Aced Interview but no Offer? Here’s How to Make the Most of an Unsuccessful Interview

Acing Job Interview TipsHave you ever been in the situation where you feel like you aced the interview, but you still didn’t get the offer? Here’s what to do next

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine had a job interview. At the end of it, she felt great, and she felt that she received really positive feedback during the interview. But someone else got the job offer.

Case closed and time to move on? Not yet.

My friend knew that they had hired someone else for the job, and that there wasn’t another opening with this small company.  Still, she spent an hour with three people who know the business inside and out. And these people seemed to like her too.

These three individuals have contacts. They know other companies. They may even know of someone who is hiring. If nothing else, these individuals can be mentors who can give her candid advice, because she isn’t trying to squeeze a job out of them.

My friend sent each of her interviewers a short note. Here’s what it looked like:

A

It was great meeting you last week. I really valued getting your perspective as an industry insider, and I also appreciated the openness with which you spoke.

While I'm disappointed that we won't be able to work together, I still hope that we can talk further about your experience in this industry.

Specifically, I was hoping to get your perspective on what other firms and individuals you think highly of, and if you were in my shoes, what strategies you would undertake. Would you have any time over the next couple of weeks for a short conversation?

Thanks and all the best,

D

336x280

My friend received quick and positive responses from 2 of her 3 interviewers. She set up a 15-minute call with each of them. The substance of the conversation was as she described in the note above.

She was friendly and gracious, thanking her interviewers for their time, and saying how she felt that their firm was a good fit, and that she was hoping for their advice on finding similar organizations. She also mentioned that as someone earlier in her career that she would like recommendations for people whom she could learn a lot from. Finally, she asked for advice about what strategies and tactics she should consider using in her search. 

From one of these calls, she was introduced to another company who interviewed her and made her an offer. After the other call, she was told that if this new position doesn’t work, she could be introduced to other contacts.

In addition, my friend also got another critical piece of information, why she didn’t get the offer. She very politely expressed her disappointment, and asked whether she made any mistakes during her interview that she should make sure not to repeat. Based on the feedback, my friend has learned that prior to future she has to prepare differently.

It’s definitely frustrating when you miss out on a job you’re excited about, but even having an interview can be an asset on your search. If you didn’t get the job offer, you just need to make the most of the opportunity to land on your feet somewhere else.

product-articles