Imagine this: You get back from your interview feeling confident you did a great job and showcased your knowledge and experience really well. A week later, you get a rejection letter in the mail. This leaves you wondering what you did wrong. What could you have done better? Here are some reasons you may not have gotten hired:

  • You showed up late to the interview. This shows disrespect for the interviewer’s time. This is an indication of what you will do as an employee. Allow enough time to get to the interview. It’s better to be early than to be late.
  • You didn’t send a thank you note. This allows you to stand out from the crowd and shows a high level of professionalism. See the previous post on thank you notes (link).
  • Another possibility is they had someone that was referred to them for the position that they knew (networking blog link here). There is simply nothing you can do about this.
  • You weren’t adequately prepared for the interview. It’s important to do your homework on the company. You want to know about the company, its culture, and how you can bring value to them.
  • Your resume and cover letter did not sell you. The interviewer will look at this throughout the interview, so you want one that makes you shine. This can help you stand out among the crowd.
  • You didn’t come prepared with an answer of why they should hire you. This question is critical and one that many people have trouble answering. The employer is essentially asking you why they should choose you over all the other candidates. Be sure to have a solid response!
  • You came across as desperate. I know it can be stressful looking for and interviewing for jobs, but you want to come to ooze confidence, not desperation or arrogance.
  • Sometimes you are just not a good fit with the interviewer or the company. There is nothing wrong with that. You just have to find an employer that best suits your personality.

Remember, it’s okay if you didn’t get the job. Move on to other companies. Stay positive and you will find a company that will be a good fit for you. Do your best to be well prepared and put your best foot forward each interview.