I received this rejection letter today.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 12:47AM UTC

   What exactly are you looking for? You could have been over or under qualified or simply not a 100% a fit for the team/department/library.

   These rejection letters will never pinpoint all the ways you weren't a fit. Like in all personal interactions the qualifications are not the only thing they consider. Temperament, style of communication etc. Among other things are considered but would never be mentioned in a rejection letter. These are preferences that are hard to pinpoint but add to the overall assessment.

   You will fit somewhere else.

2. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 12:52AM UTC

   Rejection letters are usually kept quite vague. They usually don't offer opinions. Dynamics and chemistry are always very subjective. I'm sure your resume fits somewhere else.

3. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 1:11AM UTC

   It’s a common rejection letter. Preceded by a compliment (i.e. “your qualifications are excellent”). It is simply that. Competition is tough and many times it could be a cultural fit, a team fit or something that just didn’t vibe with them. It is what it is. Don’t take it personally if you can help it. Just keep moving forward. I think many of us here have gotten many of these through the years. The upside is it releases you from wondering so pivot and focus on your next step. I’m sorry this one didn’t work out but keep applying, and remember one yes will erase all the no’s.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 15,2025 at 5:09AM UTC

   What kind of info are you looking for?

   I'm not exactly sure what you mean by implied? Why are you trying to "read between the lines"? It seems to me like it's right there in black and white.

5. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 7:34AM UTC

   Thank you for your response. I am neurodivergent and know that often a lot can come through by implication in these types of communications. The tone of the letter is decidedly different from the energy of the interview, which ended very positively with the head of the library discussing with me in detail how she wanted to fit in my hours in this position with some other commitments I have. Her eagerness in discussing scheduling was unexpected and unsolicited by me. But I thought it meant that I was a top candidate. I am not sure what I missed and I feel that this scheduling aspect of the interview was disingenuous.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 16,2025 at 5:35AM UTC

   I'm really sorry you had this experience. I know it seems confusing.

   Regarding your original question, I wouldn't read too much into the email. It's a pretty standard rejection email and I don't think anything is implied about you, your qualifications or your performance during the job application process. I don't think there's anything to read between the lines.

   Regarding your comment above where it seems like there is a disconnect between how the interview went and the outcome (and that's where the disconnect is - not between the interview and the email you received) - I really hate when hiring managers do this. Get an applicants hopes up in this way. I much prefer them to be more neutral.

   Her eagerness to discuss scheduling may not have been for a positive reason - it may have been to draw out your requirements to see if they would mesh with their needs. You also may have been the top candidate when you were in there interviewing and then they interviewed an additional candidate who they felt was a better fit.

   I offer this advice to all candidates - don't beat yourself up about this. Some hiring managers are not good hiring managers. Do your best and let it go. There could be a hundred reasons they decided not to move you forward. It has nothing to do with you doing better on an interview, doing something different. Even if you feel you're a good fit for the position, chances are there's someone else who's just a bit better of a fit.

   The good news is your resume is doing its job - you're getting interviews. That's half the battle right there!

7. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 10:56AM UTC

   It's a very standard "thanks but no thanks" letter. It is intentionally vague, because businesses are always careful to avoid putting anything in writing that could lead to a potential lawsuit. I could pull up almost every rejection email I have ever received and they would sound nearly identical. If this is a company that you have a strong interest in, you can reply to them and let them know that you would love to be considered for future openings, but don't hold your breath. Maybe look up some mock interview questions and answers to better prepare for your next interview. The fact that they even chose to interview you, means they saw something of value, remember that.

8. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 2:49PM UTC

   Not sure why there's a gray area. Someone seems to be a better fit, they may have more experience, different availability, etc. I don't think it's a reflection on your performance during the job application process. It's a standard response when not chosen.

9. AnonymousJanuary 15,2025 at 9:28PM UTC

   It means someone clicked the “send rejection letter” box. That is all it means.

10. AnonymousJanuary 16,2025 at 1:36AM UTC

    They sent a standard form letter to every applicant except the person they hired. I have dozens worded the same way. There is nothing to analyze.

11. AnonymousJanuary 16,2025 at 9:31PM UTC

    Thank you to everyone for providing very helpful feedback! I am very appreciative of your input and perspectives.

12. AnonymousJanuary 17,2025 at 2:10AM UTC

    I’d say that you came across well, as the library is holding onto your resume for a year. They didn’t have to mention this. Otherwise, this is a standard rejection letter.

    In sum: Don’t overthink the letter. You did fine, they picked someone else, time to move on.