Wonderful Interview, came out feeling i had got it.....

[SadDragon]

so why was i turned down?

Interviewer was all "you're work is brilliant" "you really know what you're talking about" "you've nailed it"

etc

Opened the vacancy for longer for me as my CV was "so good"

Walked out so convinced i had it...

I REALLY wanted this one, but got the dreaded "you have not been successful" email

[berylbainbridge]

Ah it's a horrible feeling. Have you got any feedback from them?

[NicoleWatterson]

Was there an Internal applicant?

[Radiatorvalves]

Ask for feedback.

My colleagues interviewed 3 people for a role last week. They were discussing the candidates in my office....they were all fantastic, they would love to offer all 3 a job (not possible). I have no idea how they made the eventual decision, but those who didn't get the job must feel like you, even though the feedback would be vvv positive.

Good luck.

[MsMargaretHale]

Most jobs are filled by internal candidates and the other interviews are window dressing.
An interviewer who suggests you have got the job "you have nailed it" is unprofessional. Triply so if you have not in fact got the job - which they cannot know until after the process is completed. Unprofessional interview procedures are almost always a reflection of a lack of professionalism throughout an organisation. So you may have had a lucky escape!
Ask them for feedback.
Don't be too disappointed. Use the experience to prepare for your next interview.

[Thurlow]

Ask for feedback, it's fine to do that. These are the most frustrating - generally they've already got the candidate in mind.

[Shakey15000]

Same thing happened to me. Right skill set, fantastic interview, job was made for me, all the right noises, then rejection. I asked for feedback and it was positive. Told that it was between me and a male candidate and the only reason they plumped for the male was because their existing gender ration was ten women to zero men. Fine. I asked that, if the vacancy came up again, would it be worth my time applying (it didn't sound as sarky as

[SadDragon]

It was an internal one

I just feel so down, as I have never felt so bloody confident about one before, and now i feel like shit

[SadDragon]

I have asked for feedback (as soon as I got the no thanks email) and the hiring manager in the email said "oh you want the other one" and forwarded, and she hasnt got back to me yet

[Headofthehive55]

It's hard isn't it, I went for one last summer, the interviewer actually told me in the interview that I had a fantastic Application. I still didn't get it.

I find interviews really hard to read though but I think sometimes that's just me. (Asperger traits here! )

It sound like they had someone in mind. It depends on who else is attending. It's such a lottery and it feels so personal.

[NicoleWatterson]

I lost out to an internal candidate before. I know the job was mine, I was better skilled, experienced etc etc. But their concern was after, giving the job to me would have sent a message to him and he'd have been very difficult to manage.
Worked out for the best eventually I worked at his head office and was his bosses, bosses boss.

[blueshoes]

I assume you were not one of the first to be interviewed since you say they opened the vacancy longer for you. Otherwise, it could be that 'better' candidates came along later. 'Better' is very subjective. It is almost impossible to know what it is in the mind of an interviewer. They might have a certain profile in mind.

It is not always the most experienced candidate that gets the job. Depending on the manager, sometimes for political reasons, they almost want someone who does not challenge them and is easier to mould. I am not sure about your circumstances but just throwing this out there.

Or maybe they thought the job was actually too junior for you and you would not be happy or stay in the role. Do ask for feedback.

In any case, they should not have put out such positive signals to lead you on. It is unprofessional and quite frankly cruel. Maybe as you are an internal candidate they found it difficult to not be extra nice to you at the interview. It spared them at the interview but actually did not realise it was storing up problems for later. Are you on par or more senior than the interviewers and so they might have felt a little intimidated? This would be crap, of course and not excusing their behaviour.

[SadDragon]

well I will find out on Friday. not that it really matters, i dont have the job (which was a little higher than my current grade - possibly same)

[Headofthehive55]

Lets hope something better is in the pipeline for you. It's difficult to pick yourself up isn't it.

[SadDragon]

thanks xx

[Fluffyears]

Had the exact same scenario but they had one more candidate to interview who got the job as they had slightly more experience (and were cheaper).