Once you find out that you were not successful in a job interview, the first thing you want to know is why you were not successful. Was it because someone was better than you? Did you make mistakes? A lot of questions go through your mind as you try to process the potential reasons. Not only that, you want/need to know the areas you need to improve on as well as tips that could make your next interview the one.
However, as you know it’s not always easy to get that feedback or if the feedback is the real reason. Employers have no legal or ethical obligation to explain why you weren't the one. Instead, you are likely to be offered these reasons: “We didn't feel you were the best fit for this job” or “We chose another candidate who had more experience” or “Company policy won’t allow me to comment.”
Below are a few reasons why it can be difficult to get feedback or even the real reason:
Legal: Companies are extremely wary of lawsuits accusing them of discrimination. The less said, the less to be sued about.
Time: You have all heard the expression ‘Time is money’ and that is true for a lot of businesses. You won’t get feedback as it can be seen as a waste of time & resources.
Discomfort: No one likes giving bad news of any kind. It can be very uncomfortable especially if you liked the individual(s) that you have to inform. Some interviewers, managers, HR reps etc dislike giving negative feedback, so do not answer calls for feedback.
Lack of Information: At times there can be lack of reasons noted down for why you were rejected for the job. Even if you did reach someone who could help, the information might not be there to pass onto you.
NOTE: It’s always important that you the candidate always review your interview performance straight after your interview. As you can’t always rely on getting feedback, you have to review yourself to help you develop & improve. Be honest about it. You can check out our ‘After Interview Checklist” to help you review your performance.
However, as you know it’s not always easy to get that feedback or if the feedback is the real reason. Employers have no legal or ethical obligation to explain why you weren't the one. Instead, you are likely to be offered these reasons: “We didn't feel you were the best fit for this job” or “We chose another candidate who had more experience” or “Company policy won’t allow me to comment.”
Below are a few reasons why it can be difficult to get feedback or even the real reason:
Legal: Companies are extremely wary of lawsuits accusing them of discrimination. The less said, the less to be sued about.
Time: You have all heard the expression ‘Time is money’ and that is true for a lot of businesses. You won’t get feedback as it can be seen as a waste of time & resources.
Discomfort: No one likes giving bad news of any kind. It can be very uncomfortable especially if you liked the individual(s) that you have to inform. Some interviewers, managers, HR reps etc dislike giving negative feedback, so do not answer calls for feedback.
Lack of Information: At times there can be lack of reasons noted down for why you were rejected for the job. Even if you did reach someone who could help, the information might not be there to pass onto you.
NOTE: It’s always important that you the candidate always review your interview performance straight after your interview. As you can’t always rely on getting feedback, you have to review yourself to help you develop & improve. Be honest about it. You can check out our ‘After Interview Checklist” to help you review your performance.