Through both direct and indirect experience, I have come to learn how inconsiderately inhumane some if not many employers are. I received an email one morning saying that I "am not the right fit for the position at this time" and that this potential employer is "sorry for the disappointing news." They didn't speak to me for even one fraction of a second yet word their exit email like that. Pro tip: There are countless ways to bid your farewell to an applicant and the above example is not one.
I took three organizational leadership skills courses, while getting my Masters degree (one in an HR concentration, one in a Communication concentration and one in an Organizational Leadership and Supervision concentration). One of the (many) things I learned is that, in order to be treated how you would like to be treated, you have to treat them the way they would like to be treated first. That isn't taught enough, as I'm sure you have your own personal examples on the subject.
The fun fact is, if you want to bring in the "best" employee, you have to be the "best" employer first. Especially if you require the applicant to submit a resume, cover letter and a filled-out application that just repeats the information that is in the resume and cover letter, offer time to the applicant in the interview process for "pick my brain" questions so everyone has the opportunity to be on the same page. If that applicant is "not the right fit at this time" for the role, no matter if they get an interview or not, either provide feedback on what could help them moving forward or simply thank them for taking the time to apply. I know that these things happen in the employment process, including management issues with high volumes of applicants, but the impersonal nature of too many employers rubs me the wrong way.
Don't just do better; be better. Thank you.