Hello, longtime lurker but first-time poster here.
I've done casual work for a few years in a professional services type of role (keeping this vague as it's a very small world). When I applied for a permanent job and got turned down I asked the recruiter for advice. She said that doing a specialist masters would give me a better chance. I've just done one in her department and I excelled - got a distinction, won a prize, been invited to write an article. I've also been doing some work in the department. I was encouraged to apply for this and have been told I've done well.
This person advertised a role in her field. I meet all the essential and desirable criteria, and I've a lot more to offer besides. I didn't get shortlisted. How would you approach this? Would you ask for feedback or would you cut your losses and walk away? It feels personal and I'm devastated.