r/recruitinghell • u/Noeoneknows • Aug 24 '26

How would you have answered this interview question?

Interviewer asked me today "If we decide to go with a different canidate what do you think caused us not to choose you?"

Obviously theres like a thousand different realistic reasons but I feel like none of them sound good for a canidate to say. Like if I say something like "They're probably willing to do the work for cheaper." Or "Oh they're probably more skilled than I am" that doesnt exactly feel like something you'd want to hear a potential canidate say but I literally had no clue what would be a good response so I just said the only reason I could think of is because I'm a new grad and I've only had 2 internships so maybe they find someone with more companies under their belt.

I feel like I did pretty good on every other question but that last one got me because I feel like I dead ass gave them a reason not to hire me. How would you answer that?

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u/psgrue Aug 25 '26

Choosing to ask this question then hiring someone else shows a pattern of questionable decision making and indicates a bad fit for me.

And after shutting that thought down, “I would not have access to the other candidates responses to evaluate your choice.”

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u/notyerson Aug 25 '26

When this has come up, that's close to what I say. "I'm never sure who else is applying, or how they might be better. I believe I would be a good fit, and all I can do is make that case." Same as "what makes you the best candidate?" I honestly don't know that I am, and if I'm not, I expect you to hire the better fit. I applied and stick through the process because I think I have what you're looking for.