I was PERFECT for the job, but still didn't get it.

[Anonymous]

I had two really good interviews at an organization I really wanted to work for. I'm enthusiastic about their philosophy and their way of doing things. The staff I met made me think I would fit in well. I have excellent recommendations. I am more than qualified for the job-- but in a "they'd be lucky to have me" way, not in a "don't hire her, she won't stay" way. Heck, I even live close, so they wouldn't have to worry about me being stuck in traffic and late for work!

They had half a dozen openings, too, so I thought I had a very good chance. Still, a few days ago I got the "no thanks" email.

I can usually acknowledge possible reasons someone else might have gotten the job instead of me, and then shrug it off and move on. In this case-- I was honestly shocked that they didn't hire me. I figured they must have had a big, excellent applicant pool.

Then today, I saw that they re-posted the ad.

I feel lower than dirt.

[Anonymous]

They are thinking they can find another version of you, but cheaper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had two really good interviews at an organization I really wanted to work for. I'm enthusiastic about their philosophy and their way of doing things. The staff I met made me think I would fit in well. I have excellent recommendations. I am more than qualified for the job-- but in a "they'd be lucky to have me" way, not in a "don't hire her, she won't stay" way. Heck, I even live close, so they wouldn't have to worry about me being stuck in traffic and late for work!

They had half a dozen openings, too, so I thought I had a very good chance. Still, a few days ago I got the "no thanks" email.

I can usually acknowledge possible reasons someone else might have gotten the job instead of me, and then shrug it off and move on. In this case-- I was honestly shocked that they didn't hire me. I figured they must have had a big, excellent applicant pool.

Then today, I saw that they re-posted the ad.

I feel lower than dirt.

You know what? You took the time, gave it your best shot, and while it sucks, look at it as their loss, not yours. Screw them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are thinking they can find another version of you, but cheaper.

I would have accepted the salary they were offering. I didn't even get that far.

[Anonymous]

Why not give them a quick call, honestly thank them for the chance to interview, and ask if they have any recommendations on what you can improve? Can't hurt to ask.

(And hopefully you already did this, but send a thank-you card to the primary interviewer and you can ask the same thing -- for a quick call or email letting you know what you could improve).

I work in HR at a big organization and this isn't an uncommon request. Could give you some insight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are thinking they can find another version of you, but cheaper.

Not the OP, but that's pretty much what happened to me. We never discussed salary but the person they hired is much younger and I figured that may have been part of it.

[Anonymous]

I have been there before also. It sucks but know that they are better off without you. Give yourself a day or two to "mourn," and I promise you that you will have moved on.

It makes you wonder what they are looking for.

[Anonymous]

sorry OP, it sucks.
They might come around after they conduct more interviews.
I got a no thanks email (never got an interview) almost a year ago.
After interviewing lots of people and not finding what they want, they called me and now I'm flying out to interview on Friday, although my interest in them has diminished. Im up for another job, too, but I felt like the interviews were fine, but not 'great' so I am pretty sure I'm not what they want.

Keep moving forward. You never know what someone is really looking for--there's a perfect fit on paper, and then IRL. Very different things.

[Anonymous]

Are you currently employed?
Are you younger/older than most of the people you met?

[Anonymous]

Do you know people who know people at the organization? You may be getting a bad rap.

[Anonymous]

Wow, that stings. Sorry, OP.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, OP. It happened to my husband, and to my best friend. I'm sure there's a great job out there for you! Stay strong.

[Anonymous]

It's their loss OP. You might have been a good fit for the JOB but obviously not the ORGANIZATION. They did you a favor, you just don't know it yet. They are incurring more costs by opening up another round of interviews. Let them!

I would send them a thank you note saying you enjoyed meeting with them, telling them everything you just told us, wishing them the best in finding a better candidate to make up for where your candidacy fell short (without mentioning the re-advertisement of course). I guarantee you they will take a second look, beat themselves over, or just come calling again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not give them a quick call, honestly thank them for the chance to interview, and ask if they have any recommendations on what you can improve? Can't hurt to ask.

(And hopefully you already did this, but send a thank-you card to the primary interviewer and you can ask the same thing -- for a quick call or email letting you know what you could improve).

I work in HR at a big organization and this isn't an uncommon request. Could give you some insight.

I agree with this thought. Worst case, they ignore you. But a lot of people want to help candidates, especially since you both invested a lot in the interviewing process thus far.

In general I DETEST your kind of thinking. I am a hiring manager. Candidates who think they are so wonderfully well suited often have no idea what the hiring manager is facing: personality conflicts, soft skills that critical to success, etc. Believe me, if they felt you were "perfect," you'd have gotten the offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not give them a quick call, honestly thank them for the chance to interview, and ask if they have any recommendations on what you can improve? Can't hurt to ask.
(And hopefully you already did this, but send a thank-you card to the primary interviewer and you can ask the same thing -- for a quick call or email letting you know what you could improve).

I work in HR at a big organization and this isn't an uncommon request. Could give you some insight.

FWIW, I hate when people do this, especially with a phone call. It really puts the interviewer on the spot. Plus, most people aren't going to give candid feedback. At most, you'll get a generic answer.

You might, though, want to send an email saying something along the following lines. "While I am very disappointed to learn that I was not selected, I did want to express again that I very much appreciate that you and others in your organization took the time to meet with me. [Insert a sentence or two about what you like about the organization.] Please keep me in mind should a need arise in the future for someone with my skill set." It shows interest and humility without being too pushy. Maybe they will still keep you in mind in the future.

Sorry you didn't get the job. I hope you find something that's right for you.