparing for and doing the interviewing is time-consuming and expensive. Why don't employers have the courtesy to get back after they've interviewed me? -- U.T.R.
This issue bugs lots of people because they haven't walked in employers' shoes.
So take your pick of reasons for employers' wall of silence: overworked, can't handle delivering bad news, economic circumstances changed and the job won't be filled after all, procrastinating with the hope that a miracle worker will walk through the door, jerk genes making them oblivious to others' feelings, poorly brought up with no manners, company policy to avoid legal exposure, or they simply forget to get back to you.
It's your job to follow up. After that, don't let the nonresponsive issue ruin your day. Allot two minutes to thinking about how, if you were hired, such nonresponsive behavior on the job would drive you nuts. Then move on to your next prospect.