Responding to Ads and Applicants in The Caretaker Gazette

One of our long-time subscribers, Hal, sent me an email earlier this week. In it, he explained that, "My wife Peg and I love the Gazette and have accepted several housesitting and caretaking positions you have advertised over the years." Hal continues, "I think Gazette is a great way to bring caretakers and property owners together. But, I do want to mention one thing that I sometimes encounter. My wife and I have applied for some positions where the property owner has not responded, either to acknowledge receiving my application or letter." Hal concludes by writing, "My wife and I understand that you can't control everything that property owners do once they have run their ads but it would be nice to receive a quick acknowledgment from a property owner. Thanks again for everything Gary. Hal"

Another email from Jana, a property owner, describes a similar situation, "Gary, your Situations Ads have always helped us find some very fine people to join us on our farm and retreat center. I think as a common courtesy, when someone runs an ad seeking a position and he or she is contacted by a landowner, a response back would go a long way toward helping us to shorten our list of prospective workers and let us know if someone is still interested. Just a simple, 'I am no longer interested' would be fine." In my responses to both Hal and Jana, I explained that we do hear this from other subscribers - not all property owners take the time to respond to applicants. The same can hold true for prospective caretakers or housesitters who run situation wanted ads. We ask that, even if they have already found a position, prospective caretakers or housesitters should please respond back to property owners.

When we accept ads for publication in The Caretaker Gazette, we ask all advertisers to have the courtesy to respond to everyone who answers their ads. A quick email or postcard will often suffice and go a long way toward leaving a good impression. Despite this, there are advertisers who still do not respond. Unfortunately, we have no control beyond asking advertisers, but we will continue to ask all advertisers to, out of courtesy, to please respond to people answering their Gazette ad.