I don't know what to say or how to not sound like a dick.
I'm sure you know the stock phrases. If you don't, "Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, but we've decided to move on with another candidate. Good luck with your job search" is perfectly adequate. If it's been a few weeks, and you feel you need to apologize for the delay -- then of course do so. Really, it does help.
About the only "dick move" is sending no response at all. People don't need lengthy explanations and reinforcement of their positive traits. They just need an answer (yes or no) and, perchance, some acknowledgement of the fact that they're human beings, and have made a significant investment of their time and energy in talking with you.
It still amazes me how many companies don't get this.
That said, big companies have professionals whose job it is to make sure this doesn't happen.
I think what happens in big companies is that everyone assumes someone has the responsibility to do this, but no one ever does.
I think it has more to do with feeling like a dick and not wanting to say No explicitly because it causes emotional discomfort. So you procrastinate to avoid that discomfort.
I'm sure you've heard of the concept of "fade out" in dating. Same thing.
I know on a logical level that this makes me a dick and that I shouldn't do it. But on an emotional level, it's so much easier to avoid making an implicit decision explicit.
That said, I hold everyone who's ever followed up of their own accord in very high regard. If I don't say anything for two weeks send me an email.
I'm sure you know the stock phrases. If you don't, "Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, but we've decided to move on with another candidate. Good luck with your job search" is perfectly adequate. If it's been a few weeks, and you feel you need to apologize for the delay -- then of course do so. Really, it does help.
About the only "dick move" is sending no response at all. People don't need lengthy explanations and reinforcement of their positive traits. They just need an answer (yes or no) and, perchance, some acknowledgement of the fact that they're human beings, and have made a significant investment of their time and energy in talking with you.
It still amazes me how many companies don't get this.
That said, big companies have professionals whose job it is to make sure this doesn't happen.
I think what happens in big companies is that everyone assumes someone has the responsibility to do this, but no one ever does.