Interview burnout and the urge to vent

Posted: 01/08/2012

The column is a couple of months old, but the feeling is timeless: interview burnout, and that feeling that your brilliant application packet of perfection is landing on the desk of some first-grader who kicked it under his desk in pursuit of a rogue Hot Wheels. Over at Talent Zoo, Steve James offers his sympathy and advice. (One note from AAFB: Driving to the company headquarters and slapping the HR person is never recommended. Particularly if he really is a first-grader.) James suggests several ways to express job-hunt frustrations without burning bridges, and he also shares ways to turn a bum interview into opportunities for improvement.

Dear Frustrated: … Most of the time you won't have a returnable email or contact name from the company, but if you do, a nice thank-you letter to the company or individual would be appropriate. Under the guise of improving your job search process, you can ask what they saw in your background that didn't match with their requirements or ask for advice on improving your presentation. … Remember, the key is to be nice! Keep your frustrations and attitude out of any correspondence.

Also look to James for advice when you suspect you're the victim of age discrimination. (Another note from AAFB: Age discrimination is always wrong, but it never hurts to moisturize.) Find this wisdom and more at TalentZoo.


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