Abigail Cox’s Post

He completed 12 interviews, but landed 0 job offers. He told me that he was given "positive feedback" every time. Clearly, something was going on since he wasn't being selected. So we completed a full mock interview session,  and then I told him the truth. He didn't tell clear stories with real results or proof of impact. He also needed to prepare a few good questions at the end to ask. Over the next 6 weeks, he completed 4 more interviews. He landed 2 job offers. Give candidates real feedback. #jobseekers #jobinterviews #feedback #feedbackmatters #nextlevelcareercoach

The best way to help is to give real feedbacks. Constructive criticisms help improve.

WHY DON'T RECRUITERS GIVE FEEDBACK? Unless you get to the point of an interview with the hiring manager, don't expect feedback. Even if you do get to the interview stage, companies will leave the feedback to the recruiter and usually only verbally, not in email. There are a lot of reasons for this, including legal exposure. This means the recruiter would need to call you to let you know your status. This does not necessarily happen. Should you expect the courtesy of a phone call or a personal (not form) rejection if you have gone beyond the phone screen and had an actual interview? Yes, but that is a best case scenario and most recruiters have such a high volume of candidates that they struggle to provide this type of service. And, recruiter are commonly the target for candidate frustration and/or ire, so they are a bit gun shy. So, if you do get the opportunity to get feedback, be respectful and understand that the recruiter you are talking to believed enough in you to arrange for you to have the opportunity to interview for the position.

He completed 12 interviews, but landed 0 job offers. He told me that he was given "positive feedback" every time. Clearly, something was going on since he wasn't being selected. So we completed a full mock interview session,  and then I told him the truth. He didn't tell clear stories with real results or proof of impact. He also needed to prepare a few good questions at the end to ask. Over the next 6 weeks, he completed 4 more interviews. He landed 2 job offers. Give candidates real feedback. #jobseekers #jobinterviews #feedback #feedbackmatters #nextlevelcareercoach 

This is important

So important to really make sure that you are lining yourself up for success. Study questions for interviews just like you would a test, take notes on yourself, what do you want to make sure that you share. What questions do you want to ask at the end, what do you want to know about them?

Six interviews for four positions. No feedback! Give candidates real (any) feedback. Allow candidates to course correct! I can engage in mock interviews all day but that exercise doesn't grant me offers if I don't know where to focus my impact.

Telling real stories to the interviewer are helping them understand your competencies and why you are a good fit for this position. Be precise, to the point and explain why you are the real candidate.

He completed 12 interviews, but landed 0 job offers. He told me that he was given "positive feedback" every time. Clearly, something was going on since he wasn't being selected. So we completeda full mock interview session, and then I told him the truth. He didn't tell clear stories with real results or proof of impact. He also needed to prepare a few good questions at the end to ask. Over the next 6 weeks, he completed 4 more interviews. He landed 2 job offers. Give candidates real feedback. #recruiters #linkedin #interviewtips #jobseekers #hiringmanagers

Unfortunately, it is unlikely the interview process will change. And if it doesn't, candidates should know that they can find resources like yours to help. Approaching the job search process as a technical skill to enhance and foster personal development is essential. If you consistently receive positive feedback after interviews but struggle to secure a job, consider treating the situation akin to troubleshooting a technical system. Evaluate the data, identify areas within your control, and adapt accordingly to improve your chances of success. Thanks for sharing this story and your approach.