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An auto email response
Pattie Hunt Sinacole advises on how to respond
Q: Last month, I was a finalist for a great role. The job description read like my background. I had two Zoom interviews and one interview on their premises. I was told several times that I was “the one” or “we look forward to your contributions.” Or comments such as that. I told them I was extremely interested, and this role was numero uno on my list of jobs. Since I am unemployed, I am actively interviewing with many companies around my homebase of Watertown. Then, suddenly I got a scripted email which says that they wish me well, but they have selected another candidate. An email? I spent hours with them and all indications said yes. Someone could have called me and that would have been a professional move. No one called me, which I think is shoddy. Even the recruiter has not been responsive. What do you think? I want to send them an email describing their wack process.
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A: This sounds like a disappointing experience. One of my best recommendations to anyone is to hold off on any immediate negative responses to a “you didn’t get the job” update from an employer. Job seekers should avoid burning bridges. It may feel cathartic right now, but it could hurt you in the future.
Instead, take some time to cool down and reflect. Inserting negative energy into the job hunt is never a good tactic. After you have cooled down, place a call to the recruiter. As difficult as it may be, thank them for their time and effort on your behalf. Explain that you are looking for feedback so you can learn from this experience. Listen to the feedback. You do not have to agree with the feedback shared, but you should listen. Ask the recruiter to keep you in mind for other opportunities. Do your best to be gracious. Give the recruiter a chance to explain. If you do not hear back from the recruiter, move on. Do not expend additional energy by tracking them down.
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In several instances, when my firm has conducted a search, we re-establish contact with a runner-up. Sometimes the runner-up is a strong candidate, but the company has multiple qualified candidates from which to choose. Usually the company can only select one candidate. Keep swinging.
Also remember that this process was not time wasted. You developed new contacts and refined your interviewing skills. You may have had to use a personal day or vacation day, but you likely gained experience interviewing. A job offer is not guaranteed simply because you have been interviewed several times.
You undoubtedly met others during this process. You never know who you will run into some day. You might be working with one of these people in the future. The world is a small place.
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