I got rejected from a job based on a trial task, and now I’m spiraling by Alison Green on July 25, 2024 A reader writes: I’ve been casually job searching since January. My current job at a nonprofit isn’t right for me, but things are decent enough that I can afford to take my time. I’m trying to stay within the nonprofit space but move out of my current type of work, which has been challenging. There […] Read the full article →
pushing back on unreasonable reference requests: a success story by Alison Green on July 3, 2024 Here’s a success story from a reader. I just wanted to share a quick success I had today. I’ve seen a lot of comments/posts on your site about reference companies that are very pushy about trying to get their long surveys completed. I got an email this morning asking me to provide four references to […] Read the full article →
I was rejected for a job, but I see no signs the new hire has started yet by Alison Green on June 17, 2024 A reader writes: In April, I did a job interview at a small employer (less than 15 staff). I’ve often been told that I interview well, but this interview was probably the best interview I’ve ever done. The interviewers repeatedly told me how impressed they were with me, I built a great personal connection and […] Read the full article →
video calls are the worst way to do job rejections by Alison Green on February 26, 2024 Imagine you’ve interviewed for a job you really and have been waiting to hear back. When the hiring manager messages you to invite you to a video call, you’re thrilled—this must be the offer, you think, so you clear your afternoon, make yourself look presentable, and log into Zoom … only for the hiring manager […] Read the full article →
what’s the worst or weirdest way you’ve been rejected for a job? by Alison Green on February 1, 2024 Let’s talk about the worst or weirdest ways you’ve been rejected for a job. Maybe they set up a video call, making you think you were moving forward in their process — so you had to process your reaction to the rejection live on video. Maybe they sent you a list of everything they think […] Read the full article →
can I ask interviewers to get back to me either way? by Alison Green on June 8, 2023 A reader writes: I have recently re-entered the job search market at the ripe old age of 60. It’s been years, if not decades, since I last interviewed for a job. I’ve had five interviews so far that have gone nowhere. One thing I’ve noticed is that even after having an in-person interview, I am […] Read the full article →
I was rejected after a seven-minute interview by Alison Green on May 3, 2023 A reader writes: I recently applied to a job for which I was well-qualified. The role was with a start-up that’s hoping to shift into doing the type of work I do. My current employer is very well respected in the field, so this start-up likely has a lot to learn from someone in a […] Read the full article →
why do hiring managers ghost me after promising they won’t? by Alison Green on February 2, 2023 A reader writes: I’ve had a few terrific interviews that I thought went really well. The hiring manager and I have had great discussions, insightful questions were asked on both sides, and it seems like the role is a great fit for me and my experience. Then, at the end of the interview, the hiring […] Read the full article →
do I really need to send a thank-you note after being rejected for a job? by Alison Green on January 12, 2023 A reader writes: What is your feeling about sending thank-you notes after you have been rejected for a job? I don’t see the point. It feels a little obsequious for my tastes. If while being rejected, the person makes you aware of a new role or opens a new path for you … “a colleague […] Read the full article →
I think the reasons in my rejection email were bogus by Alison Green on October 24, 2022 A reader writes: I was finally emailed almost two months after being interviewed for a job I really wanted, telling me they decided to go with someone else. Fine. But the reasons they gave were so bogus — what they mentioned, I HAD. Sure, I know they can choose anyone they want. But should I […] Read the full article →