How to Ask Why You Didnt Get the Job

How to Ask Why You Didnt Get the JobHow to Ask Why You Didnt Get the JobJob seekers are often curious why theywerent selected for a job, but it can be hard to find out why another candidate was chosen over you. Employers typically wont share much, if any, meaningful feedback with candidates, especially if they are fearful of litigation. Job candidates can and do file employment discrimination claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against employers who rejected them, often claiming that they werent hired because of their gender, race, a disability, or their religion. Thus, many companies are wary of sharing feedback regarding unsuccessful interviews. A request for information delivered in a way which appears to question the validity of their hiring decisions will only serve to close down all communication. That said, you have nothing to lose in strategically asking for feedback. Worst case scenario, the employer wont respond. Best case scenario, you may get i nformation to help improve your chances of getting hired next time around whether by this employer (should an appropriate job open in the future) or by another. How to Ask Why You Werent Hired Occasionally, employers will sharesome feedback with candidateswho represent a genuine interest in improving their job search communications. Youll have better luck if you dont ask directly why you werent hired. Instead, frame some specific questions for eintrag such as Did you identify any key qualifications for this job which were missing in my background?Do you have any suggestions regarding how I might improve upon my resume and cover letter?Did you feel like my job references could have been stronger? Employers are generally more likely to share feedback verbally than via email due to concerns that any written response may be used as evidence against them if a hiring decision were to be legally contested. One way to get feedback is to initiate a conversation by sending a brief email orLinkedIn messageasking if you could talk on the phone to get some constructive input to enhance your skills. Sample Email Message Asking for Employer Feedback SubjectMarketing Assistant PositionDear Ms./Mr. LastName,Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the Marketing Assistant position on Insert Date. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the job with you. I also appreciate you letting me know that I wasnt selected for this position.Because I respect your human resources expertise and the professionalism you demonstrated during our interview, I would like to ask a favor of you. Would you be available for a very brief telephone call to discuss how I could improve upon my candidacy for employment? Any feedback you could share would be welcomed.Again, thank you for your time and consideration.Best regards,FirstName LastNamePhoneEmailLinkedIn Expand What to Do if Youre Granted a Feedback Interview If your interviewer agrees to discuss your unsuccessful interview with you, then rejoice This will not only be an opportunity for you to gain feedback but may even help you to make a final positive impression that may open the door to eventual employment with the company should an appropriate position open in the future. Youll need to prepare beforehand so that you can keep the conversation as brief and to-the-point as possible. As mentioned above, the questions you ask should be framed so that they simply ask for advice for the future they shouldnt ask directly about your performance in the interview itself. Begin your phone conversation by sincerely thanking the interviewer for their time, then pose questions similar to the following. If possible, try to reaffirm your interest in the employer If for some reason your new hire didnt work out and you reopened this position in the future, which marketing or personal skills do you think I should strengthen in order to be reconsidered for the job?Do you have any tips on how I could have better researched your company before our interview?Is there any advice which you might give me in order to enhance my interviewing style? Conclude the conversation by thanking the interviewer once again for their time and, if their feedback has been largely positive, by expressing your hope that they will consider you for a future position.