Hi Reader,

My rage-applying mum friend got her official rejection feedback this week.

And honestly?

It may be one of the most unintentionally ridiculous things I’ve read in a while.

To put it bluntly, it read like a high-school report.

No joke.

“Kate’s” (not her real name) application did not demonstrate she had tertiary qualifications. Kate’s application clearly demonstrated her ability to undertake this role through her extensive history within XYZ Department.”

It goes on. And manages to get worse.

But you get the idea.

And this is what’s fundamentally wrong with recruitment.

It’s so depersonalised.

Plus, the hogwash of how a missing line item can somehow override all of it. Which makes it feel more like bureaucratic cosplay.

So naturally, I thought:

How could this feedback have been delivered with at least a shred more personality?

Enter Lady Whistledown...

Not sure about you.

Personally?

I’d take Regency-era rejection over tired, emotionless feedback any day.

At least one has style.

~Lisa

Your Q&A

Stay, Go… or Just See

Hi Lisa,

I’m on my third round of interviews and will probably land an offer. In the meantime, I’ve had a conversation with my boss, and they expanded my role, which makes me very happy. Should I continue the interviews and see what they offer? Or cancel the third round scheduled next week. I’m 90% sure I’ve decided to stay in my role (but no salary increase).

Do you have any other suggestions?

Betsy

Hi Betsy,

Why did you apply for the new role in the first place?

People don’t usually launch themselves into three rounds of interviews just for the cardio workout.

Something about your current job clearly wasn’t cutting it — whether that was money, growth, feeling undervalued, or simply the slow death that comes from being underappreciated.

Now your boss has expanded your role, which sounds lovely… but let’s call it what it often is:

More responsibility. More expectations. Same pay packet.

In other words: congratulations, you may have just been handed a shinier version of your existing problem.

My advice?

Finish the interviews.

Not because you have to leave. Not because you must accept an offer. But because knowing what the market is willing to pay for you is powerful.

At best, you confirm staying is the right move. At worst, you discover your value has been seriously underpriced.

You’re 90% sure you’ll stay.

That missing 10%?

It's exactly why I’d keep going.

Sometimes the best career decisions come from having all the cards on the table — not folding halfway through the game.

Thanks for writing in.

~Lisa

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This information is for general purposes and doesn't consider your individual circumstances. It serves educational goals and isn't formal career advice. Always seek personalised guidance tailored to your needs.

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