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Office Coach: Step in when manager fails to organize
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Question: I recently completed a lengthy interview process for a general manager position. The first two interviews were with the owners of the company, followed by individual meetings with several mid-level managers. Next, I had a group interview with nine front-line supervisors.
Unfortunately, I just learned that I will not be getting the job. I am extremely disappointed and would like to know how I might have improved my interview performance. Since I established good rapport with some of the interviewers, would it be appropriate to email them and request some feedback?
Answer: Qualified applicants can be eliminated for many reasons unrelated to their interview skills. Nevertheless, assessing your own performance is always a good idea. Asking interviewers for feedback should be fine, as long as you make your request positive, professional and brief.
For example: "I enjoyed meeting you during my interviews for the general manager position. Although I was not selected, I hope that I might be considered for other openings in the future. For that reason, I am interested in any feedback you might have on how I could be a stronger candidate."
If you receive a reply, be sure to express your appreciation. But if not, just let it go, because a second email might make you seem pushy.
First Published December 9, 2012 12:00 am
