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Offering an explanation is a trap. Companies don't offer explanations for why people leave, or why people are hired to protect their image and possible bias. Why should people? If they were treating him as an "old fart" who will need to get up to speed on "new tech" because he's over 30, then telling them won't help his job effort one bit. Sure, it might help them in subsequent interviews, but that's assuming they are emotionally grounded enough to hear the complaint (not likely considering their reaction).
– Edwin Buck
Commented Aug 29, 2012 at 21:09
1

@EdwinBuck, I agree it is more or less a trap... similar to an exit interview.
– syn1kk
Commented Aug 29, 2012 at 21:33
12

@EdwinBuck - The explanation doesn't have to reveal anything - it's a formality really. It's hard for "I don't think I would be a good fit" to come back to haunt you. So it's probably safer than being the guy who suddenly mumbled something and took off for the elevator.
– psr
Commented Aug 29, 2012 at 21:40
5

@EdwinBuck - I don't think the explanation really does have to reveal anything. Oddly, that is not a requirement for politeness. In fact, everybody use the same "explanation", that they are not a good fit, specifically not to reveal any information, except the fact that they are providing the explanation that is socially required. Weird, right?
– psr
Commented Aug 29, 2012 at 22:01
14

Just to chime in, consider any other social engagement. Imagine you went out to dinner with your friends or your co-workers, and you decided you had to leave before the food came. What would you say? Things that come to mind for me are "sorry guys I'm not feeling well" or pretend to check your phone then say "oh guys I'm really sorry something came up." I honestly can't think of anything polite to say that wouldn't involve explaining my odd behavior. It's just considered disrespectful in our society to leave people unexpectedly without excusing yourself with some sort of explanation.
– John McDonnell
Commented Aug 30, 2012 at 5:57

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