Feeling dejected.

9 Comments

1. Angie CallenJuly 14,2022 at 9:56PM UTC

   Oh, Anita! I'm sorry. That stinks.

   You can do this. Think about all you learned to take into the next interview process, and also think about how this company is losing out by not seeing what value you bring.

   There's a better opportunity waiting out there for you. On a practical note, this time around, keep applying until the ink dries, so you never end up with an empty pipeline of opportunities. I hope that doesn't sound like a crappy piece of advice considering how you're feeling, but it was a little tidbit I wanted to offer, so you don't feel like you're starting ALL THE WAY over this time around.

   You're doing a lot of things right if you got this far; you've got this!

2. Anita GetzJuly 15,2022 at 9:44PM UTC

   Thanks everyone. Hard not to feel like I starting over. I know the right position is out there for me.

3. AnonymousJuly 14,2022 at 9:59PM UTC

   I understand your frustration and I'm going through the same thing. I spent two months having 6 interviews only to be passed over for an internal candidate. You got this and cheering you on to find the right position that will value your talent!

4. JJJuly 14,2022 at 11:34PM UTC

   And HR is crying b/c they can’t find candidates. They’re all under the covers with the blankets pulled up, exhausted from a million interviews and presentations.

5. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   Keep your chin up - you are getting closer to the right position for you!

6. MandyJuly 15,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

   That sucks — I’m sorry. I’ve decided that I’m not going to work for free (put together presentations etc) during the interview process anymore. It’s not 2008, but a lot of employers still act like it is. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the process and keep your options open.

7. Cyndi RosenblattJuly 15,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

   It depends on the field. In some fields, particularly when job tenure tends to be long-term, what you describe is a pretty standard selection process. It's a lot on the applicant, for sure. And the nature of the selection process is that you're one of multiple candidates, so there will always be one person who gets the first offer, even if the final decision came down to a coin toss.

   It is definitely discouraging, but you can reframe things a bit. First, I've been on quite a few hiring panels and we don't pass people along the process that we know would be a poor choice. We sometimes (not always, and rarely is everyone in agreement) have a favorite early on, but that doesn't always pan out to an offer. The fact that you made it to the final round is a very positive sign.

   Second, perhaps reach out to the person who would have been your new supervisor. Tell them you appreciated meeting with their team, that you really liked the company/culture/whatever and would definitely be interested in future opportunities. Ask if they have any recommendations that would better prepare you for the next position. They might or might not be willing to tell you, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

   And there might literally be nothing. It sometimes does come down to multiple excellent candidates, all of whom could excel in the position, and you can only pick one of them.

   Best of luck in your job search and I hope you find the perfect position soon!

8. AnonymousJuly 16,2022 at 10:00PM UTC

   So sorry that this letdown took place. At the same time, you were a finalist and obviously a very strong candidate.

   Emphasize the positive in this situation: you did *great*!

9. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJuly 19,2022 at 1:16PM UTC

   You got this! As much as it stinks, consider that a practice round for something greater.