Is it unprofessional to ask why I didn't receive a job?

Question

I did 3 interviews with a company last week. I'm more than qualified (but I don't think overqualified) for the position, and one of the people who called my references acted like it was a "done deal", that I would definitely get the position I'd interviewed for. I didn't...is it unprofessional of me to ask why I didn't get it?

Answer 1

I have been in your shoes. You can ask, but due to liability, you may not get a truthful answer. They usually say something like, we found someone that was a good fit for the position. There were a lot of good candidates.

Answer 2

If you had three interviews, it was probably tough for them to decide between you and the candidate they hired--and there might not be any difference--a coin toss could have been the reason.

It's not unprofessional to ask, but you won't get the kind of answer you're looking for. Instead, try asking what skills or attributes you need to develop to qualify for a future position. Do this by phone--you'll never get anything in writing.

Sorry about your disappointment. I hope the job you get is even better.

Answer 3

Not only is it not unprofessional. It is something you should do, in order to improve your chances of securing a job or improving your next interview experience. You may also consider interview coaching, and there are plenty of professional interviewing advise available online gratis. If you are with a recruiter, ask him/her to give you interview pointers, and if they know the company, they can give you company-specific interview advise! As an ocassional interviewer, I can tell you: go over likely questions ahead of time; look impeccable; be sharp; know the company; display enthusiasm. These simple points will place you in the top third of people, in my opinion.

Answer 4

A H.R. person in a large company will not discuss this with you and may refuse to take your call. You might think you're doing well in the interview but you may be mistaken. You should contact an employment company, get dressed up and discuss your presentation skills with a counselor.
They may have a job for you but, more importantly, they can give you a frank appraisal of how you come across.

Answer 5

Always ask why...but be polite about it.

I was one of two people left for a VP position...the other guy got it. I asked why...bottom line, the other guy had more technical qualification, which was true. I had more management and government as a client experience, which was also true. In the end, they weighed the technical skills more heavily.

It's all about matching their demand to your ability to provide. If you never ask what their demand was when deciding to give the other guy the job, you'll never find out how you can improve your chances the next time you interview.

Answer 6

It is only unprofessional if you ask in a rude way.

Call the HR manager and tell her that you are interested in improving your interviewing skills and that you would like feedback on way another candidate was chosen over you. If you ask nicely most of the time people are willing to tell you.

Answer 7

I've asked before and got a relatively frank letter. I was qualified and in the top five but I could have done better in the interview and they didn't like me personally. ! I just wrote an email and asked if there was anything I could do to improve my application the next time I applied. Of course, they can go blank themselves:)

Answer 8

I'll tell you what future bosses do like to hear.

If you don't get the job, write to the guy, tell him how disappointed you are because you felt that this was exactly the right type of company for you.

They are ambitious and have a good record in the industry.
Just the sort of company you want to work for.

They are so used to being slagged off by people they have refused they will keep your name and address and offer you something fairly soon.

Try it - what do you have to lose?

Answer 9

It would be naive (and unprofessional) to expect an honest answer.