rejections

What to know about job rejections — why they happen, deciphering form letters, asking for feedback, and not getting discouraged.

why do hiring managers ghost me after promising they won’t?

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 […]

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I think the reasons in my rejection email were bogus

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 […]

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is rejecting people by phone more respectful?

A reader writes: I am just finishing up a highly competitive hiring process. We flew in the top two finalists for in-person interviews this week and have decided who we’ll extend an offer to. My question is around best practices for notifying the other finalist that she didn’t get the job. In the past, I’ve […]

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what’s the best time to send rejection letters?

A reader writes: Is there a standard for when to send out rejection letters? I deal with a lot of hiring in my job and I usually know as soon as I review a resume or hold an interview whether or I’m going to reject someone, but I have always figured that people don’t want […]

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should I reach out to an employer who ghosted me?

A reader writes: I’m writing in hopes that you can help me make sense of an experience I had during my recent job search. Several months ago, I applied for a position at a prestigious organization in my field. That same day, I received an email from Jim to set up a 30-minute phone screening […]

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my interview was great — but they hired no one instead of me

A reader writes: I am a restaurant industry professional, in the field of wine and beverage management. My experience in this area is fairly competitive and accomplished for my city (I have about seven years in management level wine/beverage director roles, and more junior but still relevant experience prior to that). COVID-19 has taken a […]

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why can’t I get feedback about why I was rejected for a job?

A reader writes: Do any interviewers give feedback anymore if you don’t get the job? Since being furloughed, I have been frantically applying, interviewing, and getting to second and sometimes third rounds of the hiring process, and then I get rejected. With so many out of work, I understand that the job market is tough […]

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