Comments on: ‘Why wasn’t I hired?’ 6 ways managers botch the answer

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:50:53 +0000

When my resume gets “rejected” by some company, I truly would like to know why — as in “how could I become better qualified for that position?” — so I can do some self-improvement on my end.

Also, I have never failed to get a job when I mention, during the interview, that I have “no child care issues.” (Apologies to all you parents, but it’s a tough economy and I gotta play hardball sometimes.)

By: Carol

Carol — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:37:47 +0000

My sister received a letter from a company she interviewed with and was devastated by the way they worded the letter. She spent a lot of time second guessing herself and her skills and finally mentioned it to me. She thought she was perfect for the job and not being the “best fit” meant that there was something wrong with her. She had a lot of conditions on taking the job; I think that ruled her out and mentioned to her that she may need to be more flexible in the future. I also told her that that type of letter is a carbon copy of many used and not to take offense or take it personally.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:07:06 +0000

I agree…it’s difficult when an applicant calls and wants to know why…Brian we send a similar letter. Generally they don’t call back after that but some will call and ask what they can do better next time…that’s a difficult question…how do others handle that?

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:02:40 +0000

I feel your pain, Angel. I have been directed to send out the following letter/email intially:

We appreciate your interest in employment with and thank you for the time you took to interview with us. While your background and experience have been carefully reviewed, we are continuing our search for candidates who more closely fit our needs.

Again, thank you for your time and interest. We wish you the very best in your job search.

If they persist, I send this:
I’m sorry to say that we are unable to provide any additional information beyond the original letter mailed to you. We wish you the best in a successful job search.

I feel badly about it, but they don’t want me to (and I don’t want to) have that conversation.

By: Angel M

Angel M — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:57:30 +0000

And even if you just leave it simple, some candidates don’t get it and keep pestering. I have 3 guys calling me each day “following up” , “has the other guy quit”, or trying to convince me they are the perfect man for the job.

By: Susie

Susie — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:35:46 +0000

Interesting information!