Ask a Manager

A reader writes: I applied for a job online for a large corporation that was a bit of a stretch and step. I sent in a resume and a fairly short “cover letter.” I have a stable job but am always looking for a chance for a better role. About two weeks later, I received […]

A reader writes: This email arrived in my inbox more than a week after I was supposed to be notified of this organization’s decision in hiring a higher-level volunteer position. The first sentence is the only one that seemed personally written for me. I feel like I should respond politely but I’m angry that in […]

Ever wonder what went on behind the scenes when you receive a job rejection? Or whether a human even looked at your resume before you got rejected? Or why employers sometimes send cringe-worthy rejection emails? Here are answers to these and more questions about job rejections. 1. “Is this a form letter?” Yes, probably. When an […]

A reader writes: I have recently dipped my toe into the online dating pool. Like many straight women, I’m finding myself absolutely overwhelmed with messages … and, like many, I delete most of them without replying. But I’m also an avid AAM reader, and would certainly not do such a thing at work. As a […]

A reader writes: I applied for a position six weeks ago. After two weeks of silence, I contacted the hiring manager inquiring about the timeline and was told to be patient, things are taking longer than anticipated. So I did not send any further queries. I should also note that I held a previous job […]

A reader writes: I just found out that a position I was a finalist for was offered to another candidate. While I tried not to get my hopes up throughout the interview process, as I moved further along I inevitably started to get excited about the possibility of working at this new company. The company […]

If you applied for a promotion and got turned down, you’re probably feeling pretty rejected. Being passed over for a job never feels great, but it can be a particularly bitter pill when you’re turned down by people who you see every day and who know your work well. But a “no” or a “not […]

A reader writes: I have a question regarding applicants who, after being interviewed and rejected more than once, apply over and over again. I have one applicant who has been interviewed twice, rejected twice, and keeps sending new applications. The first time she was interviewed was two years ago by our previous recruitment coordinator, and […]

A reader writes: How can I make getting to the final round of interviews – and not getting the job – count for something? Yesterday I received the news that I did not get the job at a great charity. It was a role that I have not come across before, and it would have […]