7 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job




1.   You don't sell yourself.

If there's ever a time to sell yourself, it's when you're job hunting. If you don't clearly convey your skills, knowledge, and education, it's no one's fault but your own if you don't get the job.
There's a fine line between being cocky and confident, so make sure you're always tempering your confidence with humility. Sharing past accomplishments conveys pride in your work, while going on and on about how educated you are screams "smug."

2.   You didn’t ask for the job
You might be the best candidate for the job, but you find yourself being #2 to no one. The employer keeps looking for someone who might be a little better. Why? Because you didn’t ask for the job. How? Simple: “I am very interested in the job. When can I start?” Yep, that’s aggressive. But it tells the interviewer that you’re interested and ready to go. Decision time, rather than wait time.

3.   You weren’t qualified for the job
While many career books try to convince you to get an offer from every interview, it is an acceptable outcome for either you or the employment to make an assessment that you are either not qualified. But make sure you are truly not qualified for the role before you resign yourself to this one. If you didn’t interview well, the employer may have the perception that you were not qualified. Make sure you fully answer all qualification questions in detail and back them up with examples.

4.   You're overqualified/underqualified.

This is perhaps one of the biggest issues for chronic job seekers. Are you consistently applying for your dream job even though your experience and education don't really make you a dream candidate? Or maybe you're desperate for a job (any job!) and are willing to take something (anything!), even jobs well below your pay grade? Ask yourself honestly whether you're aiming too high--or too low--and adjust your expectations accordingly.


5.   You Can't Explain Why You Were Fired

Lots of people lose their jobs—some through no fault of their own and some because they did something stupid. Regardless of the reason you're unemployed, you'll need to explain what happened and why (if it was something you did) it won't happen again. It's hard enough to get hired when you're unemployed, but if you simply blame your former boss for being a jerk, companies won't want to take a chance on you.

6.   Internal candidate
Yes, they interviewed you. But only because they had to. And you might even have been the best person for the job. But there may have been an internal candidate who was earmarked for the role, no matter who the external candidates might be. I’d love to say there is a way around this one but, in most cases, there isn’t. Unless you truly wow the interviewer, it’s tough to overcome the internal candidate who is ready for the role.

7.   You're Trying to Change Careers

Lots of people successfully change careers, but it isn't easy. If you're trying to change career paths make sure that your resume and your cover letter detail why you're changing careers and why you're qualified for the new career path. Employers won't make the connection without your help.