Really want to go to companies who rejected me in person for feedback.

17-02-2016 09:41PM #1

Interviewed today for a decent role I would have really enjoyed, was surprised and frustrated to get a rejection email this evening. Not even one a few days down the line, "you had good qualities but I'm afraid these candidates did better", a straight up "nope". This is the quickest I've ever seen one come in. I feel I'm interviewing terribly, and I now want to do everything I can to fix that.

First on the list I want to speak to my previous interviewers. Two of my previous interviews were set up by agencies, as that's where the ads come from. At first I was worried over stepping over people's toes, but at this stage, I want to speak in person to people who interviewed me and hear from them what it is about my interview that sucks. Is there any good reason why I should not go direct to the businesses I interviewed at and asked them?

Frustrating!

Stheno · 17-02-2016 10:18PM

Most companies do not provide feedback on interviews.

Could you see a career coach and have them go through an interview with you?

Where do you think you are falling down?

moc moc a moc · 17-02-2016 10:21PM

No company on earth is going to open themselves up to the potential legal issues (real or imagined) of telling you why they didn't hire you.

Pawwed Rig · 17-02-2016 10:23PM

Even if they did provide feedback they would unlikely give you full reasons why you didn't get the job. I did an interview skills course that really helped me along so might be worth a try.

Mrs OBumble · 17-02-2016 10:44PM

If an interview was organised through an agency, then the agency usually does give you some feedback, which is often more honest than you'd get from an interviewer. Still not likely to be 100% honest, but will give you some clues.

La_Gordy · 18-02-2016 12:14PM

I had a lot of rejections during a period of unemployment and the rare time I did get feedback, it was generic. I think you should send follow-ups thanking for the experience and asking for feedback. Some might say something useful. If you can go to a professional interview skills course, great. But if not, use each interview as training and practice.

cruizer101 · 18-02-2016 03:50PM

As La Gordy say there is no harm in a follow up email, thanking them for the opportunity and that and asking for feedback.
At the end of the day one thing you can't control in an interview is the other candidates, sometimes you can be great but someone else is just that bit better, there is a element of luck.

Also by sending email thanking them it might help keep you in there mind if another similar position opens up.

Technocentral · 18-02-2016 07:03PM

Do you have any friends or relations who interview people for their company, maybe ask them to do a mock IV with you?

Jim2007 · 18-02-2016 10:11PM

SeaSlacker wrote: »

First on the list I want to speak to my previous interviewers.

A complete waste of time because no one is going to give you genuine feedback. You'd be much better of to get an interview coach and get feedback from them.

I will give you one insight, the most important part is about making the connection - you can have the qualifications and the experience, but if you don't make the connection with the people on the other side of the table they'll kick you to the kerb. Remember they are trying to figure out how you will fit in to the existing team, how you will get along with them and so on. It is amazing how much they will over look if they think you would be a cool addition to their team and vice versa.

When preparing for an interview I try to find out as much as possible about the people who will conduct the interview, their likes and dislikes, their concerns and their preferences. If the interview is set up by an agent then ask the agent as they will normally know a lot about the people involved, use Google, LinkedIn and even cold call reception to find out more. And then during the interview watch out for opportunities to establish those connections.

Listen carefully to what is being said in the interview and process it. No matter what the job is the interviewer will have certain concerns about how the job is to be done. Be it that the beer bottles must be ready collection on Monday morning, to the virus checker must be run on Fridays at 17:00, it does not mater just acknowledge their concern and note it. Then later in the interview harp back to it again just remind them that you note their concerns. etc.... They'll go away thinking your of the same mind.

A good interview coach is well worth the investment.

Really want to go to companies who rejected me in person for feedback.

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