Job interviews - asking for a debrief

scott mcavennie

Bit of a long winded story here:

Despite being very happy in my current job, I saw a fairly senior position advertised in a publication a couple of months ago, which I seemed well qualified and experienced to do. It was within a very large company which boasted to being voted one of the best workplaces in the world and the UK. After considering it for a while I was tempted to apply - off went my cv and details of salary and benefits package.

I got to the first interview stage which seemed to go well and was quickly invited to my second interview

The second interview was extremely positive. Aspects of the job was discussed in details with the use of terminology such as "you will need to be doing..." etc etc. Could I negotiate my way out of my contractually long notice period? Discussions stopped short of discussing a salary offer. I was told I would be called immediately after the bank holiday weekend.

A week later I had not heard anything and was frustrated to have to make three seperate phone calls, to be told that the position was being decided on before a letter dropped onto my mat informing me that I had been unsuccesful. Obviously they had interviewed a better candidate and ofered them the job. I wasn't too disappointed as I am happy in my current job, and had been a little frustrated at being left with no information after the second interview. I would not leave a potential candidate to call me looking for a decision -its just rude.

However, I was extremely surprised to read the same publication yesterday and find the exact job re-advertised. The specification had not changed -it was exactly the same job. In short they had employed no-one.

I feel annoyed. I feel that I was messed around by them and wasted two days holiday. I would like to know the reasons behind them preferring to recruit again rather than offer me the job. I think I am entitled to ask ofr a debrief -has anyone done this, and how would I go about it?

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Stugwmb

I would call the interviewer and ask him/her for some feedback, ask where they think you went wrong and what area you would need to improve to be considered for a position in their company.



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guilliano

Worth putting the request for feedback in writing. Seems in some way more formal and professional IMO. Plus you then get to think about exactly what wording to use

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Deswmb

This is a bit tricky. Despite being well qualified for the role and performing well at the interview there can be all sorts of reasons why you weren't offered the job, some of them quite irrational. For example you could have reminded one of the interviewers of a someone who they previously worked with, who they didn't get on with.

At the end of the day, the interviewers will not just be looking for the most qualified person, they will also need to have confidence that that person is going to fit in with any existing team. They'll be using their imagination to do this and if they have any personal prejudices then these will be a factor to.

They're very unlikely to tell you if it was just a case of one of the interviewers not liking the look of you.

If I was you I'd just ignore it and move on.

Des

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guilliano

If the interviewers are professional about it they should not allow personal preferences or prejudices to come into it and the interview should be noted and points based. However, from experience I know that interviewers can, and do, make up interview notes based on who they want to give the job to rather than who gives the best interview. If it is a reputable company they should be more than happy to provide feedback to you.

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Stugwmb

Bit deep there Des..

The interviewer may use a score system to interview candidates against, and will be able to provide a specific overview of your weak areas (or what they perceive as weak). I would give them a call and simply ask for more info, if it's a squishy personal issue, then you will just need to read between the lines when the response comes back a bit muddy....like "we felt that the position wouldn't meet your ambitions and expectations and we do not want you left feeling unfulfilled and eventually unmotivated" - that means that we just don't like you!



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scott mcavennie

Thanks for the replies.

Firstly, I do agree that it would look better in writing. I also will have to make it clear that I'm not looking for a second chance, as I am still annoyed with them and wouldn't accept the job now even if it was offered.

In some ways I do agree with Des - I do interview people myself and yes, I have turned people down for what could be perceived as irrational reasons (reminding me of someone I used to work with has been one of them in the past). Perhaps you're right, maybe I should forget it.

I think I will ask for feedback though, mentioning that I saw the job re-advertised which flies in the face of the spiel trotted out in the late rejection letter "its always so difficult with so many excellent candidates..." (if there were so many excellent candidates, why the hell are you re-advertising the job).



Malt 4

Orange P7 - current rebuild

Deliverance

Unknown

There is no need to put it in writing, most organisations are happy to give you feedback on why you did not get the job. Especailly if it is a large organisation with a proper HR department. If that was the case, phone up the HR dept and tell them you would like some feedback on your interview. They are usually very happy to oblige. Not, this is not 'the apprentice' and you are not expected to 'argue back'



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richk

I'd have no hesitation in asking for an explanation...

ED209

Didn't go through a recruitment consultant then...TBH I wouldn't hold for useful feedback, because you probably won't get the chance to speak to a decision maker anyway and will just get fobbed off with a standard reply.

I wouldn't assume that just because the job is still being advertised it hasn't been filled - maybe someone just forgot to pull the advert. Still an unprofessional way to be treated though.

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