The Inbetweener: I didn't get the job, but wow, I just loved the interview experience

I have recently noticed the negative comments from candidate contributors on this website about bad experiences they have had in the job market. So I decided that instead of writing my own negative column, I would actually share a positive story about NOT getting a job. This is in the hope that some people, on both sides of the hiring divide, may take this advice on board and perhaps reevaluate how to treat others.

Not so long ago I went for an interview in which I had no expectation of getting the job. It was a position that I really wanted, and one for which I have furthered my studies to obtain, but alas, I didn't have enough experience to start it without extensive training. I knew this going in, but still I became a "theoretical expert" for the role.

I came out from the interview feeling positive, despite still having a gut feeling of not getting the job. But that was okay, because they treated me with respect, were friendly and extremely professional.

When I received the call a few days later to inform me I was unsuccessful, I felt even better about myself. I realise that's not the normal response, but the interviewers were so professional in the way they dealt with me. They were friendly and straight to the point without any fake "oh, we are so sorry" remarks.

They went further than required, offering me my psychometric test results and providing feedback which I could actually learn from and take to future job opportunities. I was advised of mistakes I had been repeatedly making without even realising. I was impressed to say the least, and as a result I have advised all friends and acquaintances to deal with this financial institution.

If only it was always this good

So why is an experience like this now considered a rarity? Has there been such a rift in candidate/potential-employer relations that such conversations just don't happen very often? I have been to a lot of interviews in my lifetime and have found that getting that kind of feedback is almost unheard of.

Of all the interviews I have had with recruiters and potential employers, I can only think of two times I have had a similar post-interview conversation, and one of those was pre GFC. What I deduce from the remarks of disappointed candidates on this website is that, in most cases, it's not the fact they didn't get the job, but rather that they were dealt with unprofessionally when applying for a role.

Are those who do the hiring too lazy to bother to provide a good follow-up? Or are candidates such a pack of sooks that neither employers nor recruiters feel they can provide the feedback for fear of reprisal? Do you think it is a right of a candidate to expect extensive and constructive criticism? Or should they know this about themselves already?

Personally, if I were to make a fool of myself in an interview, I'd like to know. But then again, I do know of a case where the employer expressed concerns to the candidate about whether he would be good a cultural fit in the firm and the candidate angrily thought it was a form of prejudice against his ethnic background. Yes, I am being serious when I say this actually happened; and no, he didn't get the job. A wise move for the employer in this case I think.