VENTING

8 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 10:54PM UTC

   I should add I live 10 mins from campus, so travel is not an issue

2. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 11:56PM UTC

   Maybe something is lost on me but this sounds like a very typical interview process. You had an interview, they shared info about their process (they ask everyone the same questions) they told you about next steps and acknowledged your thank you note. Are you beefed that you didn’t make it to the second round? Is that’s what’s going on here?

   It’s unfortunate they didn’t invite you back but I’m not sure I’d categorize this as being put through the wringer. They found someone who was better qualified or interviewed differently.

   Also not sure any job rejection counts as a waste of time. Unfortunate outcome…yes. But you still got more interview experience

3. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 12:18AM UTC

   Did they give you a timeframe for the second interview? If that hasn't passed, you aren't out of the running yet. I'm not sure about all systems, but some applications disappear after the posting closes, which is when the interviews start, and send "sorry, but we went with another candidate" letters when they fill the position. Have you tried contacting the recruiter to see if they hired anyone?

4. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 12:55AM UTC

   I work at a large university. We are expected to interview at least 3 people presuming we have 3 who meet the minimum criteria. We do often have someone in mind, but I've hired people who weren't on my radar because they were the best candidates. There was only one time I picked the "pre-selected" candidate over a better-qualified one and it was literally already her job being converted from temp to FTE. That one hurt.

   So yes, sometimes interviewing is truly a technicality, but it's more often the case that our early favorite for a position is truly the most qualified applicant. And yes, sometimes that status of most qualified is helped along by familiarity with internal systems, local processes, and established relationships with key staff. Sometimes an external candidate is so great that their background outweighs the internal benefits. And sometimes there are political reasons or personality issues that tip the scale (both for and against the external candidates).

5. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 12:11PM UTC

   Sounds like you were aware of their process in the beginning and how arduous it may be, so why are you surprised and complaining? It's their process and although it may not feel candidate friendly, nonetheless it's theirs. They handle their applications and openings they way they want and although you may not have a view of the application you submitted it's probably on their end. Waste your time????? Stakeholders hold people accountable to make sure they are providing opportunities to many, and that was transparent of them to share that. Doesn't sound this is for you with current mindset, sorry it feels so frustrating, I would move on.

6. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

   I went to a job interview and it was clear the interviewer liked me. I told him I could be ready to start the next morning. Even though the job was complex, I had excellent job skills, experience and impeccable references. I could not understand his reluctance until he finally fessed up they had hired someone the day before.

7. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 3:33PM UTC

   I would take a deep breath and calm down.
   Nothing has actually happened yet, but I feel like your anxiety has you spinning. Just because you can't see your application anymore, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. They took the posting down as they were done taking new applicants. I wouldn't see it as a rejection until you actually get an email or phone call that it is.

   Every job you apply to, you may not necessarily get. There can be many reasons another candidate is selected over you--not just a "shoe in" candidate. Having this attitude is dangerous and defeating, as you are basically saying there is nothing you can do. I can't tell you how many times a "shoe in" candidate did not in fact get the role, as there happened to be a better candidate after interviews. Instead of looking at that situation as unfair and annoying, look at what you can do to make yourself stand out from the pack. I also cannot stress this enough...if you don't get the job, send a thank you after rejection. How you react to a rejection can impact your potential for future roles there. The candidate they end up selecting (if not you) may not work out for a variety of reasons. If you send a sincere, "I understand this was a difficult decision, and thank you for your time in this process, if anything comes up in the future I am still very much interested, etc." You would be surprised as to what can come out of that.

   If you freak out at the recruiter, act rude during rejection, etc., that will pretty much guarantee you will not be eligible for hire in the future with that company. Very recently I had a hiring manager want to revisit a candidate that he did not choose for a role. Well, when I initially called to DQ the candidate (I always call if there has been an in-person) he freaked out on me and yelled that he was more qualified than any of the other candidates (he was not) and how stupid we were for not choosing him. I put notes into the ATS on the exact things he said. I told the hiring manager we would not be revisiting this candidate and showed him my notes. How you handle rejection and disappointment in life are VERY important and are strong indicators of how well you will handle those things in your role. We don't always get that budget approved, project approved, promotion, etc.

   Take a deep breath and relax. Keep applying to jobs and know that a rejection doesn't define you, how you react does.

8. christine soderlundApril 19,2024 at 2:44PM UTC

   Post on Glassdoor so people know that interviewing is a waste of time unless you have an "in" or you "know you are getting the job."