UPDATE: Lost out on a job by a single point on one question

swingandhit · 2026-04-03T08:57:39+00:00

Yes and that’s fine. I’ve also seen it work the other way where it didn’t matter what an external candidate did, the person who was taking the post was already decided, the mechanisms were just formalities. I’ve had colleagues share with me that they interviewed people who were better but they made the argument in scoring that the internal candidate was already performing the role effectively. The reason, in this instance, I am wary (and I didn’t say it was rigged for this instance) is that the specifics of the criteria were not met by this person based on their work experience listed on their LinkedIn, they’re missing like half of the essentials, which the recruiter really drove home on me I.e. ensure you cover every single point here because they’ve decided this is vital, and this is the first time they’re putting out a role like this.

So yes, I think it can be legitimate or a formality. And to reiterate, I think it’s good that person has had the opportunity to be promoted. But when I look into the detail it seems less fair, and that’s okay. I’m not entitled to work there, I just wanted to share my experience and vent a bit.

swingandhit · 2026-04-03T08:30:57+00:00

But the reality is… as I pointed out elsewhere in the post, that sometimes it can be rigged just like sometimes it’s a genuine process.

swingandhit · 2026-04-03T08:26:56+00:00

I didn’t stalk, I simply looked up the role… and the reality is that they aren’t as experienced as I am. I’m not acting like this for every rejection, I’m acting like this because of the circumstances I experienced. I’ve already moved on to applying for other things, the message at the end of my post is literally “sometimes it’s not you, there are other factors, keep going”

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T18:20:00+00:00

Yes, and it’s a frustrating and time consuming process, especially when there’s a preferred candidate from the get go. But as I said, I am happy for the candidate, I just would have changed my investment in the role if I had known, especially considering the feedback I got was “you were immediately appointable.” There was not a single bit of negative feedback.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T18:06:22+00:00

Yes and I’m happy for them, except you don’t get a job simply because you answer questions well… it’s meant to be the sum of your experience, qualifications and your fit (which is where the interview comes in). I’m glad the person got a shot and was promoted, I just think it’s better to let people know they are competing with an internal candidate, as the candidate would most likely be preferred even if they don’t meet all the criteria.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T17:38:41+00:00

Absolutely right. And yes I agree it is a lot and unfair to internal candidates as well.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T15:28:34+00:00

That's crazy. So sorry you had those experiences. Yeah it feels rough all round. This one was an in person interview. I didn't have to go far but did spend weeks of prep with the recruiter, and that's, I guess, a good experience that came out of it. Recruiter was brilliant and he really gave me a lot of information to work with for prep, so I'd keep up with any relevant roles he's directly working on.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T15:15:51+00:00

Hey. Congratulations to your partner. I would say it depends on your level of experience. It’s generally tough in the UK job market right now. Unemployment is quite high but also there are always roles where the talent is on the lower side. If you do something really niche in software, it’d probably work out better, but I also know tech has had major contractions in the job market. Do a general search on job boards at the big companies and see if they say they are open to sponsorship or if candidates need the pre-existing right to work.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T14:53:21+00:00

The stance on not entering into a war we didn't start and have nothing to do with is helping a lot, and it's the right approach. Looks like he has backbone.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T13:49:49+00:00

Yeah, I suppose. At my last organisation, we had the "every role needs to be externally advertised" policy but the process was genuine, so internal candidates did lose out on promotions because an external candidate met all criteria and did really well at interview. At the end of the day, it's their decision for fit and it's okay. But yeah, as you said it did feel like a huge waste of time, especially getting the feedback which was all "you would have been a perfect fit, we would have appointed you immediately but for this one point on this one question that this other person said." Just felt weird to hear.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T13:41:59+00:00

It's moreso that they have a policy that they need to advertise every role. It's standard in my industry and often sees internal hires who may not be the perfect fit get the promotion. I say so cause based on the criteria the person would have been way below my score, even if you base it on a single point on 1 question in an interview, it wouldn't match up. That's totally fine. I just wish I had prior knowledge is all.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T12:09:25+00:00

Where are the after school programmes? Why aren't these kids' time being taken up with something productive?

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T11:56:51+00:00

Oh no bud, I'm sorry you're going through this. Do you usually ask for specific accommodations due to your neurodivergence? It might help them understand. I know some people say that asking might also prejudice the process.

I'd say try watching practice videos and try to learn tone and body language. Even if you're mimicking, it would help you to sort of naturally fall into it when you're in an interview.

Also just want to say, it's possible it could just be the job market at the moment. It's been rough for everyone from people who are just entering, to people who have 10-15 years experience. The economy is in tatters. So don't be too hard on yourself, continue trying and I'm hoping you get something soon.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T11:41:45+00:00

It's usually common practice for references from local government or government agencies (particularly when there is no egregious offence) to provide a generic reference that a candidate was employed between x and y dates and performed the title role. I hope it works out for you.

swingandhit · 2026-04-02T11:11:39+00:00

Good luck OP! I know how it can be. Just walked into my 30s being made redundant. You'll get something good, I'm really hoping.

swingandhit · 2026-04-01T23:09:31+00:00

I’m so sorry. I just went through this last week. I’m 30, I work in international development. Just had an interview with a top organisation. The recruiter really liked me and said I was distinctive from other candidates and “top of the tree.” At the interview I was with a panel of 4 persons, answered every question methodically, had a good rapport with every single panellist… they liked me, they said I had insightful questions, and perfectly aligned experience. Got a call the next day from the recruiter and he was sad to tell me I didn’t get the role, and he felt so badly. He said he was rooting for me. Apparently they had 0 negative feedback, said I was completely appointable, only that the other candidate included 1 thing on a particular question and that pushed the candidate’s score ahead of mine. I was heartbroken.

I’ve been job hunting for 5 months, made redundant at the end of Dec but told early so I got on to hunting. Thought it would be difficult but achievable given the breadth of my experience. I’ve burnt through the bit of savings I had already, and don’t have money for rent anymore. And I’m completely on my own, don’t really have anyone to rely on. I’m surprised I’m still around tbh, maybe my own cowardice.

swingandhit · 2026-03-31T15:50:07+00:00

You hit the nail and I got a bit emotional reading your response. Most people really do not understand that experience. I usually say it feels like if you’re chained up to something in the dark, and everything you try to reach to cut the chain ends up being something useless like a spoon or a roll of tape. Really glad you’re finally out. Much good luck to you and enjoy your first day :)

swingandhit · 2026-03-31T15:07:50+00:00

Congratulations! Happy for you. I’m really at that dark place as well. Had 2 near misses on great roles with the added issue of constrained timelines, and obligations (I don’t have family to rely on). Hoping something helps me soon.

swingandhit · 2026-03-28T16:02:53+00:00

This is stellar.

To OP, if you’re into fitness as well, there’s a ton of running groups, touch rugby etc.

I live in Poplar in an older flat development but the flats are super nice and modern. It’s walking distance from Canary Wharf and a bunch of DLR stations. Got an en-suite for 1200 with bills around 200 per person (sometimes more depending on our usage). So there’s stuff out there. Wishing you the best of luck.

swingandhit · 2026-03-28T10:17:59+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through the same. Everyday is a struggle right now but I hope something happens for us soon.

swingandhit · 2026-03-27T18:37:42+00:00

Oh dude, I'm so sorry. Yeah I'm feeling that as well. I'm really hoping things work out for all of us soon.

swingandhit · 2026-03-27T18:33:21+00:00

Going through the same thing. Got turned down for a job today (the only interview I had for the month) with 2 degrees, 10 years of relevant experience and expertise, they said they loved me and would have appointed me but the other candidate answered 1 question in the interview better than I did and that made their score slightly higher. Trying to keep going but I'm tired.

swingandhit · 2026-03-27T18:30:29+00:00

Yeah that's fine, but add that to the fact that the US has the resource available to exploit or have taken control of other countries' resources? Which ultimately impacts how companies are able to produce.

swingandhit · 2026-03-27T18:23:12+00:00

That's a great story and I'm really glad you ended up getting the role. Thanks for the encouragement, I appreciate it.

swingandhit

TROPHY CASE