Giving feedback on why I declined a second interview?
Here's a table-turning situation: I was offered a take-home assignment and second interview for a job I'm not interested in moving forward with, the reasons being it feels like a huge backslide in my career path (and has the pay to go with it). I wrote this afternoon that I appreciated their consideration but I would like to withdraw my application for the role.
The hiring manager / co-founder (it's a startup) has asked that I share feedback on why my mind changed and why I didn't want to continue further in the process. I should also mention, he said he would give me a $50 gift card if I completed the take-home assignment and agreed to another interview. While my mind was made up before this occurred, I thought this was really weird and soured me further against the role.
Is there any benefit to being honest, that the role is beneath what I am really looking for at this time? Should I say it was weird to offer me a gift card for completing the take-home assignment and engaging in a second interview? Or should I ghost?
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Yes, your resume matters, but it’s not the magic key. Too many job seekers spend weeks tweaking bullet points while ignoring the bigger picture: Are you applying to the right roles? Are you networking? Are you tailoring your applications?
A polished resume supports your strategy, but it doesn’t replace one.
You could have the most beautifully written resume in the world, but if you’re applying blindly online, not leveraging connections, or chasing roles that aren’t aligned with your skills, the results will still be disappointing.
Here’s the truth: Job searching is a full system, not a single document.
Want results? Focus on:
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Need some answers
I don't know what I am doing in my life right now. I have never been confused.
Let's start with my professional life. I have wanted to quit for so long, but there has been no job offer. Struggling every day.
Personally, I am in a relationship and we wanted to get married, but the guy's parents are not ready because I am 2 years older and different caste. They are just like I am not matching their criteria. Now, he is ready to leave his parents and marry me, but how do I convince my father to get us married? He is a heart patient, and I can never leave my family. My parents have done a lot for me, and I can't go against them. I can be a rebel and not marry anyone, but is it sensible to ask your father to get you married to the guy whose parents are not ready to even meet me?
So tired of everything now.
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? Truth time: Most resumes don’t stand out—and that’s exactly why so many job seekers get ghosted.
Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs. It’s your first impression, your pitch, your permission slip to get in the door.
After working with hundreds of job seekers, I’ve noticed a pattern: the best resumes aren’t just “well-written.” They’re strategic. They show value, impact, and intention.
But here’s the thing—we all approach resumes differently. So I’m curious…
What’s helped you land interviews (or stand out in a sea of sameness)?
And if you’re feeling stuck? I’ve got resources to help. ?
#JobSearch
#ResumeTips
#CareerCoach
#JobSeekers
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Trying to avoid pressing my nose up against the glass too much
I found out last week that our boss took a few team members on a leadership seminar trip. I feel like I should have been invited as well. I've done a great job, reviews are stellar, they give me impressive raises, and I've been hitting several milestones. The only thing these particular employees have over me is that they've been with the org for a few years longer than I have-- and, as if it should matter at all, they have political connections within our org (friends/family). Still, I have solid industry experience that matches or surpasses theirs. Not sure why I was overlooked. Maybe it's just not my time?
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Post-Interview Follow-Up: Timing, Tact, and Templates
That awkward in-between time after an interview… Do you wait? Do you follow up? Here’s a breakdown of what to do (and when).
https://www.market-connections.net/blog/post-interview-follow-up-timing-tact-and-templates
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Do recruiters care if you reschedule the interview?
I’m sick and have an upcoming interview. The interview is with the in house recruiter via video so assuming it won’t be the most difficult interview. Not sure if I should wing it or risk losing the job if I reschedule because I know they hate that and also not sure where they are in the hiring process.
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