Ask a Manager

Three letters, one theme — 1. Did I burn a bridge by demanding feedback from a company that rejected me? I’m worried that I unintentionally burned a bridge for an organization that I would really like to work for. Recently I had a job interview for a dream job that I wanted really badly. I […]

A reader writes: I recently interviewed for a senior (10+ years experience required) position at a large media organization. The most senior of the 4 panellists was an old boss. He had emailed me to invite me to apply for the position following an earlier catch-up where I asked about potential work with the organization. […]

A reader sent me an exchange that she had with a recent graduate who applied for a job with her company. The applicant had submitted a three-page resume with short essays about her experience on it. That exchange is further down, but first here’s what the reader wrote to me: I thought I’d share something […]

This post was originally published on July 20, 2008. A while back, I wrote a post about how a small fraction of job applicants respond to rejection notices with outrage, rudeness, or general vitriol, and gave a few real-life samples. Some background: My organization emails rejection notes to all applicants we don’t offer a job […]

A reader writes: Recently, I was a finalist for a marketing manager position at a prominent company within the arts industry. The job involved promoting two different areas of performance art that I am very passionate about, and one of which I perform myself. I didn’t do well in the second interview, and knew I […]

You’ve screened resumes, interviewed candidates, and now you’re ready to make a hire. But wait – while your attention might be focused on the new person who will be joining your staff, don’t forget about all those other candidates who are waiting to hear back from you. Yes, it’s rejection time. No one likes doing […]

A reader writes: I recently went through 6 rounds of interview stages for a telecommute position. The stages included a resume and phone screening, a questionnaire, multiple phone interviews, and finally an in-person lunch. It took almost 2 months, but I’m happy to report I was offered and accepted the position. I enthusiastically updated my […]

A reader writes: I relocated a couple of months ago after taking an out-of-state internship and falling in the love with the area. The internship has since ended, and though I still work there occasionally (it’s a retail store/event space), the owner can’t really afford a full-time employee so I’m left looking for full-time employment […]

A reader writes: I’ve been managing my office’s recruiting and hiring process. During our last round of hiring, a young woman who had about a year of experience and a bachelor’s degree was under consideration for an account executive position. At most firms in my industry, this is slightly above entry-level. I did a phone […]

A reader writes: I called a candidate for an interview and left a detailed message of when and where to call me back. When this person called back, he was very rude with our front desk clerks and stated he was not sure who called. What can I say to this candidate? I don’t want […]