I didn't get the job - How do I ask why?

[mikester]

So, I recently interviewed for a position I know I was qualified for. I did feel like I was iffy on getting the interview based on the way the phone screen went. I was surprised when they called again.

I had the interview last week, mid week and today I followed up with the HR folks to find out any feedback I could on the time line for the second round interviews.

They asked if I was interviewing anywhere else, I am but I wasn't sure how I should answer that. The job with them is the one I am interested in, well, was at least.

I sent a note to the hiring manager after the interview expressing my thanks for his time and consideration and that I was looking forward to hearing back from him about the next steps.

I felt the interview went well, no tension, I felt good with these guys and honestly most of the time I feel like I do well in interviews. There was one technical question that I flubbed a bit but our further discussions on the technology should have laid to rest any issues with my knowledge of it.

I WANT FEEDBACK! I can accept not getting the job but I need some indication as to why, most of the jobs I have ever interviewed for I have at least gotten an offer for. Most, not all but the ones that I haven't - it was easy to tell that I probably didn't want it. Either it wasn't a good fit, I didn't 'like' who I was interviewing with or just general bad feeling about it.

This time I felt good. I always tell the interviewers on my way out that I really value their feedback even if they don't want to hire me.

Maybe it's the economy, I haven't had very many interviews but mostly because of the positions not being what I've been looking for.

On the way out the Manager gave me his card, I could call him but I think that would be stalkerish. Still - why would he give me his card if I wasn't going to get another call? Seems silly to me to give me your card if you don't intend to see me again.

A friend asked me how it went after the fact and I told her 'interviewing is like going on a date - even if you make it a few basis you never know if they will call you again.'

[Moses]

I am sorry that I was not chosen for the job for which I interviewed. I am working to build a more competitive application and I would greatly appreciate your feedback. Is there anything specific that I could do in the future to be a stronger candidate for employment with your firm?

In advance I thank you for your time and consideration.

(Clean it up a bit-it's poorly constructed. But that's the general approach I would take.)

[Oh Haha]

Shoot the guy an email. I did the same thing with the job I have now.

I didn't get the job but the guy they hired didn't work out so they called me back.

I really don't think it will hurt to ask. To me, it shows character to want to understand why you "failed" so that you could improve on those issues.

[mikester]

Thanks Guys, those two replies got me over to where I need to be.

[Zeke]

Not sorry, disappointed. Maybe "working to build a more competitive application" suggests modifying what you have in a way that is not so truthful. I'd leave that out and just use the 1st and last sentences.

[VaSteve]

I'd call rather than send an email. My employer royally screwed the pooch with a hire and she kept emailing me. There was no way I was going to put anything in writing....these days. Give a call early morning or after 5 when the hiring mgr might still be there and be honest. Hopefully you'll get the same.

[austin552]

You may be over qualified. I have been shooting for anything and have been told that. WELL, I still need a job people.

[Eric Coffey]

I agree with Steve about the preference of the phone call over an email. If you have to send an email/letter, Moses was on the right track. Structure it as a thank you letter with an imbedded feedback request. Another quick n' dirty composition:

Dear so-and-so,

Even though I was not ultimately chosen for the position, I wanted to thank you for your time and consideration. In hopes of sharpening my interview skills and strengthening my overall application package, I would greatly appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism you may have to offer.

Regards,
Mikester

[jluetjen]

I'm in sales an get a similar response from potential customers all the time. I'd suggest this...

Nicely (in a friendly manner) call the people who interviewed you and do the following...
1) Verbally thank them for taking the time to meet with you. One sentence will do.
2) 1 sentence reference to something that you discussed in the interview. (For example" I found it interesting the way your organization does...")
3) Ask them for any input that they might be willing to offer to improve your presentation.

Keep it very friendly, but professional. If you don't get them, leave a voicemail stating why you were calling and a number. Acknowledge that it will be a short call. Personally I dislike long, wordy, formal professional sentences. Converse like you would with someone who is familiar to you.

If they don't call you back, they are not going to.

[Aerkuld]

Originally Posted by mikester

...On the way out the Manager gave me his card, I could call him but I think that would be stalkerish. Still - why would he give me his card if I wasn't going to get another call? Seems silly to me to give me your card if you don't intend to see me again...

Having been conducting some interviews recently I would be pleased if someone called me back for feedback. Whether that's because I've done it before myself I don't know, but I'd suggest something along the lines of this;

"Good morning xxxxx, this is xxxxx. I was just following up on my interview yesterday/last week and although I understand you are considering other candidates I was hoping you could give me some feedback and offer some suggestions on areas I could improve."

