Rejection by phone
Well, I had been waiting to hear about a Manager, Digital Marketing position I interviewed for two weeks ago, and I finally did. Funny, I thought I gave a great interview this time, and still, they decided to not move forward to a second interview, indicating (in a very sketchy way I might add) that I wouldn’t be a good fit into their “culture.”
Now, mind you, this company is way out in the sticks in a town I can’t imagine commuting to every day, much less living in. But, come on – “culture”? What exactly were they looking for? I am a seasoned digital marketing professional who’s worked for major corporations and top tier agencies. I have, I think a “classy,” “stylish” appearance, and I present myself in a very professional manner. I wore a jacket and dress slacks to the interview. My hair was polished. I was carrying a nice bag. The best I could get out of the recruiter in terms of specific, tangible feedback was that they are looking for someone to embody their virtues as an organization, and the only thing they could come up with was “humility” and “long-term committment to their company/brands.” OK, how do you know whether I’m humble from a 30 minute interview? And what exactly are you judging me on to say that I wouldn’t fit into your culture. The recruiter said, “I think they were going on their gut instincts.” That really makes me feel like crap. I mean – honestly. Going with my gut instincts I thought they were behind the times in digital marketing and didn’t really know what it means to be on the leading edge of anything. At the end of the day, I think the decision maker thought I would be a threat to his “seniority.” I cannot be something I’m not. And I’m not going to apologize for being strong, smart, modern and independent as a woman. Perhaps you are looking for homely Susie Homemaker. That my friend, I am not, on purpose, and never will be. Oh Mr. Bigshot, who do you think you are?
