To want to take action after poor and dishonest interview feedback

[quantmum]

The week before last, I had an interview for my ideal job in a highly specialised sector. It seemed to go very well but the institution's HR emailed on Monday to say I didn't get it, but came second so if their first choice didn't take the job, I would be offered it. I was upset, but accepted that a more suitable candidate must have got it.

My feelings changed from disappointment to anger when I asked the HR person if any feedback was available and got a few lines of totally negative comments. The comments are not an accurate reflection of the interview, for example they say that my presentation went over time (it was within the allocated 15 minutes) and that I didn't outline future plans (I did, and as part of the application process I'd to submit a detailed document about future plans).

I really want to take some action as this seems completely unfair and close to libellous. I understand feedback is sometimes worded to justify why someone wasn't offered a job but it's deeply frustrating that the interviewers have put actual lies in writing to me - as well as such a crappy and inconsiderate approach in not giving actual proper feedback - given the application and two-round interview process was extremely demanding.

I've drafted an email refuting the errors in the feedback, but I'm torn between sending that or just a relatively neutral one asking for more detailed feedback and mentioning in passing that I found the feedback confusing.

AIBU to want to send a strongly worded email? Or can anyone advise? I'd made my peace with the outcome and now I'm seriously annoyed. I'm finding it hard to move on as these jobs come up so infrequently and I was waiting years to go for it (although not unemployed in the meantime).

I know - you said you’d had to put future plans as part of presentation, so the feedback doesn’t make sense. I get that.

but my point is that couldn’t have been what they meant- perhaps the feedback was they didn’t like your future plans, or they weren’t detailed enough. I’m not questioning what you’ve been told but I think the feedback you’ve received is a garble. I doubt very much they actually didn’t give you the job for this reason.

it may be worth ( politely) probing this, but in the manner of someone trying to improve their performance. There is nothing to gain from complaining. They think you’re good enough to employ if you’re 2nd. It might be worth specifically asking for feedback on how you can improve. This might elicit an - ‘the other candidate was internal and already knows the company or ‘you were outgunned in experience’

It was a few months ago, and I did go back and ask for constructive feedback and they never got in touch again. So I just left it in the end.