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Job Search Etiquette: I Didn’t Get the Job – Now What?
Dear Classy Career Girl, 
If you receive an email stating that you DID NOT get the job, is it appropriate to respond to them asking what was the deciding factor, to please keep you in mind for future positions OR why they chose another candidate?
Sincerely,
On the Hunt

You Didn’t Get the Job – What is the Next Step?

Dear On the Hunt,

After you didn’t get a job, lots of things cross your mind: Did I wear the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, not have the right experience?

What Can You Learn?

I take a different approach to this.  If I didn’t get the job, I know there is a reason for it and I use it as a learning experience for next time.
I would DEFINITELY thank them and let them know to keep you in mind for future positions. But, I would be careful when asking why you didn’t get the position.  I would first think back to the interview and think about all the questions that they asked you. Were you able to show that you had all the right experience and that you fulfilled all of the requirements of the job? In many cases, you can figure out why you didn’t get the job just by the questions that were asked.
If for some reason you just can’t put your finger on why you didn’t get the job, I think it is OK to send a quick email. In the email, I would say that you are looking for ways to build your resume to get a job just like this one and what are some things you could do in order to become more qualified for the job next time?

[Related Post: 11 Ways to Stay Organized In Your Job Search]

Other things to remember is that some companies will not provide you with an answer to this question for legal reasons.  Also, remember to do some research to see what the company is going through.  I once had a fabulous interview and I was sure I got the job.  When I never heard back I did some research and found out that the company was actually being acquired by another company.  If they would have hired me, I would have been fired the next day! Know that there are many other reasons for not getting a job so don’t blame yourself!
-CLASSY CAREER GIRL

Hi, I'm Anna!

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