Am I within my right to write a complaint letter if a hiring manager unleashed harsh personal criticism of me?

Question

Recently I went for a job interview - the interview was arranged through an employment agency. I interviewed and was passed over for the job. No biggie.

But I was later told by my recruiter that the interviewer had a lot of harsh personal criticism of me as rationale for her decision not to hire me.

Although I was disappointed not to get the job offer, what really peed me off was what this person said about me in front of my recruiter because, while it's one thing not to offer someone a job, it's a whole different story to bad-mouth their character in front of a recruiter and (in the process) possibly sabotage their chances at future jobs that may crop up.

Was I within my right to write a letter of protest to the interviewer's manager?

Answer 1

To answer your question directly: OF COURSE you are within your rights! But I ask you this: To what end?

Here's the thing. FIRST OFF, you don't know for a fact that he did this. It's hearsay. SECONDLY, even if he did say it, the BEST that you could hope for was an apology, which STILL doesn't get you the job. THIRDLY, by pursuining your vengence and supposed redemption, you might actually come off looking bad--which right now, the other guy does! In doing so, you risk burning a bridge on a future employment possibility.

My advice to you would be to LET IT GO! And if you MUST say something, I would encourage you to keep it just between you and the person who told you what the man said. Say something to the effect:

I am at a loss as to what I said or did to leave such a negative impression with Mr. So and So that he felt that it was appropriate to attack me so. I am sorry that he felt so strongly against me! I look forward to another opportunity to speak with your firm about how my skills can benefit you and hope to remove any lingering bad feelings or doubt about my abilities. Thank you again for the opportunity. I am truly sorry that it was not a good fit this time.

Answer 2

It would be different if this person said it to you. Then it would be understandable. But you are getting this from someone else. Who knows what she really said but them two. As far as it goes the recruiter maybe the one that doesnt like you and wishes you didnt come back. Thats all hear-say! He could of stretched the truth ect ect. What it boils down to is that he told you this. IF she said anything it was in confidence. I would be pissed at both of them and move on. First and formost I would make sure that when you do talk to someone in a interview it is in a calm manner and positive. Nothing that makes you sound like your a badasz. Nothing that says you have a smart mouth. ( I am just throwing things out there this does not mean you do this) The other thing is confidence. If they ask you a question dont say you must want someone with experience. Say I have 80% of what it takes to do this job and the rest I will learn through training and I think I could be one of your best employee's. You dont have to say it just like that but its just the point that you want to sound like they should hire you. You are "selling yourself" so to speak. Make people want to have you. Most places do not want someone that is "High Maintance". That they have to watch and correct all the time in what you say or do emotionally. Show you are stable. Be freindly and greet them and say a parting comment when leaving. Thank them for the time before leaving. ect. But for the most part the letter will get you know where so why waist your time. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Absolutely do not do it.

If the interviewer is the problem:
A: Do you really want to work for that person?
B: Do you really want to work for a company which promotes that type of person?

The problem may not be the manager; it could be your recruiter.

Remember that recruiters try to fill positions without actually being the hiring manager or direct supervisor. Positions vary quite a bit from company to company. Depending on the criticism, you can take it as constructive, and try to change your interview style or your employment style or the specific type of job for which you are applying.

There are myriad recruiters out there, and many, many more applicants. There are many ways to handle people you can't stand. (see link)

Answer 4

oh, you have the right, sure enough.

Doesn't mean you were right to do so -- might very well be that many or most of the points made had substance to them and you need to look at who you are and what employers want in an employee.

Of course, you didn't tell us what the comments were, did you??


Btw, it is entirely possible that your letter will find its way back to your contact at the agency. If the agency isn't a government entity [you didn't say] and if the contact there considers you to have some or many of the points criticized, you may soon need to find a different agency as this one will cease to call you for anything.

You'll soon know if the telephone goes silent, won't you?

:/

Answer 5

The employment agencies does not hire you they just set you up on interviews so it did not hurt your chances of future jobs. Take the criticism in stride and make corrections for your next interview.

Answer 6

Yes I would of! It should have been a simple "I don't feel he's qualified" or something along the lines of that! Nothing should have been said to personally attack you or your character!

Answer 7

You do what you gotta do. But what does it do for you? ~
I would ask the recruiter what (s)he felt about that and how it changed her view of me (if at all). Watch the body language to see whether (s)he lies.
Also, think about what was said and see whether you can improve your presentation.