Q: I participated in two telephone interviews and three in-person interviews for a job.

The last interview was three weeks ago. I have not heard anything, despite my repeated e-mails and calls to the hiring manager, the HR representative, and the placement representative.

Is this the norm? I am really disappointed, as they used phrases like “you are ideal’’ and “your background is exactly what we need.’’ They even said that they “would like to talk about an offer.’’

I have heard of these types of stories from others but I thought they were exaggerating.

A: I hope it is not the new norm. It is disappointing to hear that you were left hanging. I hate to admit it, but I think that is the number one complaint that I hear from job seekers. I call it the “black hole.’’

It is one thing to submit a resume and never receive a response. But to not hear anything after you have invested hours into the process is problematic.

We get feedback from candidates who are annoyed when we e-mail them an update that tells them that they are not advancing in the process. A phone call is often better, but sometimes an e-mail is what time allows.

Receiving no response from the company or the placement representative is completely unprofessional. Several things could have happened to lead to this. For instance, the company could have found a stronger candidate, or it might have decided to put the role on hold.

It doesn’t matter — you should have received a quick e-mail, letter, or phone call explaining that the company is pursuing another candidate or not filling the job.

Sometimes, however, if you call a candidate with this news, they ask for feedback and become angry or defensive about the process. To avoid that kind of interaction, sometimes it is just easier to send a letter or an e-mail.

I am sorry that this was your experience. If it’s any consolation, this kind of thing also happens to us as a firm. We have a few great meetings with a potential client and develop a proposal. Then silence.

Of course, we follow up. More silence. If the company calls us back several months later, we often will decline to move forward. Basic manners are important. They are a sign of respect and are a sign of the culture within an organization.

An e-mail takes less than a minute to send, even if the message may be: “Thanks for meeting with us, but we are moving in another direction.’’

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is president of First Beacon Group in Hopkinton.