Aaron writes:
I have read your article on Quintessential Careers regarding under-qualified applicants and how to make yourself stand out to potential employers. I found the information to be quite helpful. However, as I am still having issues with getting companies to respond when I apply, I am trying to see what else I may need to do. I contacted a potential employer for advice after they rejected my application. They mentioned that, while I met the requirements for the job, they found an applicant who better fit what they were looking for. I asked the human resources manager for advice on how I could improve myself and make myself a stronger candidate in the future. However, since that time, I have not received a response? What that the right thing to do, or did my asking for advice present a problem for the human resources manager? I want to make sure that I am not potentially irritating potential employers.
The Career Doctor responds:
It doesn’t hurt to ask, and it probably won’t irritate them, but you will probably NOT get a straight answer beyond the “applicant who’s a better fit” response because employers fear lawsuits if they tell you the real reasons. I would suggest the following:
- Next time you interview with someone you really connect with, someone with whom you have strong rapport, try asking for feedback at the end of the interview and/or after you get rejected (if that happens). Someone who really likes you may give you honest feedback.
- See a career counselor or coach and do a mock interview and ask for feedback.
