This is an anonymous post from an Elpha member.

Should I publish case studies on Medium for jobs I was rejected from? - Product Manager Roles

Posted in:Job Hunting Job Board Career Growth

Hi all,

I’ve worked on some detailed case studies as part of job application processes, but unfortunately, I didn’t get the roles. I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to publish those case studies on Medium or other platforms. Would sharing rejected case studies reflect negatively on me, or could it still be beneficial for showcasing my work and expertise? I’d appreciate any thoughts or advice from those who have experience with this! Can I blind the company name and still publish them?

Jenette41·Oct 04

If you didn’t sign an NDA before being given the assignment and material and if you de-identify/anonymize the company it was for can’t think of a reason why you can’f/shouldn’t publish as your work.

motushiahmed·Oct 04

Hi! First- I’m sorry to hear you didn’t get the positions. Second- yes please publish them, hiding company identifiers as you spent valuable time on it. I am also a fellow pm and in the interview process right now. I’m studying for a case study interview coming up. Would you mind sharing yours with me. Would love to also connect. Send me a private message here if you’re interested. Since we’re both job searching, we can keep each other motivated too ☺️

joycelyndghansah·Oct 04

Publish them. It's your work; you should add it to your portfolio.

cindylliu·Oct 05

Where do you publish them to? You mentioned Medium - is that acceptable for job seekers? Anywhere else?

Shelli178·Oct 05

I wouldn't - great opportunity for folks to steal your work (i know maybe im a bit paranoid but my 0.02)

allapo·Oct 18

Agree with the idea of publishing it. It's your work, they gave you the assignment to "see how you think", right? So show it publicly - how you think and how they overlooked the great candidate. I'm not even sure that it's necessary to hide the company name. It was no NDA signed, you owe them nothing.

joanmichelson·Oct 25

It seems like you can publish them as long as you redact names but before you do, I suggest thinking about why you want to publish them. What will your introductory paragraph be? What’s the benefit to the reader? Or to you? How will you frame it? Also, consider the impact on your career. That employer might not notice or care, but they also might care a lot and feel slighted and never consider you for a job again, for example. Or, consider if disclosing these might dissuade other potential employers from considering hiring you because they might be concerned that you’ll share their stuff. Just consider all the reactions that might come about and decide if you are okay with those consequences first and if you are prepared to deal with them. Good luck in your job search! Joan

ChiIM·Oct 30

You bring up very interesting points, Joan. The idea of publishing case studies about job rejections at first sounded cathartic to me - I have been keeping a journal of my job seeker journey, too, and had considered publishing it to my blog. My thought was that someone could relate and maybe feel less alone.I didn't consider the possibility that a prospective employer may do extra digging online about me, come across my piece, and that be the make or break with regard to an offer due to privacy concerns. For that specific reason, I'll keep journaling, but for myself only.

joanmichelson·Oct 31

I’m glad my input was helpful. Good luck with your search.

Claretha219·Nov 07

Have you considered asking someone who would have potentially been a peer for some feedback on examples for where you might improve those case studies so that you get the next role? If a hiring team will pair with me I do well. If they send me off to do a bunch of tasks where I can’t get the clarification I need to show my best skills, I usually get rejected. I wish job postings had the process in the job description. For example, if it required 8 rounds and 2 assignments to get any job offer, say that so candidates can assess if they want to try that process or not.