Didn't get the job feedback wording

[StJess80]

I didn't get a job that I really wanted. I got the generic "after reviewing other applications, blah blah blah" letter. I really want to know why I didn't get this position (or an interview). Is there a way I can tactfully word that? I don't want to come off as making them prove to me why they didn't interview me, but I genuinely want to know what I can do in the future when applying for similar positions. Also, should I wait a specific amount of time? I am sure they are in the interview process now, so I don't want to be a bother, but I don't want to wait so long that they forget my name.

Any tips?

[laurensmomma]

So you didn't even get a phone screen?

[StJess80]

Oct 1, 2014 12:51:16 GMT -5 laurensmomma said:

So you didn't even get a phone screen?

Nope. This is a small library, so I didn't expect that I would. Actually, I don't think I have had a phone screen for any of my library positions. The requirements of the job is that you have to live w/in 10 miles of the city to hold this position. As of right now, I don't (I live about an hour and 15 minutes away) but I didn't address that on my cover letter or resume because I figured it would be assumed that I would move. I actually got mixed reception on whether I should or should not include it, so I went with the not including it route. I waited about 2 weeks after submitting my application packet and then sent an email expressing my continued interest (they wanted everything handled via email) in the position, and then got a reply back yesterday with the "we've gone another way" response. Now I just want to know why so I can be better prepared next time.

[laurensmomma]

Ah, gotcha. Well, many times candidates are automatically screened out, and if you didn't meet the requirement of living within 10 miles (really weird requirement, if you ask me), then it's very possible that it automatically disqualified you.

If you wanted to find out why you didn't get an interview, you could say something to the effect of, "Hi, I am continually trying to improve my resume and how I present myself for opportunities that really interest me, so I was hoping you could provide me some feedback as to why I did not make it past the first round. Any feedback is appreciated, and I hope to have the opportunity to meet with you should a similar position open up in the future". Or something like that.

Good luck!

[Deleted]

I'm pretty sure you answered your own question as to why you didn't get the job? You don't meet their requirements (10 miles)?

[noodleoo]

Oct 1, 2014 14:00:45 GMT -5 @lorelaireadsagain said:

I'm pretty sure you answered your own question as to why you didn't get the job? You don't meet their requirements (10 miles)?

Yeah, I think the advice to not address that in the cover letter was bad advice.  If it was a firm requirement and you didn't meet it and didn't say anything about it, they probably assumed you didn't read the job description.  They might not have even read your resume.  

Maybe resubmit your application but clearly address that?

[Deleted]

Either remove your address and just include the intended city or address it in your cover letter.

When I was applying for jobs in UT for CA, I added "San Diego" as my city AND included it in the cover letter.

Also, make sure you use keywords from the job description in your resume. I always make sure to tweak a few words to match the job description.

Good luck!!

[StJess80]

Oct 1, 2014 14:00:45 GMT -5 @lorelaireadsagain said:

I'm pretty sure you answered your own question as to why you didn't get the job? You don't meet their requirements (10 miles)?

I thought that, but the people that gave me the advice are librarians and said it is assumed that the candidate will move if a location requirement is mentioned. I was torn on whether or not to mention that I would move because I didn't want them to think "well duh, does she think we don't know that?"

What's a good time frame for asking for feedback? Like I said, I don't want to be a bother to them, but I'd like to have feedback to keep in mind for future jobs that I apply for.

[Deleted]

Oct 1, 2014 14:33:16 GMT -5 StJess80 said:

Oct 1, 2014 14:00:45 GMT -5 @lorelaireadsagain said:

I'm pretty sure you answered your own question as to why you didn't get the job? You don't meet their requirements (10 miles)?

I thought that, but the people that gave me the advice are librarians and said it is assumed that the candidate will move if a location requirement is mentioned. I was torn on whether or not to mention that I would move because I didn't want them to think "well duh, does she think we don't know that?"

What's a good time frame for asking for feedback? Like I said, I don't want to be a bother to them, but I'd like to have feedback to keep in mind for future jobs that I apply for.

Keep in mind that companies are hesitant to provide specific feedback as to not open themselves up to law suits- ie if they said you have too much experience, you could argue age discrimination.

I don't actually think it reasonable or wise to ask for feedback when you weren't even invited for a phone screen.

[L]

I recommend asking a trusted friend or colleague to review your cover letter and resume. Maybe a previous manager? Or you can even remove all identifying information and post it here for feedback.

But in this situation, where you never interviewed, and never even got to a phone screening for the job, I would not reach out to the hiring manager asking for feedback.

I understand your frustration that you didn't get this job and I sympathize. However, requesting feedback is not appropriate in this situation - that's something that hiring managers may be amenable to after you've actually interviewed and created some sort of a relationship with them, or perhaps if you otherwise know them on a professional basis. But it does not sound like that's the case here, and you risk coming off as unprofessional and naive, and ruining any chances you may have for a future position at this company.

[StJess80]

Thanks for the feedback. I can definitely see your reasoning for not contacting them when you put it like that. I have shared my resume w/ a few of the librarians on the board, but taking out identifiable information and posting it here isn't a bad idea. I'll take a look at it tonight and see if I can easily do that.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't ask for feedback for a job where I didn't get an interview. I've asked for feedback when I did but didn't get the job, but only on the phone. I also asked once when in didn't get an interview but they called me personally to thank me for applying and to let me know I had made it to the top 5 (out of 100s). That seemed appropriate in that situation. But generally for someone who didn't interview they're not going to have much to say anyway.