Because job candidates often convince themselves that they are “perfect” for the job, they are shocked when they don’t get an offer. There are all kinds of reasons why even a “perfect” candidate might not be selected. Of course, the obvious reason is they’re not as perfect as they think.
Here are 50 possible reasons for not getting the job:
1. Mistakes/typos on resume or cover letter.
2. Someone else had stronger qualifications (experience, knowledge, skills, abilities).
3. Didn’t listen.
4. Gave bad and/or dumb and/or incomplete and/or creepy answers.
5. Talked too much.
6. Didn’t talk enough.
7. They didn’t like your personality.
8. They didn’t like your appearance.
9. No good references.
10. Bad attitude.
11. Talked about assignments instead of accomplishments.
12. Late.
13. Not interested in the job.
14. Rude to receptionist (or someone else).
15. Live too far away.
16. Took too long to respond to job offer.
17. Poor communication skills.
18. Asked too many questions.
19. Didn’t ask enough questions.
20. Asked wrong questions.
21. Unreachable (didn’t respond to phone calls/e-mails).
22. Unprepared.
23. Too confident/arrogant.
22. Not enough self-confidence.
23. Sounded phony.
24. Lied.
25. Complained.
26. Not enthusiastic enough.
27. Too enthusiastic/bubbly.
28. Too quiet.
29. Too loud.
30. Not a minority. (They’re trying to be “diverse.”)
31. Position already filled (they were just going through the motions)
32. Said something stupid.
33. Revealed potential risks/problems (family/health/money issues)
34. Too negative.
35. Asked about salary too early.
36. Bragged about other job offers.
37. Unflattering info on internet.
38. Fidgeting, nervous.
39. Too desperate.
40. Being a know-it-all.
41. Unable to accept criticism.
42. Can’t handle stress.
43. Didn’t send a thank-you note.
44. Smelled bad.
45. Used profanity.
46. Too unattractive.
47. Too attractive.
48. Position was deleted.
49. Didn’t pass physical.
50. Seemed untrustworthy.
Some of those reasons you have control over; some you don’t. Some are not “fair” — but life (and employment) isn’t always fair. You’ll probably never know the true reason you weren’t hired. Getting a job is pretty damn hard. But don’t give up. You’ve only failed if you don’t keep trying.
Written by Bonnie Lowe, www.Best-Interview-Strategies.com. Check out her Job Interview Success System [download]
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#1 by Sid on October 10, 2009 - 2:49 am
hi… that’s really a great post in that article a lesson for the freshers who are still straggling to find right job for them, and who are student, graduate but not able to find right job but how there will handle their job and career in the future.