They only have to ask me for feedback if they want to make me feel uncomfortable. ( This is something I’ll revisit.).
Many self-proclaimed job search experts or career coaches advise you to ask for feedback if you don’t get the job for which you interviewed. As if hiring managers assessed candidates the same, it is assumed that you’ll learn “tips” to improve your interview performance.
The hiring process is the employer’s, and job seekers have no right to transparency. Employers are not required to explain how they choose candidates. Job seekers don’t know if their resume or application has been discarded, or if it is in a black-hole.
You will never know the reason why you weren’t selected for an interview, even if someone looked at your LinkedIn profile. If you are interviewed, you won’t know why you didn’t get the job. There are many reasons you were not selected. The most likely ones include:
- A candidate from within the company was selected for the position.
- It was possible that another candidate interviewed better and fit better with you. ( Yes, it is possible.).
- The employer is still searching for candidates because none of those they have interviewed met their criteria.
- The employer has decided to not fill the position at this time. ( It is not uncommon for employers to do this, especially when there are rumors of an upcoming recession.).
- The candidate hired themselves through networking. There is no secret about the fact that many of the most desirable positions are filled by referrals.
How can you improve your interviewing skills, especially if you are not a regular read of this column? Asking for advice instead of feedback.
As I said, it makes me uncomfortable to be asked for feedback. The last thing I would want to do is to hurt someone’s feelings. It is possible that my feedback could be twisted in order to create a narrative about legal issues. It is for this reason that I and most hiring managers avoid providing feedback. ( “We received many applicants …”
When someone asks for my opinion, I start babbling.
When you ask for feedback, you are asking “How did I perform?”
When you ask for advice, you are asking “What can I possibly do?”
Advice is given in a different way. You should be able to ask for advice if you feel you have a good relationship with your interviewer. Imagine the last time you were asked for advice. You must have been flattered.
What does it feel like?
While I am disappointed that I was not selected, I thank you for the interview and for evaluating my skills and experiences. You know that I’m looking for a senior analyst role with a midsize IT company. What advice would you give to someone who has my background and is looking for an opportunity like this?”
Tell me this is not very different from asking feedback. To be honest, it’s essentially asking “Why didn’t you hire me?”
Feedback is useless because it is backwards-looking. Feedback is a “review” of the past. When you ask for advice, the person is more likely to be critical and specific about what you can do to improve in order to succeed.
Two tips for your job search.
- Give specific advice.
You can make your advice more relevant by stating what you need. Do you need assistance in creating STAR stories ( Situation Task Action Result ) to better answer behavioral interview questions?
When you asked me to describe a situation in which I dealt with a difficult problem, I thought my story, or response, was not resonating. What tips can you offer to improve my answer to this question, which I am sure will be asked at future interviews?
Asking people what they think will be helpful to you in the future will give you more specific advice.
Can you give me some advice on how to improve my presentation skills? I want to deliver a stronger presentation than the one I gave with Carminia and you.
- Give it a little push.
Don’t end the conversation when you get a vague response like “You did fantastic.” It is likely that the answer “There was another candidate with a more suitable background” was true. Investigate further.
” How can I make my next interviewer more aware of the value I bring to their company?
Your job search can be transformed by good advice.
Last but not least, you do not owe your interviewer any advice or feedback. Respect their decision. They know exactly what they want in a new employee. If you ever meet your interviewer again, and you insist on getting feedback or advice (aggressive behavior), you will be remembered for this.
