Is it wrong to ask why if you don't get an interview/superday?

I did not get a first round interview that I 100% thought I would for SA. I go to a target for the firm, had networked with the guy in charge of recruiting, 3.9 GPA, prior experience, etc.

Did not even get a first round. This is after the guy specifically explained the complete recruiting process and when the superday would take place when we talked and meeting in person at an event.

Would it be wrong to ask if I made a mistake/what I should improve? Still can't believe I didn't get a first round.

17 Comments
 
Best Response

Yes it is inappropriate, especially over email which is where most rejection news comes from (you will rarely / never get a response back). Furthermore, they won't give you an honest answer for legal reasons. In this particular instance it is better to save face.

However, I would absolutely follow up with them until they give you a firm "no." They have no excuse to not follow up with a candidate and close the loop.

If you're lucky enough to get someone on the phone to give you rejection, I would ask them verbatum, "What can I do to improve my candidacy moving forward?" Generally depends on the person, but if they're nice they'll give you good reasons.

"A man can convince anyone he's somebody else, but never himself."
 

You'll never get a real answer. Just let it go.

Potential reasons why: - you really offended someone unknowingly - they think you're overqualified and will just go to a more prestigious bank - other people networked more and are similarly qualified - clerical error, but too late now

 

To be honest, it could simply be they just didn't like you. You could be qualified, answered any questions correctly, but at the end of day, it also comes down to whether they like you or not from a working every day with perspective. Don't sweat it.

 

It's not the exact case, but I've asked this questions a couple of times where I did not get the job (Not internship, but I assume it's similar)..Did it over the phone, in a polite way...word it in a way that looks like you want to learn from it and increase your chance in your next interview process..No one will bash you for trying to get better.. As stated below some of them will reply the usual "Competitive" or "Experience" excuse..but some of them will get in the details and I found that it was an helpful learning process for me that helped me improve my interview skills..

My 2 cents..Hope this helps, D

DC
 

I have asked this type of question after going through a superday or a few rounds of in-person interviews, and even then it was only if I had a connection at the firm or had great rapport with an interviewer. Asking why you didn't get a first round is like asking why the Cleveland Browns didn't win the superbowl: short answer is they gotta make playoffs first, but long answer would be a list of things the team could work on to become a better team.

Chin up and keep going man, if your qualifications are as strong as you say then you'll be golden.

 

think its fine to ask if u have a good connection with the person. if ur friends wtih someone there on a level deeper than just plain old networking ask him why u didnt get an interview. from first round to superday its fine too i think, ask for feedback and how you can improve/what to focus on moving forward.

it's all how you phrase it, if u ask why u didnt get xyz, then thats not good. but if u ask about ways you can continue improving yourself and keep on pursuing ibd, then thats fine. people generally see that as a way to ask for feedback.

 

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