I used to carefully manage the applicant process when I was trying to hire someone for my department. I'd post job requirements, interview, shepard the process etc. HR would get involved after we'd chosen the person.

I would never reject anyone without telling them. I hated when people did that to me.

Except I'm a GEEK!

I had no business putting my company in legal jeapardy, which happened everytime I gave anyone information. I did not know enough when to keep my mouth shut. Every time I rejected someone and told them why, it could have meant a lawsuit.

Also, by involving HR later on in the process, we would get to the point of making the offer and then HR would kill it based on a reason we were not aware of during the pre-HR process. Which was horrible for the person who thought he had a job only to be told never-mind.

So right now, we have a position open. I was asked to try to find qualified people. I gather the resumes, forward them to my boss, and occasionally comment on the person if I have personal knowledge of them. I will also judge if they can do the job based on the resume and if the warrant further effort. My boss will pass them along to HR for their approval. I am never the last person on the chain of passing the resumes. Too dangerous.

But I will NEVER tell the person who sent me the resume where it is in the process. Just that it got sent along. You may have seen this in our job forum. I will not risk my job opening my mouth. There are too many lawyers waiting to stomp on me.

I will always tell the person my company's name and they can contact HR directly if they wish.