I feel that a call like that would show two things. First, it shows you care about your presentation and want to improve, and secondly it demonstrates that you follow up on your work an don't leave loose ends.

The advantage of a phone call over a letter is that it is direct and won't get brushed to the side and forgotten about. On the other hand if the hiring authority doesn't really know why they didn't hire you, or if they just want to get you out of their way then the answer you get will be worthless but it's still better than no answer at all.

[stealthn]

From someone who get interviewed (consultant) and does a lot of interviews (for techs), I would not ask.

Just let it go, I know it's hard but it's usually something in Chemistry as much as anything else, so this makes putting it into words impossible.

The best advice for an interview is have the confidence you don't need the job, but know you can do it, and everything will fall into place.

Good luck.

[mikester]

Originally Posted by austin552

You may be over qualified. I have been shooting for anything and have been told that. WELL, I still need a job people.

It was a Sr. position - still - it is possible that I am over qualified in some ways. Probably not technically but maybe organizationally. I felt like I might have been a bit better than the technical supervisor that was also interviewing me and who ultimately would have been my supervisor.

I dunno, I appreciate the direction guys. I can make the follow up phone call.

I'm wondering if my admitting that I am interviewing elsewhere may have turned them off somehow. I told them that I was but that I did not intend to rush them or anything.

[jluetjen]

Originally Posted by mikester

I'm wondering if my admitting that I am interviewing elsewhere may have turned them off somehow. I told them that I was but that I did not intend to rush them or anything.

I wouldn't sweat that. That's like asking a salesman if he's talking to the competition. The answer is "Of course I am!" I'd most likely follow it up with "But right now I'm talking with you and I would like to make the most of this time to understand how I can help you accomplish what you want to get done".

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by mikester

A friend asked me how it went after the fact and I told her 'interviewing is like going on a date - even if you make it a few bases you never know if they will call you again.'

Did you let them touch your boobs? Geez, never do that without a commitment

[mikester]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Did you let them touch your boobs? Geez, never do that without a commitment

Maybe. I don't kiss and tell (much).

[RWebb]

"I am working to build a more competitive application and I would greatly appreciate your feedback."

yeh - one mod tho...

I am working to build my skills to a more competitive level and I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

or some such - I'd just call the Mgr - what have you got to lose?

[DavidB911]

Its a difficult position, but I wouldn't think they would be too offended/pissed off if you did one of the suggestions. This is like everything else in the hiring process, you will get a different answer from each person. When I was looking for a job, I wanted feedback too. I just didn't feel like it was my place to ask even though it would have helped.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Some HR departments offer "positions" and even conduct interviews with absolutely no intention of actually hiring anyone in an attempt to make themselves look busy. Yes, I have first-hand knowledge that this actually happens. Not saying that's for sure what happened here, but I wouldn't put it past people these days...

[aigel]

Call the hiring manager. Don't say you want to know why you did not get hired. Rather tell him that you really enjoyed coming in and that you liked the position and that you are disappointed it didn't work out. However, you will be happy to be considered in the future for this or other positions, if they should need you. If the manager wants you to know something, he'll cough it up - again, I would not ask for it. Maybe I am overly proud, but IMHO it shows insecurity to ask "what did I do wrong, how can I do better". You are who you are - sounds like you are mature enough where you won't change anyway.

George

[mikester]

Originally Posted by aigel

Call the hiring manager. Don't say you want to know why you did not get hired. Rather tell him that you really enjoyed coming in and that you liked the position and that you are disappointed it didn't work out. However, you will be happy to be considered in the future for this or other positions, if they should need you. If the manager wants you to know something, he'll cough it up - again, I would not ask for it. Maybe I am overly proud, but IMHO it shows insecurity to ask "what did I do wrong, how can I do better". You are who you are - sounds like you are mature enough where you won't change anyway.

George

I'm mature enough to try to recognize when change might benefit me.

Professionally, constructive criticism is something that I always look for - I HATE reviews I get from managers where they tell me how great I am.

I know how great I am.

I am the greatest.

Tell me your gripes, Even though I'm the greatest I think I can be a little better.

I don't see asking where I fell short as weakness; in the art of war, if you do not understand your weaknesses - you can be certain your enemies will.

I can't imagine it was a technical issue but there was a question I got that I did not articulate an very good answer to. It haunts me a bit because it was stupid. I had been up a few hours that night with my teething 10 month old so I wasn't on top of my game but I felt like I did well everywhere else.

I do have short comings on the position, I am missing some experience in a key area they are looking for but it is only the one area. Every where else I feel like I am aces, well, was aces.

My motivation isn't so much this job anymore but preventing myself from making the same mistake again.