Reasons Lisa doesn’t get the job:
May 13th 2008LisaEmployment
Since I have been blogging for awhile about my search for employment in the state with the highest unemployment rate (Michigan! we’re Number One!), I have received a few emails asking why I haven’t been chosen for jobs. Here’s a partial list:
A Mystery, but probably not a “good fit.”
- It is a sad fact that a lot of employers or recruiters just never get back to a candidate after an interview.
- It’s hard not to take that personally, even though I know on an intellectual level that it’s not a reflection on me, really. Said recruiter was just too busy or lazy or forgetful. Period.
- But, just as in dating- don’t say “you’ll get back to me” and don’t. It’s just rude. For the love of Pete, send me an email, at least.
- I wear Big Girl Panties every day (almost), and can take the rejection. Sure, I think I am the total shit, but I also know that you might not think so. I’m OK with that.
Internal candidate gets the job.
- The scenario: I go to the interview and find out it’s down to me, perhaps another external candidate, and an internal candidate.
- The facts: an employer is going to go with the Evil They Know almost 100% of the time. I can’t say that I blame them.
- However, I hate being the ringer. Can I at least get a lovely parting gift?
Poof! (aka the Attrition Monster)
- I throw myself headlong into the interviewing process. I tell fascinating, scintillating work anecdotes. I smell good. I provide kickass references.
- I wait.
- I get a phone call.
- “Well, we’ve decided not to hire anyone for this open position. We’re just going to cover the opening with the staff we have. But if things do change, we’ll keep you in mind…blah blah blah.”
- Hence, no one is happy. The employees of that team are working harder for the same pay, and Lisa still has no job.
You are great! We have no job for you!
- I usually get this kind of rejection as a sort of backhanded compliment. It goes something like this:
- “We were really impressed with your energy and skill set. We think you’d be a great asset to our organization!”
- (Wait for it)
- “But,”
- (I knew it.)
- “We’re not quite sure where you’d fit in with us!”
- (Hey, how ’bout the job I applied and interviewed for? That would work for me!)
- This is where there’s either some sort of BS about “reorganizing” or “restructuring.” I think what it really means is that they hired someone else. Or no one at all (see above, under “Poof!”)
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The takeaway-
It’s hard to talk about perspective gained by these experiences since I am still wallowing in the mire of my job search. I certainly have learned that my skin is not as thick as I thought it was. It sucks to get rejected or ignored when you are putting your best self out there. My feelings get hurt a lot more than I care to admit. I try not to take it personally, but it’s almost impossible not to.
“Work Lisa” and “Lisa Lisa” are still the same human being, after all.
