Your interview went okay. Maybe not the greatest but definitely not the worst. So why did you get rejected? There are many reasons you didn’t get called back for a second interview; some are unrelated to you, and others not so much. But with a bit of self-improvement and finding the right fit, there’s a job out there for everyone.
Reasons why you didn’t get a second interview (unrelated to you)
Your head might be spinning thinking of reasons why you didn’t land that second interview, but sometimes it has nothing to do with you. It’s like a dating cliche, “it’s not you, it’s me,” except it really is them.
Needs have changed
Companies are changing all the time. Sometimes it’s cutting budgets, creating or dropping positions, restructuring departments. Unfortunately, sometimes these changes happen in the middle of your interview process. If this is the case, most likely, you will receive notice from the company informing you of their change in needs.
Not a good cultural fit
Culture fit is just as important as skillset. Not everyone will be a good fit culture-wise at every company, and no one should be. For example, if you thrive working independently, you probably won’t do well in a team-based job. Even the most qualified of candidates won’t succeed in an incompatible environment. Going forward in your job search, do your due diligence and research companies. If a company’s mission statement doesn’t speak to you, it probably isn’t the right fit.
Hiring manager already had someone else in mind
This one probably hurts the most, but there’s a chance the hiring manager already had someone else in mind. Maybe the hiring manager was mandated to interview external candidates but already had an internal employee in mind? Like many of the other reasons, this doesn’t mean you aren’t qualified.
Hiring bias can also play a role. Whether it’s the halo effect or the similar-to-me effect, sometimes hiring managers become fixated on specific candidates and blinded to those equally qualified.
Reasons why you didn’t get a second interview (that you can control)
Unfortunately, sometimes it really is you and not them. But don’t worry, these mistakes aren’t career-breaking, and you’ll bounce back.
You blew the first interview
There are a number of interview mistakes that should be avoided at all costs. Maybe you forgot the hiring manager’s name or didn’t do your research on the company. Or perhaps you were rude, showed up late or didn’t have an answer to basic interview questions.
Many interview mistakes are easy slip-ups, but many of them are preventable and due to carelessness. Learn from your mistakes, and you’ll nail your next interview.
You didn’t sell yourself
Interviews are all about selling yourself. If you’re just going to give a bland summary of your resume, you might as well look for the exit sign. Instead, prepare an elevator pitch. Give your pitch and share a couple of stories demonstrating skills and qualifications but be brief. If you were invited for an interview, then you are probably qualified for the job, but it’s how you sell yourself that matters. There are dozens of other candidates, and it’s important you stand out, and that comes with good storytelling.
You sold yourself a bit too much
It’s always good to follow up, but you need to know when to stop. Send an email expressing your gratitude and interest in the job, and then draw the line there. If a hiring manager says they will get back to you in a week and a week has gone by, then, by all means, send a follow-up. Following up can be tricky, but it’s essential to find a balance between selling yourself and borderline stalking. If you are hounding the hiring manager, you’re going to come across as desperate and needy, and no one wants to work with that.
Unreliable references
Ever wondered what your references say about you? There’s a chance it might not be good. When picking references, choose carefully. References should be familiar with your work and have favourable things to say. Always ask a potential reference first before submitting their contact information. Not only that, but ask if they are willing to vouch for you. Pass along the job description to your references so they can prepare for a call.
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