Didn't get the job - I was positive I would

[Anonymous]

I just interviewed for a potion that has been open for several months. I was positive I would get the job offer but I just received the call to tell me my experience wasn't senior enough. I was too shocked to say anything at the time but was wondering if it would be helpful to call the HR person back and ask for more details. I know I was a little weak in a couple areas, but I feel that I can bring myself up to speed quickly. Any advice on how to turn a "no" into a "yes"?

[Anonymous]

are you trying to turn their "no" into a "yes" or are you looking for strategies to get a different job? I hevae never heard of anyone actually getting a job when the "no" was a definite "no", particularly when it comes to the lack of experience in some areas.

I think you can call the HR person, but I doubt that there is a way to "beg" them to take you anyways. That's the issue with interviews and resumes, they are just a glimpse of what someone is capable of and as unfortunate as it is, if the interviewer doesn't find you suitable for the job because you didn't seem senior enough, there is little that can be done. It sure wouldn't make you look any more senior of you tried to talk them into reconsidering.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if they would tell you anything really. People are afraid of being sued, and they might think you're trying to get ammunition.

[Anonymous]

my guess is you won't be able to turn a no into a yes, as they are offering it to the candidate they selected.

[Anonymous]

First of all, sorry to hear. I've been looking for months myself, and it totally sucks, especially when you think you nailed it.

I agree with PP's that it's unlikely that you will be able to turn a "no" into a "yes", especially if they were looking for specific skills/experiences that you don't have. And frankly, these days employers can afford to be choosy, they have the luxury of waiting for someone who fits their bill exactly without having to take someone on and train/develop them. However, something in your post caught my eye: " I know I was a little weak in a couple areas, but I feel that I can bring myself up to speed quickly." Did you address it with them directly? I find that to be the best approach, especially if it's an important consideration for them.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Agree with other posters, but you might benefit a lot from getting some feedback from them. Hard to do, but probably worthwhile in the long run. Ask them what they were specifically concerned about so you can address those concerns for a different job.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry - I've been in a similar situation and it is really, really hard to hear "no" when you were sure the answer was going to be "yes." I would definitely call the HR person and ask for feedback - as hard as it can be to do that, it can also be a really good way to gain some constructive criticism/find out why things didn't go your way.

[Anonymous]

Asking for feedback MIGHT be ok, but I would not try to persuade them to turn a no into a yes.

[Anonymous]

If it was something you really wanted and really thought was a match, I would call back and ask for feedback regarding your application. I would ask specifically in which areas they found your candidacy deficient and what could you do to enhance your qualifications to be competitive for a future opening. I would try to do this with as little emotion as possible and also ask if they will retain your information on file in case they have another opening soon that matches your background.

I'm so sorry - that's disappointing. I'm also applying for jobs right now and I know how tough it is, especially when you feel you are a strong candidate.

I wouldn't try to turn a no into a yes - the others are right, they must have someone else in mind or perhaps they simply don't want to hire someone who doesn't have everything they are looking for. I would try to learn as much as you can for the next time and leave it there.

[Anonymous]

I agree about turning this into a learning opportunity. As a general rule the HR person won't be able to change this to a "yes" -- that's the hiring manager's decision. But the HR person may give you some feedback.

Anyway, sorry to hear this.

[Anonymous]

In most organizations they don't issue the no decisions until they have already received an acceptance, so changing a no to a yes seems unlikely.. But it cant hurt to call HR for feedback -- though it seem like they already told you what they can.