Post Interview etiquette

[Blazers46]

So I have had a few job interviews with no luck. I have emailed hiring managers asking for feedback on how I handled the interview process, my strengths ~ weaknesses ~ red flags or just general advice. Nobody ever responds. A few jobs were internal and I know I was more qualified and more educated (its all about who you know, who knows you sort of thing), but how do I get feedback? How do I get a better damn job?

 

[kmoose]

So I have had a few job interviews with no luck. I have emailed hiring managers asking for feedback on how I handled the interview process, my strengths ~ weaknesses ~ red flags or just general advice. Nobody ever responds. A few jobs were internal and I know I was more qualified and more educated (its all about who you know, who knows you sort of thing), but how do I get feedback? How do I get a better damn job?

Start a Super-PAC....

 

[woolybug25]

What kind of positions are you applying for?

 

[TDHeysus]

So I have had a few job interviews with no luck. I have emailed hiring managers asking for feedback on how I handled the interview process, my strengths ~ weaknesses ~ red flags or just general advice. Nobody ever responds. A few jobs were internal and I know I was more qualified and more educated (its all about who you know, who knows you sort of thing), but how do I get feedback? How do I get a better damn job?

As far as the internal positions, do you know someone in that department, that isn't the hiring manager? You might get some answers that way. Also don't send an email, because that leaves a paper trail.

You may want to call these places and speak to the hiring managers over the phone to see if they will answer your questions that way. Legally, I don't even know if they can talk to you, because that could be interpreted as showing favortism. But I think you might be more likely to get feedback if you ask the question over the phone because there is no paper trail.

 

[Irish YJ]

what's your tenure and experience level vs the other folks?

don't get me wrong, who you know is important, but it's not everything. I just hired a guy off the street over a friend/associate with a proven track record. there are many more factors than education, and "qualified" is a very loaded word.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

So I have had a few job interviews with no luck. I have emailed hiring managers asking for feedback on how I handled the interview process, my strengths ~ weaknesses ~ red flags or just general advice. Nobody ever responds. A few jobs were internal and I know I was more qualified and more educated (its all about who you know, who knows you sort of thing), but how do I get feedback? How do I get a better damn job?

It's not expected of hiring managers to give reasons for their rejections.

You'd be better off searching for professional advice, regarding interviews.

What school did you attend? I'm a Purdue grad, and I know our "center for career opportunities" is open for alumni, for life. They accept walk-ins, appointments, and phone/email correspondence. They provide all sorts of career advice, including interview tips and mock interviews.

If you're school doesn't have programs like this, I'm sure your local community probably has professionals that specialize in career advancement techniques.

Also, maybe you have a friend or family member that is or has been a hiring manager? You could always ask them for advice.

Best of luck!

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

So I have had a few job interviews with no luck. I have emailed hiring managers asking for feedback on how I handled the interview process, my strengths ~ weaknesses ~ red flags or just general advice. Nobody ever responds. A few jobs were internal and I know I was more qualified and more educated (its all about who you know, who knows you sort of thing), but how do I get feedback? How do I get a better damn job?

Also, have you had recruiting coordinators lining up these interviews?

If so, all email correspondence is expected to go through them (in most cases). I know for my interview with Bristol Myers-Squibb, I interviewed with 10 different coworkers (5 hour interview), and I had to send all 10 thank you notes through my HR coordinator.

Perhaps your interviewers aren't even receiving your follow ups?

 

[IrishLax]

I want to go into detail here, but suffice to say most companies have a strict rule on giving ZERO feedback to people they don't hire. The reason why is that giving feedback often produces legal exposure to discrimination lawsuits vis a vis the hiring process.

 

[Blazers46]

This might come out of left field, but I'm a social worker. In a recent internal interview I got runner up (per admin asst) to a guy with no experience, less education but he's been there a year longer. When I spoke to others before and after they insisted its probably going to be him no matter what and it held true. I have called and emailed with no answers. You would think I could just walk up and talk to these people but I work in a different building and work slightly different hours. For social work my resume should be gold with past employment Indiana, I moved to new mexico and I cant beat guys that just graduated from local NMSU, I'm an IU and ASU grad. I'm thinking not being from here or going to school here has really been my downfall. Plus I'm new so I don't have the connections either.

 

[JTLA]

I want to go into detail here, but suffice to say most companies have a strict rule on giving ZERO feedback to people they don't hire. The reason why is that giving feedback often produces legal exposure to discrimination lawsuits vis a vis the hiring process.

Yes. This.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I want to go into detail here, but suffice to say most companies have a strict rule on giving ZERO feedback to people they don't hire. The reason why is that giving feedback often produces legal exposure to discrimination lawsuits vis a vis the hiring process.

Yep, I wouldn't bother with a "post interview" question. Unless you know for sure that the interviewer is someone that isn't going to be hogtied. (local business owner, independent, etc).

Even then, it's just going to put the interviewer in an awkward situation, so they probably will just ignore it, or at "best" send a cliché response, that doesn't help at all.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

This might come out of left field, but I'm a social worker. In a recent internal interview I got runner up (per admin asst) to a guy with no experience, less education but he's been there a year longer. When I spoke to others before and after they insisted its probably going to be him no matter what and it held true. I have called and emailed with no answers. You would think I could just walk up and talk to these people but I work in a different building and work slightly different hours. For social work my resume should be gold with past employment Indiana, I moved to new mexico and I cant beat guys that just graduated from local NMSU, I'm an IU and ASU grad. I'm thinking not being from here or going to school here has really been my downfall. Plus I'm new so I don't have the connections either.

