[revo13]

Coming from 4 years at a startup as emp#1 and looking again in Austin (engineering), if I hear one more time that "they loved you but didn't think you would be a good fit" instead of a real reason for missing the cut, I am going to go nuts.

[michaelbuddy]

Not a good fit is PC language. Best way to get along these days apparently. I'll translate.

"They Loved You" (No they were lukewarm at best but they're being polite at this point.)

"Wouldn't be a good fit" (Not their responsibility to point out your flaws, some of which were subtle, some were obvious so keeping it brief and to the point. We know we can find somebody better or already have.)

[revo13]

Yeah, I know the foundation for it. It is just an irritating process (I know, stating the obvious) that should be better. Both the company and applicant invested time/money in exploring a relationship, and candidates shouldn't be left with a brutally ambiguous result. Even if it takes 5 more min in a debrief and some possible hurt feelings, the company should respect candidates enough to spend that time and help them understand the specific reason(s) as to why they aren't getting the job. I really want to know, was it my salary reqs, my quietness, my loudness, I looked wrong at the VP of Eng/CEO?

This applies to onsite interviews obviously, not initial phone screens.

[pwfisher]

The company defaults to polite silence to avoid legal liability. They can't risk saying anything which might be construed as discrimination against a protected class.

[Redoubts]

I kind of wonder if "not a culture fit" could be construed that way if you were an underrepresented minority. It's pretty close to existing coded language.

[michaelbuddy]

from the other comments you know reasons why they most likely won't debrief you. Occasionally you'll get honest and good feedback, related to a certain skillset missing. I mean if you wanted to try ahead of time, if they ask for an interview, maybe only agree with it if they transparent about XYZ for you. Just keep in mind that not getting a job is always a little ego damage and your ego will likely be seeking some comfort. The best comfort after those losses would be hitting the gym and moving on. Let your endorphins and physical training and progression lead the way. In case you were wondering, alcohol doesn't help and hurts worse in this process.