April, 2019 | Article
Dear Hiring Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I was filled with excitement as I read through your job posting and was hopeful at the prospect of finally getting to work in a job that truly satisfied me! I was employed, happy in my role, but yearning to do more. It took a lot of courage for me to even explore a new job. It was your job posting that caught my eye. So, I tailored my resume, wrote a cover letter, attached it all and hit submit! I applied to YOUR job. A job I thought would be the perfect match!
A couple days went by and I had yet to hear back on my submission. I started to assume that I wasn’t the right fit for the job. Maybe there were credentials I lacked – something I missed in the job posting? Maybe I had a spelling error on my resume? Maybe I just wasn’t right for the role. I started to convince myself that I didn’t want the job. Who wants to get into a new routine anyways? Meet new people? Go to a new office? Eventually I forgot that I had even applied to the position.
Although it was least expected, I eventually received a response from you. My heart fluttered. My cheeks flushed and I clenched my fists in excitement! It was an invitation to come in for an interview. “YES!” I whispered excitedly under my breath! I responded immediately; sharing the details of my availability in order to set an interview as soon as I could!
You were friendly and sweet - very easy to speak with. We went over the details of my past experience. I felt like I explained things well. You went over the details of the position with me. As you told me more about the lawyer’s practice, my excitement was heightened. Hearing more about the firm’s culture and environment, and the prospect of growing my career with you, I knew this would be a great fit for me! We spoke for about 45 minutes and you told me you had a few other meetings, but I could expect to hear back from you for a second interview – to meet with the lawyers. I left your office very hopeful! I went home ecstatic and awaited further instructions.
Again, time went by. Days, weeks - I never heard back. I sent a follow up email and you told me you were still going through the first interview round, but I could expect to hear from you for a second interview. Once again, I found doubt slowly creeping into my consciousness. Weeks past, and I felt scared and anxious at the thought of facing potential rejection. I began to convince myself that I was not right for the role – there were surely stronger applicants. Anger and frustration began. “I can understand that I may not be the right fit for the role, but don’t leave me in the dark. Let me know what is going on!” I thought to myself. Time passed and eventually I shoved the position in the back of my mind, slowly forgetting both the role and my earlier excitement.
I wasn’t going to let this experience get the best of me. I welcomed the idea of exploring other opportunities. After all, I did miss the exhilaration I felt from thinking of newer, better prospects. I knew what I needed to do. I began exploring other jobs and even submitted a few more applications. I met with a couple of firms – and first interviews turned into second interviews.
However, once again, when I least expected it, I saw your email! It was an invitation to come in for a second interview, to meet with the lawyers. I was not as excited as I initially was ahead of my first interview. You made me wait so long. But I did feel very strongly about the role. I responded to your email and we set up my second interview.
The two lawyers I met with were wonderful. They were both interesting and exciting, and I felt that I could really learn from their expertise. The meeting lasted an hour and by the end of it, you told me that I should expect to hear back from you shortly.
I went home but didn’t have to wait long. This is because that evening, I had received a call from one of the other law firms I had met with. They offered me a position! This role was a strong contender, but yours was still my top choice. I sent you an email letting you know my predicament. I called and left a voice message. I never received a response from you. My calls and emails fell on deaf ears.
I had no other choice but to let you go. I let you go and accepted a position with the other firm.
Here I am, writing to you while I am 2 weeks into my new job at my new firm. Why you ask? I just received an email from you offering me the position at your firm. A position, I at one time wanted so badly.
Unfortunately, it’s too late. I moved on. You missed your opportunity. If you had gotten back to me sooner, I would most likely be sitting at a desk in your firm. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Truthfully, while I started out desperately wanting your opportunity, all this waiting dulled my excitement. During this time, I realized that if you were unable to at the very least give me a reason as to why things took so long, I must assume that you do not respect my time. Therefore, it only makes sense that I join a firm, which does respect me. A firm that keeps me updated throughout the process. A firm that moves quickly once they realize what a great addition I can be to their team.
Unfortunately, it did not work out between you and I. However, for your benefit, I hope you do not treat your future prospective employees this way. In the end, you may lose out on all the good ones, left wondering where all the top talent has gone.