[noescape]

But why is this pleasantry about "luck" and not something else? You don't hear employers say "keep studying" or "we wish you a good effort" or "we hope you build cool stuff".

Isn't the employer referring to luck an admission from the employer that interviewing has a lot to do with luck?

[Cpoll]

Because "keep studying" can be construed negatively: You're not good enough. Unsolicited advice isn't usually a good idea politically.

Saying "luck" implies several things: - You just weren't the right fit. - I don't wish to imply your skills are lacking. - I hope you succeed, even though I wasn't able to help.

[vonmoltke]

> Because "keep studying" can be construed negatively: You're not good enough. Unsolicited advice isn't usually a good idea politically.

They're rejecting you because you weren't good enough (or because they suck at actually identifying talent).

> Saying "luck" implies several things:

None of which are good things about the process, because a process should be designed to drive the percent influence of luck to as close to zero as practical.

> - You just weren't the right fit.

Bullshit non-reason.

> - I don't wish to imply your skills are lacking.

We also don't want to admit that we may not have any idea what we are looking for or how to evaluate it.

> - I hope you succeed, even though I wasn't able to help.

If I don't need improvement but I succeed elsewhere in a similar job, that just means you screwed up.

[PKop]

I think it roughly translates to: I hope you have more success in the future

[pmiller2]

Because "keep studying" would just sound condescending.

[vonmoltke]

I personally find "good luck" and "we reject many good candidates" it be even more condescending.