I've done this in the past with jobs for which I was not accepted. Some were happy to, some weren't, but where they did it was useful.
And as an employer now, I'm generally happy to share useful feedback. But I'll usually only bother if the candidate asks me. This is at least partly because - as RiderOfGiraffes alludes to, there are legal issues involved, and I have to think very hard about how I word a reply to make sure it stays within the bounds of relevant laws. And I'm happy to do that if the candidate asked after it - but not if they've expressed no interest.
Friend of mine, statistics phd, interviewing with big-name University for Prof position. In car on way to airport with junior faculty member, asked "What do you think my chances are?"
Junior said "Nil. You are female with kids. Elderly faculty think you will put them before the job, and not pull your weight. They reject all the mothers."
They did indeed reject her, with a polite letter. Now she works at another big University, very successful, students love her, lucky to have her.
So its not always (almost never) about the resume or interview.
It's not really happening at the moment, I'm a freelance developer now. But after having a discussion with a friend going through the same trouble, I had the question.
I probably didn't ask as much as I should/could have, I possibly asked 5-10% of employers, and when I had either no response or a negative 'you didnt suit our needs', I guess I just gave up. I think it's extremely dependent of the company, and surprisingly the person you're dealing with directly inside the company.
What's the harm in something like: "Hey, remember me? I once applied here and wasn't hired, but I really like your company and I was wondering if you have any advice to make me a stronger applicant for future openings"
Comments
Have you tried asking?
I've done this in the past with jobs for which I was not accepted. Some were happy to, some weren't, but where they did it was useful.
And as an employer now, I'm generally happy to share useful feedback. But I'll usually only bother if the candidate asks me. This is at least partly because - as RiderOfGiraffes alludes to, there are legal issues involved, and I have to think very hard about how I word a reply to make sure it stays within the bounds of relevant laws. And I'm happy to do that if the candidate asked after it - but not if they've expressed no interest.
(fwiw, this is in the UK)
Friend of mine, statistics phd, interviewing with big-name University for Prof position. In car on way to airport with junior faculty member, asked "What do you think my chances are?"
Junior said "Nil. You are female with kids. Elderly faculty think you will put them before the job, and not pull your weight. They reject all the mothers."
They did indeed reject her, with a polite letter. Now she works at another big University, very successful, students love her, lucky to have her.
So its not always (almost never) about the resume or interview.
It's not really happening at the moment, I'm a freelance developer now. But after having a discussion with a friend going through the same trouble, I had the question.
I probably didn't ask as much as I should/could have, I possibly asked 5-10% of employers, and when I had either no response or a negative 'you didnt suit our needs', I guess I just gave up. I think it's extremely dependent of the company, and surprisingly the person you're dealing with directly inside the company.
It's not too late.
What's the harm in something like: "Hey, remember me? I once applied here and wasn't hired, but I really like your company and I was wondering if you have any advice to make me a stronger applicant for future openings"