Correct an impression? Or let it go?

April 1, 2009 6:24 AM

I've just found out via email that I didn't get a job that I interviewed for. How to respond?

Obviously, I will write a brief response thanking the employer for his time and wishing him all the best. However, in his 'rejection' of me, he wrote that one of my skills was insufficient. My pride wants me to respond (politely) correcting this, but I also recognise that it's most probably just something for him to add to bulk out his email. I don't want to come across as obnoxious, but I do feel like I misrepresented myself. Is it too late to do anything now?

posted by different to Work & Money (18 answers total)

One vote for "let it go."
posted by wheat at 6:25 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

Yeah, don't bother responding. You gain nothing. Use that writing time on your next cover letter.
posted by Citrus at 6:28 AM on April 1, 2009 [2 favorites]

I doubt that it will change his mind. He may have rejected you for other reasons and picked this one as the best excuse for rejecting you.
posted by musofire at 6:28 AM on April 1, 2009

Response by poster: I should also add that it's not going to get me the job; there were other reasons why they chose to go with someone else. Specifically, they felt that my Spanish was not up to scratch. But I'm fluent - they only wanted intermediate level, but I wasn't prepared to speak Spanish at the interview (I was flustered, as the interviewer couldn't be found and it seemed like the interview wouldn't go ahead before he suddenly reappeared, plus I'm a little shy). I could write my reply to him in Spanish, but maybe that would come across as being a dick?
posted by different at 6:30 AM on April 1, 2009

Best answer: Read his reponse as "your demonstration of your skills was insufficient", and take that as constructive feedback.
posted by smackfu at 6:32 AM on April 1, 2009 [14 favorites]

You were too shy at the interview. For all you know they set it all up such that the need for Spanish would be a last minute surprise because they need somebody ready and willing to speak it any time, without a long song and dance preparation for it.

Never decline to do what is asked of you in a job interview. I also vote for let it go.
posted by Meatbomb at 6:37 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

I would let it go. No point in burning bridges.


On the other hand, if it's a bridge you honestly don't care about, why not send the letter in spanish? I think it's a funny idea. To be clear: it would come across as being a dick.
posted by HabeasCorpus at 6:37 AM on April 1, 2009 [2 favorites]

Maybe they want someone who can speak Spanish when flustered.

Anyway, correcting the guy's assessment of you will not improve his impression of you.
posted by thirteenkiller at 6:39 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

My pride wants me to respond (politely) correcting this

There's no way to "(politely)" correct this. He's already made his decision. Arguing with an interviewer who turns you down is inherently impolite.
posted by Jaltcoh at 6:41 AM on April 1, 2009

Best answer: He's not saying you couldn't do the job - just that another candidate could do it better. Nothing to take personally.

In situations like these, I typically write back:

Dear X,

I'm sorry to hear the position went to another candidate, but I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet you and learn about your company, and I thank you for considering my candidacy.

V/r,

Name
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 6:43 AM on April 1, 2009 [5 favorites]

Best answer: There is nothing to be gained by responding. They're aren't going to reconsider their decision. Let it go and prepare for the next interview. You'll quickly become less easily flustered.
posted by clearlynuts at 6:48 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

Send a note similar to what is suggested above by NoMyselfRightNow -- not because you think it will get you something out of it in the future, but because it is the proper, polite thing to do.

Then move on.
posted by spilon at 6:58 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks everyone, much appreciated. Sometimes an opinion from outside one's own head is exactly what's needed!
posted by different at 7:03 AM on April 1, 2009

Absolutely let it go. You could write something like, "Thank you for your constructive critique. I endeavor to master [said skill] and look forward to any other helpful thoughts, ideas and advice you might have." The point of having an interview is to make a friend and ally, if possible. You don't want to poison the well. Make it work for you.
posted by anniecat at 7:18 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

N'th-ing the "send a polite note and move on." You never know when this guy might get asked for someone with your skills and you want to make sure he's willing to recall you in a favorable light. Seriously, the "hey do you know anybody that does/can do 'X' ?" question comes up daily in my office and even if I dealt with someone who I ultimately didn't end up doing business with, I'll still pass their info along.

That is unless they did something specifically that rubbed me the wrong way (read: sent prickly email).
posted by Smarson at 8:14 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

There is nothing to be gained by responding.
More accurately, there is nothing to be gained by responding negatively. A good impression and a graceful dénouement are absolutely worth the negligible investment of ten seconds of your time. Send NotMyselfrightNow's response and move on.
posted by dirtdirt at 12:46 PM on April 1, 2009

Hm... I've seen situations were the preferred candidate flaked out for whatever reason, and my company had to dig pretty deep into the list to find someone else. Doesn't sound like that kind of situation, but who knows?

I would send the polite note, and add "I would be delighted to be considered for any future positions. I have also been refreshing my Spanish and would be eager to demonstrate my proficiency."
posted by charmcityblues at 5:09 PM on April 1, 2009

ask them to think of you if other positions open up. couldn't hurt.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 7:49 PM on April 1, 2009