Just bummed out about a job I didn't get

[Anonymous]

I applied for a position I really was excited about and was a really good fit just before Christmas and was really happy to be asked to have a phone interview the second week of January. About a week later, I got a second interview and thought it went really well. Another week later I heard they were checking my references. I was psyched. Finally, in mid February I met with the Exec Director for a third interview. A checked in a few days later and was told the he enjoyed meeting me and would follow up. Then...nothing. It had been two weeks so today, pretty sure that I didn't get the job, I emailed the person I originally interviewed with to check in and wish them the best, and she confirmed they went with another candidate. I'm bummed out.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I applied for a position I really was excited about and was a really good fit just before Christmas and was really happy to be asked to have a phone interview the second week of January. About a week later, I got a second interview and thought it went really well. Another week later I heard they were checking my references. I was psyched. Finally, in mid February I met with the Exec Director for a third interview. A checked in a few days later and was told the he enjoyed meeting me and would follow up. Then...nothing. It had been two weeks so today, pretty sure that I didn't get the job, I emailed the person I originally interviewed with to check in and wish them the best, and she confirmed they went with another candidate. I'm bummed out.

Wow, that's crazy. I don't have my people check references unless we're going to offer. I'd guess an internal candidate came up that they had to hire.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry-- there was an internal job I didn't get recently and I was actually surprised how much it bummed me out.

[Anonymous]

I didn't get a job last fall and it made me cry. Hang in there, OP.

[Anonymous]

I am in the same boat this week. I allowed myself one day to sulk, now just trying to move on. The right thing is out there. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

My dad used to say that if a company didn't hire you, they were doing you a favor because they knew you wouldn't be happy there. Don't know if it helps, but that's probably true. You'll get 'em next time.

[Anonymous]

OP, hang in there. I am a lawyer, and when I started out I was basically screwed. No offer in hand, no prospects. I was interviewing at bottom-of-the-barrel plaintiffs' firms, too. Finally got a rejection from one of those -- because I was "too smart," which just sent me over the edge. But a few months later, I landed a good job at a great firm and eventually worked my way up to biglaw in DC.

I don't necessarily believe in "fate," but things do have a way of working out in the end. If I had gotten an offer from a crappy firm, I would have taken it and most definitely wouldn't be where I am now. The same is true for you, I am sure. You will eventually get an offer, and you will end up where you need to be.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP. That really stinks. I am surprised that they checked your references and didn't offer you the job. I had that happen to me recently, and I was horrified. I am now more horrified to see that it's more common than I thought.

Chin up OP!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the kind words, folks. I really appreciate them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry OP. That really stinks. I am surprised that they checked your references and didn't offer you the job. I had that happen to me recently, and I was horrified. I am now more horrified to see that it's more common than I thought.

Chin up OP!

I had the same experience last year. But everything that happens is for the best - even thought the place looked great and the job fantastic, I have since heard bad things about it.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure your references didn't torpedo this?

[Anonymous]

Hugs, OP. I've been there. Was stuck in a miserable job, had a few great interviews at an amazing company, and was the runner up. I was beside myself. But it did work out in the end. Not that I still wouldn't have wanted that job, but I got another one, and it was really amazing, opened up tons of doors.

I also agree w/ the comment about the recs. My experience has generally been that references are a "check the box" step. If you haven't heard in a few weeks, I think it's fine to call and follow-up. If they tell you that you didn't get it, ask to have coffee and talk about the interview and job market (or just ask directly if they have any thoughts on where you should improve for future interviews). I'd even be so bold as to ask about your recommendations. Something along the lines of "I was wondering if my references were helpful. There were a few others I could have used, but did not, and I'm wondering if it might be better to list others in the future." It gives them a chance to tell you that your references are the problem without having to say that's what blew it for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure your references didn't torpedo this?

This. +1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hugs, OP. I've been there. Was stuck in a miserable job, had a few great interviews at an amazing company, and was the runner up. I was beside myself. But it did work out in the end. Not that I still wouldn't have wanted that job, but I got another one, and it was really amazing, opened up tons of doors.

I also agree w/ the comment about the recs. My experience has generally been that references are a "check the box" step. If you haven't heard in a few weeks, I think it's fine to call and follow-up. If they tell you that you didn't get it, ask to have coffee and talk about the interview and job market (or just ask directly if they have any thoughts on where you should improve for future interviews). I'd even be so bold as to ask about your recommendations. Something along the lines of "I was wondering if my references were helpful. There were a few others I could have used, but did not, and I'm wondering if it might be better to list others in the future." It gives them a chance to tell you that your references are the problem without having to say that's what blew it for you.

That's good advice. Thanks.

I don't think that my recs killed me. I heard back from all three of them that they gave me a really strong recommendation and that the job seemed like a really good fit. I also don't think that they would have moved me to the next step of talking with the ED, right? I think I must have screwed up that interview. I'll own that and chalk it up to a learning experience.