Ultimately, feedback doesn’t REALLY matter.
Ok maybe that’s some crazy thing I made up to protect my own sanity. Recruiters have been candidates too, you know. And I’ve certainly had my share of failed interviews.
As a recruiter, there are THREE THINGS I know for sure when it comes to feedback. That feedback is HIGHLY DEPENDENT on the following:
- Company norms/expectations
- Team needs
- Role specifics
We know that interviewing is a data collection exercise that tells us if we do or do not have a fit for those three things – does the person fit the org (culture fit…?) does the person add needed skills / experience to the team, and will the person be successful in this role / level. Now these expectations should be laid out during interview prep and such, but the interview is an opportunity for decision makers to learn enough about you to say “yes” or “no” to these decision points.
Sometimes, the answer is no.
That does NOT mean you’re not a great (insert title here) – it simply means you weren’t the right fit for that specific company/team/role. Sometimes one of these topics, sometimes all of them. Sometimes, it’s literally timing.
The only thing that matters is does this impact your ability to apply or interview again.
Follow me through on this – just because THIS role on THAT day isn’t right, can I still apply in the future? Can I be considered for a different role or team? Should I wait a year or more?
THAT is the only kind of feedback I personally care about. I know that what Company A thinks or me (good or bad) is not in any way related to or shared with Company B, which may think I’m great.
Don’t let a lack of feedback hold YOU back from moving forward. We’re not going to change a decision that’s already made, but we can definitely spend that emotional energy on future opportunities.
