Interviewer Common Courtesy: A Tale of Cowardly Rejection

Canadians are commonly believed to be one of the most polite people in the world; or they are at least perceived to be saints as compared to their American neighbours. As an American transplant living in Canada, I can see major differences in this respect. But, in my opinion this “politeness” does not always translate well in the workforce. Not wanting to be mean to job candidates makes Canadian hiring managers one of the worst of its kind.

Which would you prefer, having your partner break up with you via a post-it left on your refrigerator or having them silently break up with you by ignoring you and cutting off all communication? Sure both can be devastating, but one leaves you questioning and drives you to insanity and confusion until a month or so passes and then you finally get the picture.

The same type of rejection applies to the job interviewing process. When you are told you did not get the position, you can rest your thoughts of a grand future with a company and you can set a new direction for yourself. By simply not saying anything, a hiring manager leaves you in a standstill with a constant uncertain stream of consciousness that takes over your mind and body. When you finally realize that the new job you were dreaming about probably went to someone else, the only emotion left is anger—anger directed at the hiring manager and at the company itself for not showing you any respect. Who benefits from this method of rejection?

I am amazed at the amount of cowardice in hiring professionals I have come in contact with over the past year. I have personally interviewed and was subsequently rejected for positions with approximately twelve different companies this past year and I have only heard a form of rejection from two. Therefore, 83% of prospective employers did not even have the common courtesy to send a quick email saying the position has been filled; there could have been a generic, two minute email sent to all candidates not selected. This makes a me as a person, who may have traveled for more than two hours and caught three busses and a train for an interview, feel like I was not even worth a two minute email or call.

I would take a rude interviewer who is rash over a amicable coward any day of the week.

Singing the Generation Y Employment Blues

What is wrong with us Gen Y'ers? According to many employers we are lazy, privileged, and overly dependent on technologies. We are too educated, not educated enough, and above all else--we don't have enough experience. Time and time again, myself and my fellow Y'ers are turned down for positions merely because our lack of experience in the workforce. What I do not understand is, how can we possibly get that experience if we are never hired due to our lack of experience? This leaves me at a standstill. This leaves my generation at a standstill.


Throughout my career quest, essentially I did everything right; I went to job fairs, corporate networking sessions, resume and interview shops, and university career counselors while at university. I graduated near the top of my Commerce class with Honours and I kept busy with extracurricular activities. I searched my heart out after I graduated and applied for an average of 15 jobs a week. I went on quite a few interviews and second interviews but always heard the same excuse--"not enough experience". I felt like I had to jump on my first job offer. I had always thought it was unfortunate how very educated individuals had to take customer service horror jobs to pay the bills and there I was, living that exact nightmare.

So here I sit, 2 months unemployed again and realizing that there are many Y'ers just like me. My friend "D" graduated this May with a geography degree and she has resorted to applying to fast food joints only to be turned down because she is "too smart". My friend "B" graduated teachers college this year only to work part-time in retail and has given up on even looking for a teaching job; consequently, she is going to seek employment abroad. Other friends joined temp agencies and get a day's work every month. Most my friends are either unemployed or severely underemployed and it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I was told by a family friend to hold tight because the Baby Boomers will be retiring soon and we will have any job we want. However, with the current economic climate and lack of significant retirement savings for many Boomers, I am not very hopeful; but, I will refuse to lose hope.

It is very simple, I am just waiting for a company to take a chance on me.

To Go Big Or Go Small?

After getting back from a job interview today, I started to wonder why it is always the smaller companies that I gravitate towards. I am aware large companies tend to offer more comprehensive benefits, additional resources, and greater job stability. Further, the majority of my fellow McMaster University graduates had dreams of working for a Fortune 500 company and climbing the corporate ladder to more and more riches throughout their lives. Sure, the perks are great but in some instances they come at a cost.

The company I was introduced to today has a handful of employees who are like a family. Their hiring practice is such that all coworkers have a say in who fits best at the vacant position. To me, this is a sign of good management. Everybody has a voice from top to bottom of the organization. I am aware their marketing budget most likely is minimal and only one employee would handle it; however, I would be that employee. My ideas, my marketing plans would most certainly be heard. This is quite attractive to a recent grad yearning for one thing above all else: Experience.

I cannot help to imagine most lower level corporate employees are known more by number than name. Their ideas may take years of climbing before they are heard. These impersonal management practices can also lay the foundation for mass lay-offs, outsourcing jobs, and pay cuts.

On the other hand, it is important to note that many large corporations are managed well. In fact, I am still willing to "go corporate"; maybe one day a large corporation will prove me wrong?

Is it possible to be picky in this job climate?

I have recently come to the realization that it is not very fun to be jobless. Since I now have an ample amount of time on my hands, I thought it would be a good idea to put my efforts down in writing. Not only will it exercise my brain, but it is another medium in social networking that I can fine tune for a possible future career.

I am a relative "newbie" to the job force and already know what I never want to do again. After a position that involved no chance of growth and enforced unethical practices, I decided that it was time for me to be a little more picky in my job search. Life is way too short, after all. However, trying to find a job you actually like is not easy. Out of all the jobs that I have applied and interviewed for, there has been only a handful that I feel I would actually enjoy. What I want more than anything is a job that I wake up and WANT to go to.

The type of jobs that interests me and matches my background are Marketing/Communication Coordinator positions that engage in things such as behind the scene marketing campaigns, target market planning, and social media marketing. Individuals' perspectives and their decision-making intrigues me. I feel I have a natural ability to get into an consumer's head and predict what they will like and how they will react to a changing product, service, etc. I have a keen sense in what Canadians/Americans want out of goods and services and how to earn their loyalty and trust.

With the growth of websites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, there has been more companies hiring for such positions and targeting my generation. I have hope, but the jobs are few and far between due to the economic climate (especially in the area I live, Hamilton, Ontario).

It is my goal to match my passion of consumer marketing to my future career and I am going to work my heart out to achieve it.