feedback from a prospective employer

[daftpixie]

Recently applied for a job that I was so enthusiastic about and really pinning hopes on, worked very very hard on application etc but have heard nothing from them. I satisfied the crtieria above and beyond that was required but I have a criminal conviction for a driving offence. I get the feeling I havent been offered an interview on that basis as its a job working with kids (although am currently already working in a similar role elsewhere) and I am devastated by this, as it is something I already beat myself up about anyway.

So, do you think I should contact them to ask why they havent called me for an interview? I dont want to come across as arrogant to them, or bolshy, but I truly felt I had so much to offer them and contribute that although I may not have got the job on the basis someone else was more suitable, but they could have at least interviewed me to find that out?! Clutching at straws really but Im so very dissapointed, thanks for any forthcoming advice and suggestions.

[Ethel]

Don't be too hasty - when did you submit your application and when was the closing date?

If it is more than three weeks after the closing date contact the personnel department and ask them if they would be kind enough to review your application form with you and give you guidance as to anything that let you down.

Sadly most jobs have already been filled by an internal candidate before it is even advertised - but the law insists that the job is advertised and we all go through this pointless charade that causes a lot of disappointment and heartache.
I suppose it keeps personnel occupied though.

However, there is still a chance you may be called for interview.

Good luck.

[daftpixie]

Thanks Ethel, the interviews start next week so was working on the basis that they would have contacted me by now had they been considering me for the position. Feel a bit better consoling myself that the position may have been filled internally, but it seems so pointless to advertise in such circumstances, I spent alot of time on my application etc I will do as you suggest though, thanks again

[GrahamT]

Call them daftpixie. I called up a company that didn't contact me for an interview as, like you, I genuinely didn't understand how they could fail to have overlooked me! In the nicest possible way I asked if they had read my application as I was sure I had all the right qualifications and had something to offer. I think I hinted they might have overlooked it somehow due to sheer volume of applications. They booked an interview for me. I got the job. I don't think it's arrogance -sometimes you have to do things that make you stand out from the rest. You have to find the right level of confidence to do this but if you are genuine I think this will shine through. Pick up the phone and call them - nothing ventured, nothing gained!!

[gammaray]

Dissapointing as it is, it teaches you a valuable lesson. Your idea of what they need and their idea of what they are looking for can be poles apart.

It's not useful to get too emotional about job applications. If you got an interview far, from sounding enthusiastic you could come across as needy and desperate. Put into context, on this occasion you weren't what they were looking for. Chalk it up to experience and move on.

[Catso]

Sadly, the tendency today is for employers not to bother responding to applicants they aren't interested in. I think that is very poor, very arrogant and dismissive, and when I used to do recruiting, I always responded to every application letter. How do the poor applicants know you even got their letter?

You're probably right that they aren't inviting you for interview. You have every right to contact them and ask why, and I believe by law they have to respond and tell you why. Though more often than not, you'll get meaningless, and not very helpful, answers. Tricky to know whether a letter or a phone call will get the best information back; people will say things they wouldn't write, but put more thought and consideration into a letter.

It is disheartening for your application to disappear into a 'black hole', especially for a job you really fancied. But it's just the way the world is today. Don't give up, keep trying and keep your enthusiasm, it often comes through in letters and CVs.

[angeldraws]

Perhaps you could ring them and ask when the short-listing is to take place (even if you already know really....) - this can then open an opportunity for a brief discussion - also ask who the interviewer/s is/are - be sure to let them know your name, as it will be remembered.