Nice Try!

Job hunting is tough — and we know recruiters, hiring managers, and HR teams are juggling a lot to get it right. That said, every now and then some feedback lands that’s a little… unexpected. In good humour (and with no hard feelings), here are a few with some suggested (cheeky) rebuttals. J

We’re a young crowd here… how do you think you’d fit in?”
Response: “Perfectly. Talent doesn’t expire.”
“We would love to offer you the job, but you’ve owned a business and we think you’ll leave to set up again.”
Response: “Ah yes, predicting my future instead of assessing my fit.”
“You’re clearly overqualified for this role — while we’d love your experience, we worry you’d move on quickly.”
Response: “So capability is the concern?”
“We like your skills, but your career path doesn’t match our ‘culture fit.’”
Response: “If ‘fit’ means ‘just like us,’ that might be the issue.”
“Your achievements are impressive, but we’re looking for someone who hasn’t had too many leadership roles before.”
Response: “Underqualified… but make it intentional?”
“We’re concerned you’ll want flexibility we can’t offer at this stage.”
Response: “Interesting — especially since ‘hybrid and flexible working’ was highlighted in the advert.”
“We prefer someone with direct experience in this exact sector.”
Response: “That’s curious — ‘transferable skills’ were listed as essential.”
“You’ve had a varied career — we’re not sure you’re committed.”
Response: “Adaptable and resilient… you’re welcome.”
“We’re looking for someone earlier in their career.”
Response: “Translation: experienced, but at entry-level pay?”
“We went with someone who just felt like a better fit.”
Response: “Ah yes — the most measurable metric of all.”
“We’re looking for someone a bit more… enthusiastic.”
Response: “Next time I’ll bring pom-poms.”
“You interview really well, but…”
Response: “There’s always a ‘but,’ isn’t there?”
“We’re not sure you’d be challenged enough here.”
Response: “I’m happy to make that decision for myself.”
“We’re concerned you might get bored.”
Response: “Or I might thrive — bold concept.”
“We’re looking for someone who ticks every box.”
Response: “So… a unicorn?”
“We felt another candidate had slightly more relevant experience.”
Response: “After seven interviews… that’s the deciding factor?”
“We’re moving forward with candidates who align more closely with the role.”
Response: “Alignment discovered at the final stage — impressive timing.”
“We’re restructuring the role slightly.”
Response: “Conveniently after the interview process?”
“We’ll keep your CV on file.”
Response: “Ah yes — the recruitment equivalent of ‘it’s not you, it’s me.’

Fair Hiring Network is an independent public-interest initiative operated by Fair Hiring Network Ltd. The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Views expressed are based on lived experience, publicly available information, and research. Fair Hiring Network does not endorse individual organisations or service providers.

Nice Try!

If it’s unfair for one, it’s unfair for all.

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Nice Try!

If it’s unfair for one, it’s unfair for all.

Need Help to Complete the Survey or Petition?

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