Employee Insights Volume 15: 3 reasons you didn’t get the job and what you can do next time
So you didn’t get the job… “You weren’t selected”, “they passed on your resume”, “unfortunately you didn’t meet the qualifications”, no matter how anyone says it, it sucks.
Getting passed up for an opportunity stings for a handful of reasons. You have to go back to your job search, prolong any personal plans, but also the sting of not knowing why you were not selected!
Generally speaking, there are only so many reasons someone thought you weren’t the ideal fit for the role, giving you the hope it can be addressed for your next interview opportunity. As in everything, there are those rare exceptions where someone chose not to move forward with you for personal biases or things out of your control. While that may be equally or even more frustrating, it is ultimately in your best interest to not be at a place where you feel welcomed.
Todays Masterclass focuses on 4 common reasons candidates are not selected for jobs and the simple suggestions you can incorporate to give yourself a shot at that opportunity.
Not engaged or uninterested
Remember, you aren’t doing the job for free… and its THEIR MONEY! Nobody wants to feel like they are investing in the wrong person. Consider this, part of your message, is your delivery, or as they say, “its not what you said, but how you said it”. If you are low energy, or not being attentive, your interviewer will assume you are not actively interested in the interview, which could mean, you will be the same during the job.
What to do! Crank it up 10-15%; this applies to your tone, your speed, and volume. We all know how; just as if it were an event we were looking forward to, or someone we really wanted to connect with. The change in tone go a long way.
Secondly, ELABORATE! DO not give one-word answers OR answers with poor context. Take the time to explain how what you know how to do, brings value to them.Preparedness
Imagine you show up to your haircut appointment, and the person that is supposed to cut your hair, is late, or didn’t bring the right scissors, whatever the case, how would you feel? Getting your time wasted is one of the most annoying thing that can happen to you, much more so when you have other important things to manage. Common “time wasters” that most hiring managers share are people that are late to an interview, and once at the interview, have little to no idea what the company specializes in.
What to do! Arrive-15-30 minutes early to collect yourself, and prepare. Take 5-10 minutes prior to your interview to review the company’s website (products/services, About Me) as well as a review of the Job Description of the job you are applying for. If you are inclined, go on LinkedIn as well and learn more about your interviewer!
Experience- under/over
If you are under in experience, you most likely did not draw a parallel from your experience to the job the company expects you to do. Take the time to express your knowledge of the scope of the role. If you are overqualified, the employer feels like the price you are asking for exceeds the results you will generate for the team.
What to do! The only way you can justify your lack of experience is to elaborate on the aspects you do know how to do. If you are overqualified, consider if you are truly ok with doing a job you may outgrow. If you are, let the employer know that is ok and lines up with your current career trajectory.
Overall, a NO from a prospective employer is not the end of the world. Before things spiral out of control, take the time to evaluate your interviews, and what you think you could have done better.
If you are looking for a professional to go through this process, consider a FLAG recruiter. We provide the direction and resources needed to expedite you through a successful job search!