[AngeloAnolin]

Lots of companies think that a human/humane reply to the outcome of the hiring process is another additional cost which simply needs to be automated as much as possible. The thinking borders on "if this person is not going to be hired anyway, why spend time and cost informing him/her. Probably best to just let him/her take the cue that no reply means rejection."

[brudgers]

The other piece of the puzzle is that companies often interview based on projected or possible needs, e.g. next quarter's potential staff increase or in preparation for the acceptance of a proposal. Therefore, an actual decision about "the position" may be months off when the project is a go or may never occur should the project be cancelled.

I will add that companies also will interview people simply out of a general interest in the candidate, a relationship with the recruiter, or because they are someone's girlfriend even when there is no intent of hiring the person anytime soon.