I was told I was “a strong candidate” but not the strongest.
That sentence has been replaying in my head more than it should. Why would you tell someone that...

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

The generous interpretation is that these people don't think about how their words will land. The less generous is that they just don't care. Whatever the case may be, I hope you take some measure of comfort from having made it far enough in the process to be deemed strong. You're clearly doing something right. Just need to keep at it.

I agree, intention and impact often get missed in hiring conversations. Being labelled “strong” without context can linger more than a clear no. I am trying to hold onto the fact that getting that far still means something, even if the wording was careless.

Perhaps the person was just being too honest. That is the way it can work. You can go into an interview and do a great job but someone else may do a little better. I've seen people compare it to races in the Olympics where someone does a phenomenal job and still loses by a fraction of a second. I assume the person meant what they said in a positive way, indicating you were a strong candidate. Next interview, go in and crush it and edge out anyone else.

That makes sense logically, but emotionally it still lands hard. Being close without crossing the line can hurt more than an outright rejection. I will take it as proof I am competitive, even if the feedback delivery could have been kinder.

Related Posts

What will be the take home salary at HCL Technologies with 23,00,000 CTC (21,70,000 Fixed+ 2,30,000 Variable) considering I invest the entire 1.5 lac for 80(c) and 50k for NPS?
YOE- 8.5 years (NoTech Stack- Consultant role)

like

Whatever mentioned about Talent pool policy is true? Globant Globant India Pvt. Ltd.

Post Photo

Any insights/opinions on living in Toluca Lake?

like

Hi - I have donations given to Team Everest for Nov 2021 with receipt. But IBM AskHR says no support for donations tax exemption on Form 16. Thus, the donation isn't deducted on my Form 16. Can I now update the donation directly on E-filing.gov u/s 80G for exemption or will that cause an issue ? IBM

like

Anyone got onboarding today 19th Oct 2022..? Bangalore location..?

like

Need hearts for chat..please help.. thanks

likeuplifting

Does anyone else constantly put off putting their time in as they go and then hate their life at the end of the month? Then once you get caught up, you don’t want to enter more time, and so you fall behind again. It’s a vicious cycle.

like

Anybody have salary negotiations at sealed air? Were they able to offer more if so?

like

Looking to possibly boomerang back to public somewhere between senior and manager level in the Boston area, likely in the real estate industry. Either advisory or audit. Any interesting opportunities?

likehelpful

Leads - remember to spend proportionate time leaving feedback for the folks you delegated your tasks down to this year. 1-2 sentences for a month long, complicated task isn’t enough.

like

So how are you planing to do mallet work this year with disinfecting in between kids, classes, etc?

HI Fishes, Anyone in Infosys working in client location ( Bfsi ) what clients to Infosys has in Gurgaon location. Any idea Infosys

like

Hi Team, is 75k pounds salary enough to survive in sweden . I have to migrate with my wife(non working)


Yoe- 8 years
Current ctc- 16 lacs (incl variable)

like

Any insights on the London Big 4 bonus range for SM (tax)?

like

I’ve always been comfortable concepting and writing. But when it comes to nitty gritty logistical stuff, I struggle. Like the discussions about aspect ratios, social post timelines, and the nuances of Facebook collection ads.

Can any other writers relate?

like

Just finished watching Downfall, call me naive but it amazes me how not one person got jail time.

like

I’m a first year associate and perpetually concerned I’m going to get fired bc I feel like my work product isn’t at the level it should be. Does anyone have an idea of how easy/ hard it is to get fired?

like

Has anyone moved from Social to Production? I’m considering it and I would love some honest thoughts on whether that’s happened or what advice you can give on moving into production as a whole.

like

Is it appropriate to add a recruiter on linked in without sending a message? Mainly to follow any opportunities they may post for the future?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal