Why You Don't Get Feedback After Sales Job Rejections: Legal Risks Explained

You've just gone through the nerve-wracking process of a sales job interview. The anticipation, the preparation, and the interview itself—all leading to a single moment: the decision.

But what happens when that decision isn't in your favor? When you receive that email or call letting you know that you didn't get the job, it's disheartening. What's equally frustrating is the common practice of not receiving feedback on why you weren't selected. It leaves you in the dark, wondering what went wrong.

Post-interview feedback is an invaluable tool for job seekers. It provides insights into your interview performance, helps you understand areas for improvement, and offers a chance to grow professionally. However, in many cases, it's conspicuously absent. Have you ever wondered why this is so?

In this article, we'll unravel the mystery behind the lack of post-interview feedback, especially in sales job rejections. Surprisingly, there are legal reasons why interviewers often avoid providing feedback to rejected candidates, and we'll explore these in detail.

The Silence After Rejection

Let's begin with a harsh reality: when you receive that rejection message, it's unlikely to contain any specific feedback on your interview performance. It might feel like a standard response, but there's more to it than meets the eye.

Here's why:

1. Fear of Legal Consequences

One of the primary reasons interviewers and hiring managers avoid providing feedback is the fear of legal repercussions. The world of hiring is fraught with legal complexities, and even well-intentioned feedback can sometimes lead to trouble.

Interview performance review can be subjective, and what one interviewer views as a valuable insight might be interpreted differently by someone else. The danger here is that something said during the feedback process might be misconstrued as bias, discrimination, or unfair treatment. This, in turn, could result in legal action against the company.

Imagine this scenario: You're told, "We were looking for someone with more energy." To you, it sounds like a straightforward assessment of your enthusiasm. However, another candidate who was rejected might interpret it as, "You only hire younger people." The intent was innocent, but the interpretation was different.

2. Protecting Against Discrimination Claims

Another legal aspect to consider is the protection of companies against discrimination claims. Feedback for job candidates can be a slippery slope. Even if the interviewer's intentions are good, they must be cautious about how their words might be perceived.

For instance, if they mention that they were seeking a candidate with more experience, it might be misconstrued as a preference for older candidates. If they mention needing someone who can work independently, it could be interpreted as a preference for younger, more adaptable candidates. In essence, the interviewer is in a delicate position where any statement could potentially be used against the company in a discrimination claim.

3. Reducing Legal Risk

To reduce the potential for getting sued, companies often choose to err on the side of caution. They decide that it's safer not to provide feedback at all rather than risk the possibility of feedback being used against them in a lawsuit.

While this approach might be frustrating for candidates, it's a way for companies to protect themselves in the litigious landscape of employment decisions.

The Impact on Candidates

As a candidate, it's natural to feel frustrated and left in the dark after a rejection. You're likely to be filled with questions: What did you do wrong? How could you have improved your interview performance? It's a tough position to be in, especially when you're striving to enhance your career.

But from the interviewer's perspective, this silence is a safeguard against potential legal complications. It's a necessary but unfortunate trade-off.

Bottom Line: Understanding the Legal Landscape

In conclusion, the practice of not providing interview feedback for improvement is not about a lack of willingness or courtesy from employers. It's about navigating a complex legal landscape where any well-intentioned feedback can potentially lead to legal troubles.

While it may be frustrating, the absence of feedback doesn't necessarily reflect on your qualifications or performance. It's a measure companies take to protect themselves from potential lawsuits.

So, if you find yourself in the position of a rejected candidate without feedback, remember that it's not a judgment of your skills or abilities. Instead, view it as an unfortunate but necessary part of the recruitment process.

If you'd like more insights about hiring better salespeople, check out our 77 Salesperson Interview Questions template. It's packed with valuable information to help you hire better salespeople.