We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however...

[Kber]

5. HR's primary job

Is to ensure other employees are doing their jobs.

You can get fancy, and say it's about recruitment , retention, and performance management, but it boils down to getting people to show up and work.

Now, if a good candidate experience helps with that mission, then yes, it's part of the job to send thank you notes. If it doesn't, then resource strapped departments are going to focus their limited time elsewhere.

There is a false impression that HR is supposed to represent the views of the employee. If that helps in the mission, by creating a positive environment where employees are comfortable making suggestions and pointing out company mistakes, so be it. But make no mistake: even the most sympathetic, honest and helpful HR professional represents the company's interests, not the employees. An enlighten HR professional will try to create mutual best interests, but where there is separation, they side with the company.

If you want an employee representative, call your union rep.