Find out Why You Didn’t Get the Job?
After sending in a stellar resume, you even blew recruiter away in the phone screening. And above all you slayed everyone you spoke with during your in-person interview. And yet, you didn’t get the job. You’re still wondering what went wrong, you never heard back or received any feedback at all. And in the worst case you received a useless feedback stating “we found a better candidate and, so we decided to go further with him/her.” Thank you for your patience and time.
And yes its far-fetched frustrating, when the hiring manager or recruiter doesn’t even share a concrete reason “why were you passed over”, even after being an amazingly impressive personality. So, if you are also facing such situation in your career, then don’t worry. Because there is always a way to figure out what really went wrong with you….here’s how.
Reach Out to the Decision Maker
Rather than assuming things on your own, try to reach to the hiring manager. It’s best to contact the hiring manager and ask your queries directly and not get stuck with the HR representative or recruiter.
As, there are high chances of getting a programmed HR response like- “we found a better candidate,” etc.. While a hiring manager is more likely to give you a convincing response that will be apt to feed your queries.
But if you have no contact with the hiring manager, and now you want to reach out to him/her. As, you want to reach out to someone who is in a position to point them in your directions.
Still worry not, even if you don’t have the contact details of the hiring manager, but you can get in touch with whoever your point of contact was throughout the recruitment process. Because even if they can’t provide the required feedback, still they will pass your query onto to someone who can.
And in some cases if you haven’t been provided with the contact information of the hiring manager, then you might try to look up their contact details on LinkedIn or Google their email address. Mind it this can turn out to be a mistake, as they fell uncomfortable with you contacting them when they didn’t provide you with any contact details.
Express Gratitude
Make sure you always open your message with a note of thanks in such cases. Because nobody wants to engage with a candidate sounds demanding or presumptuous.
As, thanking someone for providing you the opportunity and taking time to interview you can always help you start the conversation in a healthy and positive manner.
To sum up this, you should express the gratitude for the fact that they are going out of their way to eye your note. After all, they are not bound to provide you with the feedback.
Try to show your request for the required feedback that you are appreciating the recruiter or the hiring manager as they are likely to be busy. This way you won’t sound too demanding or pushy.”
Be affirmative
Loosing heart isn’t an option mind it, you better get prepared for more great opportunities. Not getting a job isn’t the end of the thing, you might be disappointed with the end results but don’t lose hope and show resentment. Do remember “there is always a second chance.” So, you better gear up for more opportunities that are waiting for you.
Try to show that you do understand their reason of not hiring you, because otherwise you may sound bitter which is not a healthy attitude. Rather be the understanding personality looking for an honest feedback to help them with the job search.
Don’t end up deprecating yourself by giving deprecating statements like: “how did it happen to you,” “I’m screwed,” etc… Instead frame a personal growth conversation with yourself
Make your question about ‘how’ can you improve it. And “don’t make your question about ‘why’ you didn’t get the job. As people are more likely to respond to someone that seeks out growth as opposed to someone that just wants answers,” be the growth seeker rather clinging on the same thing.
Be precise
When finally you decided to get the honest feedback, then try to make your email precise i.e. to the point not more than one paragraph. As they are most probably busy with their own hard work schedule, so make sure you honour their time and energy.
You can keep it simple by trying to avoid the general questions and instead get yourself to the main issue and ask the exact questions. Keep it a 2-3 questions affair from the interview you had, drill down into the precise issue.
One best thing you can do is to ask them “what might could have taken you there” that would have made them select you over other candidates.
Keep your doors open for the best
Getting a rejection for a job doesn’t states you can never apply there again. You could have been a close second to their selection, so at the end of your message reiterate your interest in the respective company only if you really want or interested. Add something like- “I’d like to connect for the coming future opportunities, or if anything changes,” etc.
This will raise your chance of getting contacted by the company as this will go far. Whenever the new hires fail, in the first few months, they will memorise your graciousness.
And there are chances that they’ll refer you to the upcoming opportunities.
*always end your email by asking them if they know anyone else you can reach out as you continue with your job search. Because if not this job there are chances that you might get a lead.
Inculcate patience and also get ready to hear No for an Answer
Patience is the key, just remember this. So, if the person you reached out fails to respond you, then just don’t try to catch his/her attention by constant emails and ping him/her until you receive your response
“Think about them too, as giving specific constructive feedback isn’t easy and it takes time to prepare it.” Also, recalling the experience with you will take a bit of time, so a thoughtful response will only come your way if you have enough patience. And even if they never respond then also don’t trouble them.
“Usually companies tend to overlook or avoid giving feedback to avoid taking any risk.” As many hires have trouble putting their decisions into words. Because there are more chances that they might fail to express their decision clearly and give it a perfect definition and even if they succeed in delivering a perfect feedback, there are chances it may not turnout meaningful to the overlooked applicant.
Sample Message
There is a sample message of what you can say to the hiring manager.
Hi (Hiring Manager),
I wanted to give my token of thanks for the amazing opportunity provided by you to interview for the respected position (mention the job title) with your company. I enjoyed learning about the company (mention the name of the company) and also knowing you and your team during the interview was a great experience. I respect your decision of moving forward with another candidate better firing your current needs.
Now, as i continue my job search, it’d be of great help if you provide me with your feedback on hoe can i really improve as a candidate. Whenever you find a minute time, please write me insight into what exactly I, need to do or improve to help me stand out and progress in my professional life? Please consider the following to provide me feedback on:
- To help advance my career, what skills can I improve upon? And what is holding me back?
- What different could I have done to stand out to stand out, if i had to the opportunity to redo my interview?
I appreciate any forthright feedback from your end to help me improve and understand the things I’m lacking in. Also, it’d be of great help you know any companies that may have vacancy for my work profile, or anyone else i can reach out to, as I continue my job search then please do inform me.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position. I wish you and your team continued success.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Getting upset over not getting the job you were interested in is an obvious depressing thing. And it may double if you don’t hear any feedback from the hiring manager. But never mind, don’t take it personally and just remember one thing there is always a second chance and the right job for you is right out there for you it’s just a matter of right time.
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