Amazing super day led to rejection

Hey everyone, I’m a junior at a semi-target in Chicago for roles in Chicago.

I’m a double major in finance & information systems with a 3.7 gpa, 3 internships of finance/tech/accounting experience and great club experience.

I recently had a tech consulting super day with a BDO/RSM/GT firm and had probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had thus far, even went as far as to the director of the team telling me that “they cannot wait to have me start”. The other person I interviewed with also said that my experience is exactly what they are looking for and that I am the ideal candidate.

I had a chance to speak with the other candidates and none of them had directly applicable internship experience like me, and even went to worse schools with 0 campus involvement.

Today I got a rejection email, so I am curious: would it be a bad look to email and ask if this was a mistake? I mean, I was literally told I am the perfect candidate and that I will be hired lol and my competition had 0 idea what the role was even about.

Would it get me black listed if I just asked for an explanation as to why the sudden 180 change?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Rejection Despite Positive Feedback:

    • It's not uncommon to receive positive feedback during interviews and still face rejection. This can happen due to various reasons such as internal hiring changes, budget constraints, or other candidates fitting the team dynamics better.
  2. Emailing for Clarification:

    • While it might be tempting to email and ask if the rejection was a mistake, it's generally not advisable. According to the WSO threads, such emails often come off as desperate and are usually deleted without much consideration.
    • Instead, consider sending a polite thank-you email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and asking for feedback on your performance. This can help you improve for future interviews without appearing desperate.
  3. Handling Rejection:

    • Focus on preparing better for future opportunities. Ensure your technical skills and interview techniques are top-notch, as there are always many well-prepared candidates.
    • Use this experience to refine your approach and continue networking. Sometimes, it's just about finding the right fit.
  4. Networking and Follow-ups:

    • Continue to network and reach out to other professionals in the industry. A thank-you email can also include a request for any colleagues or alums they might recommend you reach out to, as suggested in the WSO threads.
  5. Cold Emailing Tips:

    • Keep your emails short and to the point. Introduce yourself, mention your connection, and politely ask for a brief meeting or call. Avoid lengthy explanations or apologies.
  6. Persistence:

    • If you believe in your qualifications, don't hesitate to apply again in the future. Sometimes, persistence pays off, and circumstances might change.

In summary, while it might be disappointing to face rejection after such positive feedback, it's best to handle it professionally and use it as a learning experience. Focus on improving your skills, continue networking, and stay persistent in your job search.

Sources: Cold Call Email Mistake Made - Sharing Response (Advice) Received, Cold Call Email Mistake Made - Sharing Response (Advice) Received, Something wrong with my cold email?, Regrets in job search: Make sure this doesn't happen to you., Advice from an ex-IB MD - DON'T make these mistakes

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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