Feedback Following the Second Interview

Recruitment Consultant:
“Thank you for attending your interview with ABC Company. Were you able to have an in-depth discussion with them?”

Suzuki-san (Candidate):
“Yes, I was. However, during the interview, they mentioned additional complex accounting tasks that were not listed in the job description. Based on my previous experience, I believe those tasks should be outsourced, and I conveyed this to them during the meeting.”

Recruitment Consultant:
“I see, thank you for letting me know. It’s good that you were able to assess the situation objectively. However, in future interviews, I would recommend that if you are presented with an unexpected request, you take the time to consider it first and respond at a later stage. This approach can help convey a calm, flexible, and professional attitude.”

Unfortunately, the candidate was not offered the position in the end.

While it is very important to have and express your own professional opinion, especially in interviews, it is equally essential to avoid immediately rejecting a proposal on the spot. Taking the time to carefully consider the request and providing a response after reflection can leave a much more positive impression.

It is also worth remembering that interviewers are often the direct managers you would work with if hired, and the impression you leave during the interview may have an impact on your future working relationship. If you firmly reject a request during the interview, you may risk being perceived as inflexible or lacking in teamwork.

Even if the request seems unrealistic, simply saying something like, “I would like to take some time to fully understand the details before providing my response, if that would be acceptable,” can leave an impression of being thoughtful and sincere.

In job hunting, not only your skills and experience but also your communication style and flexibility are carefully assessed. Maintaining your own perspective while showing a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue often leads to better opportunities.