Ask a Manager

If you’re not getting rejections in this job market, you’re either not applying for very many jobs or you have some incredible luck. Even really great candidates get rejected, often multiple times. But how can you keep from getting discouraged when you’re not getting interviews or job offers? After all, the tendency when you get […]

When you get a job rejection email, do not send a reply offering up your IQ as an argument for reconsidering the decision. This is not compelling.

A reader writes: I’ve been looking for a position in the creative industry. My application generally consists of a resume, cover letter, “teaser” images, and a link to my portfolio website. An agency I would love to work for informed me that they’ve decided not to move on to the interview phase with me. Their […]

A reader writes: It’s been 3 weeks since I had my first interview with a company. I’ve tried umpteen times to contact the hiring manager and HR manager (both of whom interviewed me). I’ve only left one message with the HR manager. They are still advertising for the postition. I’m 99.9999% sure I won’t get […]

A reader writes: I recently applied for a position that I believe I should have gotten based on my past knowledge, skills, abilities, as well as experience. Is there any way one can challenge an employer to their decision? What exactly do you have in mind?  Insisting that they withdraw their offer to someone else […]

A reader writes: When I receive resumes, I do one of three things within a week: 1) call them to set up an interview; 2) send a postcard that says we were impressed with their credentials and would contact them when a position opens up for which they are qualified (I really truly do this […]

A reader writes: I work in a small office (there are really just a few of us full-time) and I recently hired someone for a general office position. I’m in an industry that’s really hard to break into so I got a lot of resumes quickly. After I reached a few hundred applicants and had […]

A reader writes: I applied for a job on a very big company that’s actually doing very well despite the economy, and hiring several positions. They were looking for someone with standard requirements plus a somewhat seldom seen skill, which I had. I made as far as an interview but they turned me down. They […]

The job seemed perfect for you. You met all the qualifications, it was exactly in the field you specialize in, and the interview went well. You had rapport with your interviewer, they seemed to like you, and at the end of the meeting, they promised they’d be in touch soon. And then … rejection. Or […]