I submitted my resume for a role I'm qualified for but was informed without an interview that I wasn't the right fit.

Anonymous

July 8,2022 at 6:25PM UTC

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I submitted my resume for a role I'm qualified for but was informed without an interview that I wasn't the right fit. Can someone help explain what that means when a hiring manager determines someone isn't the right fit without meeting with them or speaking with them by phone? I was contacted directly by the company's recruiter about the opportunity and was invited to submit my resume for consideration. The recruiter also told me they would get back to me as soon as they heard something from the hiring manager. So the recruiter did their part and did get back to me after 1 week - but the only comment they could tell me was that the hiring manager didn't think I was the right fit.

How does a hiring person make that decision without meeting someone or setting up a phone or video call to find out more? I've reviewed resumes for internal roles and the times I pass over an applicant is if they clearly don't have the experience or transferable skills to learn on the job. The role I applied for required 6-8 years and I have over 10 years of experience in my industry. Of course, this makes me paranoid that I'll be getting this vague comment again without a chance for an interview.

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AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 6:31PM UTC
That comment has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the goal to be vague and ambiguous so that it doesn't come back on them. Of course, it's possible that they are looking for something incredibly specific within your area of expertise. Also possible that they must post as a company policy even though there is an internal candidate who will more likely get it. Don't make it about you. Move on.
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 7:05PM UTC
I would reach back out to the person to see if they can briefly discuss it. Tell them what you told us. You have 10yrs of experience and the job required less than that, Can you please clarify further what it is meant by you not being the right fit?
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJuly 8,2022 at 8:11PM UTC
Simple answer- too many applicants to interview all who meet the qualifications as demonstrated by the resume. Other candidates stood out more for whatever this manager was looking for. It will happen again, until at some point you do the get the interview and you are the right fit. Patience and persistence required. Job search can be tough. Good luck, and remember it's not personal- how could it be, they didn't even meet you!
Val LordJuly 8,2022 at 9:03PM UTC
This is a tough one. I have totally been there, on both sides of the hiring conversation. I've gotten several hundred resumes for one open role. Recruiters can help you narrow down the candidates, and have high level conversations, but are just round one. Hiring Managers that are closer to the role and the problems they are solving may have more fined tuned criteria.
You really never know. They may have had an internal candidate in mind or another person who they've spoken to before you applied. I've applied for a ton of things that seemed like the perfect fit, interviewed and been turned down. At this point I view those things as part of the process. At least you know it is a definitive 'no' and you can focus your energy into applying for other things. Hang in there! The right role is out there for you.
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 9:45PM UTC
I personally have experienced from hiring managers held sham interviews just so they can document recruitment diversity job seekers.
They sent a rejection before the interview scheduled even happens. It just show who company people really are dishonest hiring practices.
AnonymousJuly 9,2022 at 5:22PM UTC
Yep!
HR person: "I found 50 prospects on LinkedIn and reached out for a 5 minute call so we have a variety of candidates". It makes them look good to the hiring supervisor
Meanwhile, you are at home excited and hoping (for something nonexistent). It's exhausting. But remember, these organizations want the "perfect warm body".
I've soooo been there, but know something will come of this!!!
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 10:33PM UTC
Id forget them and move on. Unfortunately, they want to spend no time getting to know you and your qualifications. You are better off.
When I was furloughed for Covid in 2020-21, I know I sent out MANY resumes. 10% called. It took many rewritten formats to get a job.
Hang in there, I've been there.
AnonymousJuly 9,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
Something on you resume didn't fit. That's all. Nothing personal.
A job description is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many unwritten desired traits and nuances that a hiring manager infers between the lines. While skills and experience are important, the combination of where you worked, responsibilities you held and even where you went to school and when, all paint a picture for the reader.
It gives them an instinctive answer to their fit test.
Again, no big deal. Just remember that what you resume says isn't always in black and white. It's not that simple.
AnonymousJuly 10,2022 at 1:03PM UTC
I think it means they're clumsy and stupid. The correct wording of a rejection should be something like "We selected a candidate that best fit our needs," which doesn't insult the applicant. They should also encourage you to apply for other jobs in the future.
It could also mean they had an internal candidate who was a shoo-in and the whole thing was a sham.
AnonymousJuly 10,2022 at 3:19PM UTC
It's all very subjective. So while you may have hit all the highpoints, you may not have the other details that set you apart. It's hard to know if those points weren't on the job description.
Don't spend too much time agonizing over it.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 11,2022 at 4:44PM UTC
Just because you believe you’re qualified, doesn’t mean the hiring manager feels you’re a fit. You might be a fit but there might be three other people who are a better fit.
These days, a job search is a marathon – not a sprint. My advice would be to not get so invested until you’re much further into the process – at least until after the first interview.