I'm confused, I know I don't know all the details, but how does your competitor have "no experience", but he's been there a year longer? Is it a completely different role for him, and your experience is more relevant to position?

Sometimes what you perceive as "not relevant" experience, might be the type of experience that is exactly what the employer is looking for. Obviously I don't know the details, but maybe they were looking to hire an "outsider" that will bring a unique background to the position.

 

[Irish#1]

I want to go into detail here, but suffice to say most companies have a strict rule on giving ZERO feedback to people they don't hire. The reason why is that giving feedback often produces legal exposure to discrimination lawsuits vis a vis the hiring process.

LAX is right, it's probably been 25-30 years since most companies started doing this due to people filing lawsuit. The most you ever get today is a letter stating they have selected another candidate. Many don't even say "more qualified" because that is open to interpretation. Forget about why they selected someone else. It won't help your mental health.

Find out the names of HR recruiters for some companies you would like to work for. They don't have to be the top dog, just someone that usually gets involved in the hiring process. Give them a call. If you have to leave a VM, tell them you're not looking for them to hire you, but you want a few minutes of their time to get some advice before going out and looking for a job. You've now solicited them as an expert and everyone likes to be stroked now and then. Offer to buy lunch. They can give you some good advice and will remember you the next time there is an opening if you apply. Now you have a leg up.

Learn about the company (or dept. if it's internal) before you go in for an interview. Find out the biggest issues facing them today. Explain how your experience will help them achieve their goals. I know it's obvious, but make sure you wear a suit and tie regardless of what anyone says. That makes you stand out. Don't embellish or put too much in your resume. Don't put graduation dates next to your degree. They may see you as too young or too old. Write it so when they are done reading it, it leaves them wanting to learn more about you. For example, "Led team that reduced operating expenses by five percent". They'll want to know more about you and your skill set.

Also keep in mind that it's a numbers game. The more you get out there, the better.

 

[Black Irish]

So I have had a few job interviews with no luck. I have emailed hiring managers asking for feedback on how I handled the interview process, my strengths ~ weaknesses ~ red flags or just general advice. Nobody ever responds. A few jobs were internal and I know I was more qualified and more educated (its all about who you know, who knows you sort of thing), but how do I get feedback? How do I get a better damn job?

I found that outside recruiters will tend to be more open with you regarding why you weren't selected for the position, if they have access to the information.

 

[Blazers46]

I'm confused, I know I don't know all the details, but how does your competitor have "no experience", but he's been there a year longer? Is it a completely different role for him, and your experience is more relevant to position?

Sometimes what you perceive as "not relevant" experience, might be the type of experience that is exactly what the employer is looking for. Obviously I don't know the details, but maybe they were looking to hire an "outsider" that will bring a unique background to the position.

I have been an investigator for child protective services, an independent living consultant for foster children, masters of social work. This guy has a bachelor's degree in biology and has been a detention guard for 2 years. I took a position at this detention center hoping to get this position as the transition coordinator for the juveniles. He has more experience at the detention center, not even close to overall.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I have been an investigator for child protective services, an independent living consultant for foster children, masters of social work. This guy has a bachelor's degree in biology and has been a detention guard for 2 years. I took a position at this detention center hoping to get this position as the transition coordinator for the juveniles. He has more experience at the detention center, not even close to overall.

Gotchya, thank you for the specifics.

There is still the chance that the hiring manager was looking for an "outside" candidate. Maybe the manager liked the science background of the candidate. Or maybe the manager just thought he felt more "close" to the other candidate.

Interviews suck, because there's so much snap judgment going on. And rarely will you know, definitively, why you were or were not chosen.

As another person in this thread has said, it's a numbers game, so you have to keep on trying to get your foot in the door. Take opportunities like these as learning opportunities. Obviously you aren't able to hear why you didn't get the job, but you can assess yourself, and keep going.

Sorry we don't have better advice, but there really isn't much else to do. It's a numbers game, and eventually your number will be picked. The more applications you send out, the more likely one is to stick.

Keep on keeping on!

 

[Blazers46]

Gotchya, thank you for the specifics.

There is still the chance that the hiring manager was looking for an "outside" candidate. Maybe the manager liked the science background of the candidate. Or maybe the manager just thought he felt more "close" to the other candidate.

Interviews suck, because there's so much snap judgment going on. And rarely will you know, definitively, why you were or were not chosen.

As another person in this thread has said, it's a numbers game, so you have to keep on trying to get your foot in the door. Take opportunities like these as learning opportunities. Obviously you aren't able to hear why you didn't get the job, but you can assess yourself, and keep going.

Sorry we don't have better advice, but there really isn't much else to do. It's a numbers game, and eventually your number will be picked. The more applications you send out, the more likely one is to stick.

Keep on keeping on!

Thanks

 

[Irish#1]

Interviews suck, because there's so much snap judgment going on. And rarely will you know, definitively, why you were or were not chosen.

So true. Read an article a number of years ago. Don't remember the specifics, but it said interviewers will know the minute they see you if you have a chance of getting hired.

 

[Black Irish]

I'll second what others have said. So often your qualifications take a back seat to how the interviewer feels about you. As cheesy as it sounds, a good or bad vibe can be the difference between getting the offer letter and getting shown the curb. People are still people, especially if you're being interviewed by the person who has to work along side you every day. They are looking for a good fit, not just the most qualified candidate.

 

[wizards8507]

Never go into an interview trying to be impressive. Just be likable.

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