Is this how 16 year olds are treated after job interviews?

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My DD has just turned 16, she's actively looking for a job to fit around college.

She applied for one in M&S, hours were perfect, she completed their tests online (there were loads) and got an interview. Attended interview, woman seemed impressed and said she'd let her know within two days. After a week she gave the lady a polite call to ask if she'd made a decision, she said she'd done a lot of interviews and would have to wait another week, so it wasn't a no. 3 weeks later she's still waiting, obviously she's not got the job but I expected more from M&S.

Applied for two more cafe jobs, one asked her to go for an interview, they gave her a time, when she turned up they said they were too busy, and turned her away. She never heard from them again.

Other one called her, left a message as she was in class and she has now returned their call 5 times. Each time they take a message, say someone will call her back and no one does.

So is this normal now and to be expected. I know she's mine, but she's well presented, polite, bubbly and did well in all her exams. These were her first ever interviews and I'm so fed up for her.

Yes, it seems to be, my two have had the same sorts of experiences.

It’s been like that for ages. My DD, many years ago, applied for a Saturday job and was interviewed. Never heard another thing. Appallingly poor behaviour and a shocking example to set.

That's shitty to not return her calls. Definitely not a good way to handle candidates.

However, there are dozens, and in some areas hundreds, of people applying for the same retail position. They've probably moved onto the next. There aren't any special qualities in a job like this, it's no loss to them to just move onto the next person.

I tried applying from 17 and gave up. Got a full time ob after graduating and didn't bother.

Basically there are no manners or courtesy left in British business.

My 18 year old had similar experience from Greggs. Everything they said/ did led her to believe she had been successful then two hours later a blunt email saying no.

Yes, I have two teenagers who have been applying for jobs since about Easter, submitted dozens of applications and I'd say the response rate (whether negative or positive) has been about 5%. Companies just don't even bother with a "thanks but no thanks". DS had interviews at a couple of household name retailers, didn't bother getting back to him even to say he hadn't been successful.

He is now working at Asda and I have to say they were much better with keeping in touch, their recruitment is handled centrally in the early stages but the stores manage the interviews and so on, and they were really good.

But yes, in general it's totally shit. I can sort of understand if you're a one man band running a cafe and get 250 applications for a part time job - responding to them all is quite a job. But for big brands where it's all online, all it would take is a standard email to every unsuccessful candidate.

Sadly nothing to do with her being a teenager. My husband in his fifties had to get a new job last year and had exactly the same experience.

Absolutely, although not sure it matters if you’re a teenager or older. DS has had similar experience. Nobody gives feedback, seldom get an acknowledgment of an application and if you do get an interview, they rarely respond in the timeframe given if at all. Bizarrely, the best experience a
has been with a fast food restaurant which used a chatbot to screen and set up interview. Then had a physical interview and heard back quickly. I appreciate people are busy but it doesn’t take a huge amount of effort to email a ‘thanks for your time but you were unsuccessful and we don’t offer individual feedback.’ Just a little respect for the effort of applying , researching a company, rehearsing interview questions, and time at the interview.

It is simply rude not to let people know.

This happens to adults too! I was made redundant in July, applied for about 30 jobs and heard back from around 5.

I don't understand. I thought that retail and the like couldn't get staff.

Definitely not about being a teenager - it’s appalling for everyone now!

It's odd, it was a couple of years ago now but my ds went for a job at mcdonalds. Heard nothing yet managed to get a job with the civil service. I think some of these chains probably employ people they know and are too rude to even send an email

I've had few employers as truly awful as M&S. Don't expect better from them - they are actually far worse than many!

This. And I remember it being the same when I was a teenager trying to get work.

Agree with everyone who says it's the same for all ages.

I put it down to the increased use of AI in recruitment. It's like "computer say no" if you don't tick exactly what they want you to tick.

I also applied for dozens of jobs in the NHS - I never even get an acknowledgement from their system. Considering how short staffed they are i'm wondering if their system even works.

How horrible, when I was young way back when dinosaurs walked the earth you were just able to walk into any shop advertising a job and you usually got it straight away. Lousy pay though

I’m a retail manager. I have just had around 80 applicants for an 8 hour a week job. When I’m short staffed, I send the regret emails in my own time. Not everyone can or will do this.
Hearing nothing after a face to face interview is v poor. If someone takes the time to come in, I’ll always call or at least email.
Her treatment is not because she’s 16, although it may be part of the no experience/not being given a chance to get experience cycle. I suspect it’s v similar for all ages currently.
Lots of employers are not good with recruitment and or retention.
She can add her experience on Glassdoor for M&S.