Really Odd Rejection

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Things happen. Maybe you interviewed on Monday and were great and someone came in on Thursday and knocked their socks off!

Usually at that stage there are 2-3 finalists that come in for finalist stage. I had this happen and thought for sure it was mine and didn't get the offer.

I have also been on the hiring side and everyone wanted Candidate A and the CEO wanted Candidate B, so Candidate B was chosen (and didn't last a year). Sometimes it is a group decision, sometimes CEO, sometimes hiring manager.

As you said on another reply the recruiters mentioned lack of tenure in your role. Why are you already applying to roles? Years ago a mentor once told me to stay where I was for awhile (minimum 3 years) as I had been in a different field previously that was known for shorter stints (grant funded/think OFDA or equivalent) . It was good advice, as I advanced and was promoted.

Personally, I don't want to hire someone who is going to leave in a year or two. Things happen of course and sometimes roles aren't a good fit, but if you have a lot of job hopping most people won't even get to the finalists stages. In many fields it takes 6-12 months to actually get your bearings and if you leave after 2 years or less it doesn't always make sense.

Why are you looking to leave your current role? Honestly I would try and stay longer so you can have more accomplishments, but I don't know your situation.

I'm not applying to multiple roles. I met the hiring manager years ago and she told me to apply, which I only did bc it was a dream job in my field. I shared this with the hiring manager and recruiter on the first phone screening - "Listen, I know I haven't been at my current role very long but I was laid off a little under a year ago and took a job at a smaller org, but this is the kind of work I want to be doing." They both said, "Oh, totally, we get it." I even said to the AVP, I would feel bad leaving my current role but this is worth it and she said "Yeah but that's business."

Ultimately I will be staying in my current role. It's just frustrating they wasted several days of my week with interviews when they knew they would be rejecting me for something they knew a month ago when I sent in my resume.

Bummer. I'm sorry. BUT they probably didn't know until after the interviews. It sounds like you were a strong candidate, but the other person got it because of the tenure thing. It stings (I have been there), but don't let it get you down. They clearly like you, so keep an eye out for other roles at the company and apply in a year or so to see what happens. I would keep in contact loosely with the hiring manager if you know them-let them know you're interested in the company and to reach out of they hear of anything.

I have been in a position where someone who I think is the front runner doesn't become the one receiving the offer because someone else was just better or what we needed in X and Y through the process. I have also been where you are and was TOLD to interview (and the President told me to my face the job was mine) and after all the interviews that like you wasted days did not get the offer. It more than stings and messed with my confidence for awhile. I look back and realized I was lucky because the person who got the role was out in a year.