They say looking for a job is a full time job in its self. From perfecting your CV through to searching job boards and meeting recruiters, then trying to get time off for interviews only to be faced with the rejection of not being able to secure the role you had your heart set on. The worst thing of all is receiving no feedback on your interview which means you can’t learn from where you might have gone wrong. Rejection can be a good thing if you take the feedback and work with it. Below are some possible explanations as to why you didn’t land that job and how you can better prepare for next time.
Lack of enthusiasm
You need to engage with the interviewer, ask questions about the company, the team culture, the role and show you are genuinely interested. Failing to ask any questions gives the interviewer the impression you are not interested or you simply think you know everything about the role and the company already.
Presentation
You need to dress for the job you want! Look sharp and professional. Your clothes should be ironed, shoes polished, hair neat and tidy, no chipped nail polish, piercings removed and tattoos covered. Even if it’s a 40 degree day you need to be suited up with a tie to give the best impression.
Not doing your research
9 times out of 10 you will be asked what you know about the company in an interview and if you can’t give the interviewer a quality answer you can kiss the job goodbye. If you have researched the company you will be able to confidently demonstrate how your skills would be a good fit for the business and employers like to see that you have some knowledge of their company, their style and their people.
Having stars in your eyes
Don’t get ahead of yourself if you are interviewing for a Leasing role; don’t tell the interviewer how you plan to be the Sales Manager in 2 years’ time or you plan to open your own office in 5 years. Ambition is a great trait to great but be realistic and focus on the job that you are actually interviewing for. Instead let the interviewer know you are open to further training and career progression within their business and the industry.
Experience
Your CV looks great and you may have blitzed the interview but if the candidate before or after you has more relevant experience that is in line with what the interviewers business needs and they think they will be a great fit then unfortunately they are going to make a decision based on this. Sometimes it’s quite simply not going to work out but always believe that interviews are a way to continuously improve yourself and make new connections for your network so be assured it’s not a total waste of your time.
