DEAR JOYCE: I must admit that I'm a newcomer to your column and only began following it a couple of months ago when I began hunting for a new job. Question: I can't figure out why employers will not tell you the reason you weren't selected for the position. Why not? It would be such helpful, constructive criticism. -- D.J.L.
Avoidance of legal liability is the central reason. Matt Bud, chairman of The Financial Executives Networking Group (TheFENG.org), explained what happens behind closed doors in a recent blog on the FENG Web site. Here's a summary of Bud's insightful observations about why lawyers advise interviewers not to tell you the truth about why you aren't being considered for a particular job:
"The truth would probably hurt more ... In a Jerry Seinfeld world, they would just come out and say: 'Aren't you a little old for that job?' Instead, we have to endure the ever-popular comment about us being 'overqualified.'
"Or, when they just don't like us: 'Boy, are you obnoxious. I can't imagine spending even one day at the office with you.' Perhaps 'overqualified' does sound better."
Bud advises that when the answer is "no," you may as well stop listening because not much, if any, valid information is going to follow. On the other hand, he says that it's a mistake to despair:
"Before you go off in a funk and think you will never work again, consider the fact that the people who made these comments must be pretty stupid. After all, they didn't hire you."
DEAR JOYCE: Kindness is the key to making layoffs less painful for all. Please share with your readers these five tips for business owners and bosses to better handle layoffs:
1. Say you are sorry for their loss.
2. Thank them for their past service.
3. Let them stay on for a few days after the layoff notice.
4. Offer to help with their professional transition.
5. Let their colleagues say a proper goodbye; perhaps arrange a farewell luncheon.
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