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 →
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 →
is rejecting people by phone more respectful? by Alison Green on July 20, 2022 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 […] Read the full article →