Failed interview feedback (from employers point of view)

Failed interview feedback (from employers point of view)

Author
Discussion

VEIGHT

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

227 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
Someone has asked for feedback regarding an interview in which they were unsuccessful and I remember on here many years ago someone was being sued due to them thinking they were discriminating.

I think the Pher won however it must of cost a lot of time, money and energy – whats the best way to avoid this. Can I say that we don’t provide feedback? I do however want to be helpful. Any advice?

Genuine reason was that someone else came across better in the interview.



Troubleatmill

10,210 posts

158 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
VEIGHT said:
Someone has asked for feedback regarding an interview in which they were unsuccessful and I remember on here many years ago someone was being sued due to them thinking they were discriminating.

I think the Pher won however it must of cost a lot of time, money and energy – whats the best way to avoid this. Can I say that we don’t provide feedback? I do however want to be helpful. Any advice?

Genuine reason was that someone else came across better in the interview.
Just be constructively honest - and tell them what they did well - and where they could have been better.
The idea of feedback is to help the candidate improve for the next interview.


mildmannered

1,231 posts

152 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
VEIGHT said:
Genuine reason was that someone else came across better in the interview.
I have no idea of the legal implications, but it was nice to have some very positive feedback on a recent interview. I was unsuccessful, but it was great to know I had come across well (and therefore made the considerable effort worthwhile), but a more qualified candidate was chosen. Fair play, I was hitting above my weight anyway!

Gargamel

14,957 posts

260 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all

You can't stop someone thinking they were discriminated against. However you can make sure they have no legitimate grounds for complaint

Do it verbally, not in written form,

Explain that the company focuses on skills and competencies for the role.
You had two good candidates to choose between
You felt that the other candidate offered greater depth of knowledge in "insert key experience here"

That could be - previous sector experience, greater project knowledge, a piece of software, management experience - or whatever you want.

Make it focused, specific and honest.

Then offer some insight or advice, such as - I asked you to tell me about yourself, I felt you missed an opportunity to explain why you wanted the job here, and how your ambition could be met by this position. Eg I gave you a chance to sell a little bit, and instead you talked about how you like horse riding ....

That kind of thing, gently done. can be very useful

VEIGHT

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

227 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
Very much appreciate that.

Thanks.

Jasandjules

69,825 posts

228 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
Why weren't they chosen?

Mojooo

12,668 posts

179 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
Why weren't they chosen?
Like Ali G, they were black.

Terminator X

14,921 posts

203 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
Keep it brief, truthful and by phone. Nowt written imho.

TX.

Pit Pony

8,265 posts

120 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
No feedback should ever be constructive or helpful, but should be bland and pointless in the extreme. Always tell them they were the second choice and if you get funding for a second position, you won't bother to re-advertise, but will come straight to them.

The only useful feedback I ever had, was that my salary expectations were 50% more than the bloke interviewing me was on.

southendpier

5,254 posts

228 months

Wednesday 28th January 2015
quotequote all
Gargamel said:
You can't stop someone thinking they were discriminated against. However you can make sure they have no legitimate grounds for complaint

Do it verbally, not in written form,

Explain that the company focuses on skills and competencies for the role.
You had two good candidates to choose between
You felt that the other candidate offered greater depth of knowledge in "insert key experience here"

That could be - previous sector experience, greater project knowledge, a piece of software, management experience - or whatever you want.

Make it focused, specific and honest.

Then offer some insight or advice, such as - I asked you to tell me about yourself, I felt you missed an opportunity to explain why you wanted the job here, and how your ambition could be met by this position. Eg I gave you a chance to sell a little bit, and instead you talked about how you like horse riding ....

That kind of thing, gently done. can be very useful
I like this, good information thanks for the input.