So you’ve turned in your application, you feel like a great fit for the job, and you feel like the interview went well. But you didn’t get the job.
What gives?!
Don’t take it personally. Oftentimes there are many reasons that are outside of your control that go into the decision, but many times there are some things that you can correct. Instead of getting frustrated and sending out more applications, it might be best to take a step back and analyze why you aren’t getting the results that you want.
Our recruiting agency has seen every imaginable reasoning for a company not hiring a candidate, and we have found that these 5 reasons are some of the most common.
1. You weren’t qualified enough.
This is probably the most common reason for a company not choosing an employee. About 50 percent of applicants who apply for jobs are not qualified, so this is common as well. But unfortunately for many people, when they learn that they weren’t qualified for the position, they will usually only apply for jobs that they know they are qualified for, which limits their chances of success. If you see a job posting and you only have 4 years of experience and the company requires 6, it’s best to still take a shot and apply.
2. You’re overqualified.
Sometimes, large gaps in between experience and actual job requirements lead companies to go in a different direction and choose and employee with less experience. They also may turn them down because they can’t pay what they think an overqualified candidate is worth. If this is your situation and you’d like to stay in this industry of applicants, you can certainly do so. Before applying to jobs, let them know of your experience up front, and let them know you are flexible on salary and you’re more focused on the work itself.
3. You need an industry connection.
A lot of times a candidate will get hired just from having a solid reference within the industry that can confirm their expertise and reliability. If you’re coming into an industry with zero connections, companies can sometimes choose someone that they trust more.
If you’re not well-known in your industry, you may need to change that. Start attending conferences, reaching out to employees in the industry, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Ask to pick someone’s brain over coffee and try to form a trustworthy relationship with someone who has experience doing what you want to do.
4. Your interviewing skills need improvement.
The initial interview is one of the most crucial moments in the hiring process, and if you don’t nail it, that can be the difference in you not getting the job. Our recruiting firm has years of experience training candidates on how to conduct themselves in an interview, and these are just a few bullet points that are especially important:
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Dress appropriately.
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Arrive early.
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Silence your phone.
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Ask as many questions as you can, and show the company you are interested.
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Speak positively or neutrally on past jobs and employers. If you shed a poor light on previous working relationships, that only negatively affects you, and how you are viewed as a candidate.
If you’d like some more tips on this, click here.
5. You’re too hyper-focused on preparing for interview questions.
One of the biggest common mistakes we’ve seen with candidates is that they become so fixated on nailing every single interview question, that they completely neglect other parts of the interview process that are just as important, or maybe even more important. Things such as relaxed body language, storytelling, active listening skills, and making small talk with the receptionist or interviewer are just some of the many factors that go a long way in making you look like a strong candidate.
If you feel like you’re out of answers and stuck in the job market, we can assist you. We offer training and coaching for candidates and can significantly help them increase their chances of getting hired. Please contact us by clicking here.
Carter Recruiting and Associates is one of the largest independent recruiting and outplacement companies in Arkansas. Our headquarters, located in Little Rock and our satellite office in Conway, both service accounts nationwide. We have satisfied clients and references from some of the largest companies in the state. With over 50 collective years of experience in the recruiting business, we have a vast amount of resources and knowledge to ensure a job well done.
Cherie Richardson
President
Cherie is the owner and president of Carter Recruiting and Associates. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Mississippi and has over 30 years of experience in the recruitment of executive and manufacturing professionals. Cherie’s work has been instrumental for new plant start-ups, as well as building and maintaining relationships throughout the region and state of Arkansas. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives and the National Association of Women Business Owners.