Rejected despite referral. Am I really that unlucky?

[Anonymous]

I'll try and keep this short. I won't be giving the name of the company for fear that this might be used against me.

My girlfriend's brother in law (BiL) kindly vouched for my at the lab he works in. He has worked there for almost 10 years and hasn't vouched anyone until me. You can imagine how chuffed and grateful I was/am.

A few months back I had a video call with the HR to discuss possible job opportunities. She and I went through my CV. She recommended some modifications, I altered my CV following her suggestions and she mentioned a particular job that would correspond to my CV.

Last week I applied for the job.

Bear in mind that my brother-in-law's superiors were 1) aware I had applied, 2) that BiL has vouched for me and 3) that BiL superiors had explicitly asked HR to hold onto my CV.

She did nothing of the sort. For some reason she didn't hold onto my CV for her superiors, and apparently she didn't even read the CV at all... No explanation, just an email saying that the job application had closed. An email I probably would never had received had I not sent a polite and professional email asking for news.

I don't know what happened and I certainly don't think there's anything I can do.

BiL is going to talk to his superiors about what had happened, but I think it's done for.

Sorry for the length. I would really like to hear your thoughts.

[AndrésC64]

I haven't had that exact thing happen, but I've had something similar. I finished my bachelor's degrees which included an internship in Barcelona with an automobile manufacturer. I don't recall his title, but some big wig with the automobile manufacturer sent out letters of recommendations two 200 different sources. Out of those 200 only 12 bothered to even reply. And those of course were all rejections. The other 188 didn't even bother to tell me to piss off. That's kind of disheartening.

[ProbablyClueless]

I'm sorry, man. 😕

I don't think luck was your issue. They probably just either hired within or the job really did close. It really sucks, but a lot of hiring and firing decisions boil down to knowing the right person at the right time.

[Asker]

The HR is clearly incompetent and unprofessional. She went against her superiors who asked her to hold onto my CV.

[ProbablyClueless]

Wwwwwwwow. Screw that. Maybe she already had someone else in mind for the job or something.

Do you have any reason to believe that she doesn't like your BIL?

[Asker]

No idea frankly. He's mentioned once or twice that she's difficult, but her job requires neutrality. She is supposed to be the bastion of values. She's paid to be impartial.

[ProbablyClueless]

Ahh... a caped crusader who has found her mission in the personnel management of a company. Those types are always a bit disconcerting to deal with.

[jennifer_bloom]

If you have connections and skills, one rejection will not ruin your life. There is always more than one option for somebody with talent and credentials.

[PeachyPie93]

That's life rarely anyone will go out of their way to help you, unless they like you in some way.

[Asker]

That's precisely what I think, too.

My BiL went out of his way to recommend me to his superiors who then asked the HR to hold onto my CV and she did diddly squat.

My BiL has worked there for 10 years and has never recommended anyone.

There's a clear lack of respect and it's revolting.

[AI Opinion]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Rejection can be disheartening, especially when a referral is involved. It sounds like the process was not handled as expected. It's crucial to remain professional and patient. Your BiL speaking to his superiors is a positive step—it may clarify any misunderstanding or oversight. Meanwhile, continue exploring other opportunities and consider feedback to enhance your CV and interview skills. Remember, the job market can be unpredictable, and perseverance is important. Stay positive and open to new possibilities.

[slatyb]

That's life. A referral doesn't always get you the job.

[Asker]

What irks me the most is that the HR clearly blocked my CV and didn't follow the demand from her superiors.

I'm aware that referrals aren't automatic jobs, but the way this has been handled, especially by a company that covers their website with "integrity, diversity, equity" is frankly revolting and abhorrent.

[Anonymous]

job position pulled due to econmy? something they don't like. change in plans.

[Asker]

There was an issue with their budget back in January, so I was asked to wait. My BiL and SiL gave me the green light to apply the day the job was available.

I sent my CH, BiL told his superiors who then asked the HR to hold onto my CV, which would mean an interview at the very least. She did fuck all. didn't even fucking read it.

[Asker]

I've applied to hundreds of jobs. Hundreds. I've had no returns in over 2 years despite my experience, despite my competencies. The job market is screwed here and I'm trapped in a corner.

I barely have any savings left to pay my share of the rent.

I'm still applying because I'm so fucking desperate to find a job.

[Opinion Owner]

where is that? I've not seen anything like that. If it's really that hard, I'd go make my own business and put the others out of business! Something might be wrong, you are a blue blob to me.