Getting rejected from a job raises questions in the heart of the job seeker but the questions are rarely ever answered. Employers are not under any obligation to give rejected applicants any reasons for their actions.
The question is why didn’t I get the job? If you’re qualified for the job, the disappointment is increased and you may need to get an explanation. Observing from the employer’s perspective, legal advice is given to the employer not to give specific reasons for rejections in a bid to avoid a lawsuit.
How can you ask this question in a manner that doesn’t trigger the employers closing down the doors of communication?
Getting a response to your query is possible if you display the right amount of interest and the language terms used is also a huge determinant in whether you’ll get a feedback. It is advised for you to frame some specific questions when you notify the company in request for an explanation.
Some reasons for rejection may not be very explicit, they can be “you’re alright, we need someone spectacular”. For reasons like this, framing the right kind of question can help you produce a more detailed explanation out of them.
Initiate a conversation with the hiring manager or the employer, you can do this through a mail or via a LinkedIn message, ask them for some constructive critiques of your application.
Sample letter of Asking Why You Didn’t Get the Job
Here is a sample letter for making such a request
Alice applied for a Sales Manager position and was rejected
Dear Mr./Miss/Mrs. Last Name
I appreciate your interest in me by considering me for the position of the Sales Manager at your firm. I also appreciate the courtesy extended to me by informing me that I wasn’t selected for the position.
I must state that I have immense respect for your proficiency with regards to human resources as displayed during our interview session. I write to you to request a favor with regards to my application.
I strongly seek your constructive professional input on my resume to help me improves my candidacy for future applications for a job. Please, would you be available for a phone call towards this purpose?
I will appreciate a feedback irrespective of the response. Thanks for your time.
Yours Faithfully,
Your Name
Phone
Relevant Social Media info
If the individual gets back to you with a positive feedback, you should hit the nail on the head by asking specific questions such as
- What is your advice on what personalities can help my references pull more weight during subsequent interviews?
- How can I improve on my cover letter?
- If there is another opening in the company, am I competent enough to be considered?
Asking questions of this nature helps reassure the employer that you have a keen interest in the job, and that your request for feedback has non-implicative motives. This way, you stand a higher chance of being accepted if there is another opening at the firm later in the future.