Dear Cindy – Tell an Interviewee Why S/he Won't be Hired?

I work in HR and interview people a lot. I've often been tempted to tell people at the end of the interview that they won't be considered and why, e.g., because you've displayed no interest in the facility/job, or because you look like you haven't showered and have slept in your clothes. What do you think?

Sincerely,

Do tell?

I have been so tempted to do this, but I've never actually done it.

In my case, even more than wanting to say things after an interview, I've wanted to say something to people whose emails are full of errors – especially when they're applying for secretarial positions! (You know: Dear Ms Smith: Thank you for your query. Unfortunately our hospital can only hire secretaries who can spell the word "hospital.") Some people even have spelled their own names incorrectly – yes, I've seen this many times! Do they really think that an employer wants to hire someone who can't write/spell (sometimes even their own names) to type professional letters, medical reports, etc.? No, they don't!

Nonetheless, I've always chickened out and kept silent because it's hard to be critical, I don't have anything invested in the person and his/her work, and I'm busy and it's easier to ignore (and delete) the application.

It's up to you to decide whether you want to speak up. (If you do, let me know how it works!) The occasional applicant will appreciate it because they truly don't understand how to appear or act at interviews, and will be glad finally to have been given some useful advice. But most people will be offended. And the other thing to keep in mind is that unless you're very careful about what you say and to whom you say it, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit for discrimination.