Dear and Reverend Fathers, Reverend Deacons, Business Managers, all those who lead music director (and other staff) searches...

As one who is on the hunt for a position, I'd like to make a request that would, I believe, be simple to fulfill and foster good will between those of us who are searching and those who are looking to hire. That request is for simple, clear, concise communication.

Over the past few months I have applied to probably a dozen positions. I don't toss out applications and resumes just willy-nilly. I don't think those who are seriously searching for a position do either. When I see that a position is open, I first check to make sure the parish could possibly be a good fit. I check out your websites, I contact colleagues in the area, I look at what has gone on in the past. I also custom fit my cover letter and resume to address matters that you bring up in your job descriptions. If you're looking for a chant specialist, I emphasize my work in chant. If you're looking for someone to build a program from scratch, I emphasize how I've done that in the past. It takes me at least a solid hour or two to prepare each application.

With that in mind, I am personally hurt when I take several hours out of my life to show interest in working for you, acquainting myself with your parish, and customizing my information to address your concerns, and you simply do not communicate back to me. No confirmation of receipt, no notification of where the process is, and no informing me that the position has been filled if I'm not selected. I understand you are busy. Please know this is not some sort of complaint that I think you're being lazy or that you don't care. I don't think that's the case at all. However, I know that if I receive no communication whatsoever from a parish during a hiring process, should that parish ever post a position again, it is very doubtful that I will apply again.

Now, please know that I'm not asking for an in-depth communication. For example, when you receive an application, perhaps something like this:

Dear Cantate,

Thank you for applying for the position of Director of Music at St. Whomever Parish. Your application materials have been received. Should you be selected for an interview, you will be contacted within the next three weeks.

Sincerely,

Father Smith


And you could even send the following form letter/email to everyone who applied who did not make the cut:

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for applying for the position of Director of Music at St. Whomever Parish. Your qualifications are impressive, but we've selected someone who we believe is the best fit for our parish.

Thank you,

Father Smith


I'm not asking to be coddled, and I'm not asking to be made to feel good about myself. All I'm asking is that you acknowledge the time that your applicants spend preparing their resumes and cover letters and all the work that it takes to applying to work for you by sending an email or letter than takes 45 seconds to write. It's just one of those gestures that goes a long way toward not only being polite, but keeping up the spirits of those who are looking for work.

Blessings and Thanks,

Cantate