Why Didn’t I Get That Interview or Job? Part One
Are you still reeling from yet another job rejection letter? A bruised ego and a battered self-confidence can take time to heal, but it is important to discover what went wrong and how to avoid it next time. Or did you make the shortlist for an interview and did not get the job you know you were perfect for? Again, there are reasons for this that go beyond your suitability for the role.
Every job application, interview, rejection and success are unique. Several factors impact the hiring process, which makes it difficult to predict the outcome. Even if you have given a fantastic interview or have an exemplary resume, there may just be someone with a little nugget of additional experience who beats you to the finish line.
The really hard part is you may never find out precisely why you were rejected. In many cases, employers will not provide feedback as to why you did not get the job. As a company some of whose employees have worked in human resources, we know how important it is for potential employees to try and provide candidates with interview feedback, but this is not always forthcoming for clients.
But there are some reasons that keep coming up that we thought we would share.
Firstly, sometimes your motivation can be unclear. Remember, if an employer has received a large volume of applications, they will be actively looking for reasons to eliminate candidates and narrow down their selection. Sometimes an employer will be unsure of the reasons why a candidate is applying. For example, your resume may indicate that you are somewhat overqualified for a role, but you might be particularly keen to work for the organisation or gain more experience in that particular sector. This is where a detailed cover letter can be useful. Do not get rejected just because you did not explain why you wanted the role. This speaks to perhaps having two or even three different resumes at your disposal. The one-size-fits-all resume is a dicey proposition, and it can sink you if you are trying to speak to too many roles with one document. So, think about putting emphasis on the role you are targeting, and yes, submit a highly tailored cover letter that speaks both to the role and your suitability to it.
Did you fail to convey your knowledge properly? A lack of interview preparation can sometimes result in candidates failing to show the true extent of their skills and experience. Make sure you have fully researched the company inside and out and are able to communicate how your skills are a good fit for their business. Also, have a number of strong examples at the forefront of your mind in case you are asked to talk about specific scenarios in which you had a positive impact. We always put key achievements into our clients’ resumes, but if you make the interview, think of a few more that you can impress them with. Also, research the company’s vision and short and long-term ambitions. If you can talk about these things organically in the interview, you will, without a doubt, impress the panel.
You have heard the expression ‘dress to impress.’ This does not mean you have to go out and buy a $500 outfit for the interview; it means, once again, researching the company ethos carefully. How you look may determine whether or not you get the job. If you are dressed too casually, you may appear unprofessional or not serious about the role. If the company culture or the hiring manager specifically has issues with multiple piercings, visible tattoos or odd facial hair, these may cost you the gig. If you appear nervous, sweaty and easily flustered, they might assume that you are not up for the job. Dress up, wear clothes that are just a touch more formal than required on the day-to-day of the job. Arrive a little early so that you do not have to run to make it on time and be at your calm and confident best. But know your audience. If it is a government role, yes, a suit will be required; if it is an advertising agency, then you have some flexibility, but do not go too crazy – try and dress just a little above the company’s cultural benchmark, and you will be fine.
Next time, we will explore some more reasons why you did not make the cut of the interview or the job itself.
