Is It Unprofessional To Ask What's Wrong?

[JeganRX]

Having been through a number of interviews over the past few months, I've been told time and time again that the position has been filled, and that's all perfectly fine, I'm not here to whine about that. Nearly every time though, several people have asked me the question "why not?"

Well, the easy answer is that I must not have been qualified or experienced enough, or I didn't impress them on the interview, even if it was by a small margin, but I'm then told "maybe you should ask why you were not selected." My gut feeling is that this is unprofessional, or at least bothersome to most employers, who don't feel that it is a candidate's business to know precisely why not, but am I wrong to think that?

Back to sending resumes!

[Jawa Ex Machina]

They don't select someone else because you didn't meet their demands. They select someone else because someone else met their demands better. Or had better references. Or knew the boss or was a cousin to someone.

Just call them up before you apply, ask them what they're looking for, and then in the application and on the interview try to convince them that you're that person.

[paulears]

No - absolutely ask! Not unprofessional if you do it properly.

Hello,
Thank you for considering me for the XYZ position last week, and I'm disappointed I wasn't able to convince you I was the ideal candidate.

I wonder if you would be willing to give me some pointers as to what I need to do to prepare myself for a similar interview in the future. I'm really keen to not repeat and inadvertent errors in how I conducted myself, and if my experience was not quite what you needed, do you have any suggestions for areas where I could perhaps seek extra training.

It would be very useful to me to know where my weak areas are, and there is no need to be cautious or gentle - knowing where I went wrong is very important to me, so please feel free to be honest - I'd really appreciate any information you are able to give.


Most employers that interview many people are getting these kinds of requests and don't seem to mind answering honestly - are you sure you can take it, sometimes the results can be quite cutting. A friend did this, and got a very unusual response. I've paraphrased it but it was something very similar to this.

During the interview we asked if you were a smoker, and you replied no. However, we noticed the staining on your fingers and could smell smoke on your clothes. We decided that your response was a little less than accurate, and even though we would have preferred a non-smoker - we would have considered you, honesty would have been better. Our receptionist also mentioned you stood outside under the CCTV camera for some time before coming in for the interview, so she had seen you smoking.

This was a real surprise. he'd been thinking it was his technical answers, or education that let him down, but he simply lied in a way they spotted straight away. He told me he said no, because he figured they'd assume he'd always be sneaking off for a fag - so thought saying no was better!

[Eric Boellner]

No - absolutely ask! Not unprofessional if you do it properly.

Hello,
Thank you for considering me for the XYZ position last week, and I'm disappointed I wasn't able to convince you I was the ideal candidate.

I wonder if you would be willing to give me some pointers as to what I need to do to prepare myself for a similar interview in the future. I'm really keen to not repeat and inadvertent errors in how I conducted myself, and if my experience was not quite what you needed, do you have any suggestions for areas where I could perhaps seek extra training.

It would be very useful to me to know where my weak areas are, and there is no need to be cautious or gentle - knowing where I went wrong is very important to me, so please feel free to be honest - I'd really appreciate any information you are able to give.

Yeah, I'd ignore that email entirely and just hope I never run into the person again. That kind of email is like hitting on a woman, getting shot down and then saying, "Hey, do you mind critiquing my performance?" It's weird and they shouldn't be responsible for YOU learning how to perform in a job interview.

To the OP, if you want my advice, have a friend who's in any way in charge of a business or even a part of a business give you a mock interview and help you figure out what you could be doing better. Or take a class -- I'm pretty sure most community colleges and a lot of state and local labor depts (and adult learning centers, which isn't as demeaning as it sounds) have classes to help you learn how to handle an interview and the before and after.

Good luck with your job search. :)

-JMT

[Gary Huff]

I agree. I would never ask for a critique. I've been in the position of being asked before, and it felt awkward, and doesn't make a good impression. Plus, I've always given bullshit answers to that question anyway.

[David W. Richardson]

You have to remember that for every job opening, there are LOTS of qualified applicants. Some may be more qualified than you are. Or it could have come down to a coin toss. It may not be about YOU at all. Or it might. But yes, I'd say asking them is a bad idea.

Instead, work on your interviewing skills. Have someone you trust conduct mock interviews. Videotape them, and study how you did. Ask other people you trust to watch the videos and give you advice. Best bet might even be to ask total strangers what they think. Maybe you seem TOO eager? Or too desperate? Too cocky?

In addition to all of that, network like crazy! You could BE the guy who gets hired because of who he knew.

[ugafan]

you didn't get the job because they liked another guy better. it's as simple as that. keep trying and eventually you'll find something.

[Noel Evans]

you didn't get the job because they liked another guy better. it's as simple as that. keep trying and eventually you'll find something.

And as simple as that answer is, its usually the case. However someone mentioned finding someone to help you refine your interview skills - great idea.

Also, never write up a CV and think right thats it IM done. You should tweak your CV to put more focus on the position requirement every time you apply for a job. Usually a job will list tasks, so highlight those clearly. Also remember a CV is a teaser, if its 4-5 pages, way too long. No one will ever read it all. Put the good stuff at the start. Make sure you know what their key selection criteria is: What must have you done? What tasks are required for the position and highlight those in your interview responses. Applying for a job is much more than an interview. If you dont prep your sunk.

[Doc Bernard]

But, always thank the interviewer for their time in interviewing you for the position. I have always followed up an interview thanking them for the opportunity through email (if you have it). Keep it professional, and maybe the next time, they will remember you. You never know.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

When I moved to Los Angeles, I had an interview at Panavision. They ended up hiring someone else... but a month later, they had another opening and they offered me the spot. They apparently liked me, but hired the other person because of a small and simple reason/advantage. It goes to show you never know just how close you are. Back then, when I was searching for a job at a rental house, I would always end my follow-up with, "Thank you for your time, it was very nice meeting you and if you ever have another opening in the future, I hope you will reconsider my application." Leaving it open-ended allows the thought of hiring you on future openings to plant in their mind. I didn't get hired on the first opening, but I was hired a month later on the next. Just keep trying.

Don't ask what is wrong, imo. If you really want, do a mock interview with a friend or mentor who can perform a decent interview. Let them give you pointers.

[Sad Max]

^ that's not a bad idea at all. Interview with people willing to play hiring-boss, who actually do have experience hiring people, and see if they can offer you some tips to improve your presentation. Don't worry if they are in your specific field, or not; technical qualifications are technical qualifications, and if someone beats you on those grounds, well, that's that. Your presentation, your attitude, the impression that you make - these are all things that a willing-to-help person outside your trade can evaluate and hopefully advise you, upon.