I might suggest a time-saving maneuver that will de-stress you a good deal. (I don't *hire* anyone here at this house museum, as such, but I get dozens of applications to be the volunteer Museum Assistant for each year.)

Each year I devise a generic letter to send them in return, changing each name as needed and adding just one or two lines referring to their application, i.e. their interests and background. Just this morning, for instance, I replied to 9 applicants; took about 20 minutes. I keep the tone friendly and informal and invite them to write again if they have any questions or comments. Works.

Ebbie