Rejection Phonecall

BetterCallSaul

Has anyone ever received a personal phone call back from a large multinational to tell you that you were unsuccessful after a job interview?

I interviewed with a company in London 2 weeks ago for a graduate position, had to do a test and a presentation and felt everything went really well.

They rang me back today to say I didn't get the job and to say all the feedback they have is only positive.... I found this really strange.

Do people think this is good practice? I've never received a rejection phone call before and would of much preferred an email, as when I seen the area code and answered to "this is x from the HR department with.." I thought I had the job.

I always associate a phone call with good news (not any more ). So is it good etiquette or is it inappropriate?

Mrs OBumble

It's uncommon (most employers can't be a****d lettign you know, but not inappropriate. Especially if they genuniely think you were a good candidate, and possibly want you to keep them in mind for next time.

road_high

Courtesy is good and a good sign of a company I think.
OP don't discount them completely. Sounds like you were there or thereabouts. No harm to follow that up with a courtesy thank you email and stress that you would be very interested in future positions etc etc.

Munstermissy

I would rather get the call than sit and wait for an e-mail. Waiting on one myself, hopefully hear next week latest.

krissovo

Its rare to get a call directly from a company, next time (hopefully not!) use their time to discuss the feedback in detail so you can use it as part of your personal development plan.

Manach

Sounds fair of them, that they took the time unlike other companies that don't even email back the rejection.

BetterCallSaul

Yeah, there is nothing worse than getting no response all right.

I think the initial disappointment this morning made me look at it negatively.

Papa_Bear

I've had all sorts of rejections including one of those just last summer. Although mine was for a jobbridge placement.

I pretty much take it to mean that you were probably no. 2 or 3 on the list. I know I was from the feedback I got at the time.

I once got a rejection letter back beginning with "Dear Sarah" and I'm male FFS, plus an email once turning me down for a job I didn't even apply for and this was in the good times when employers supposedly couldn't find people!

Popz

I had two such calls during the summer, both to say I was a great candidate and came really close but.......
By the time the second one happened I was more on the ball and asked for feedback, though it wasn't much help as it was all positive, so didn't really learn what if anything I could have done differently....

Its a terrible feeling though, because when you see the number flash up you automatically think they must be ringing with good news......

I tried to take it that they thought highly of me and thanked both for taking the time to ring me personally

Red About Town

I got a call a few months back. It was from the lead interviewer and he gave me specific feedback on why I wasn't hired. I was surprised at the time but appreciated the call/feedback.