10 Random Reasons Why you Didn't Get the Job

Applying for jobs, going to interviews and not getting the job only to find out 'Another candidate was more suitable'? Here are the Top 10 reasons (employers won't admit to you) why you didn't get the job. Often employers won't tell you these reasons as it may come across rude or negative and they don't want to hurt your feelings. I wrote this article to help everyone out there who is in the dark as to the reasons they didn't get a job they interviewed for. The article is very to the point and can be a bit of a hard pill to swallow, and of course these reasons may be completely wrong for your scenario, but overall these are some common pitfalls I see every day in my job. It is somewhat controversial so I expect some people to comment some outlandish stuff here, overall this will help someone out there!

I run Reesby IT Recruitment, so I see it all, the good the bad and the ugly and I get to hear the truth from clients after interviews about what really happened. I have helped so many people with career advice that then helped them land their next job. If you are hiring and sick of getting the wrong candidates to interview, or you are a candidate and sick of failed interviews, come to us and we can surely help. Below are some reasons a candidate might not get the job in the interview stage.

1. Your communication skills need improving.

Not being able to understand a candidate is one of the top reasons they will never get the job, and guess what, no one will EVER tell you that's the reason out of fear of seeming rude or discriminatory. This is most likely to occur if the candidate speaks English as a second language and the job is in an English speaking country (or vice versa). Example, if I go to France to apply for a job, if my french is not as good as the french natives, I am likely to go to the bottom of the pile too! However, this doesn't just refer to bilingual candidates, sometimes even native speakers just aren't articulate enough in their native tongue and this sometimes can put off potential employers. Examples are speaking with slang, swearing, being not clear enough to understand or not making much sense in general. Lower level communications can also lead to being underpaid and undervalued so invest in some lessons despite your native tongue.

2. Your appearance was ill-considered.

Maybe you are wearing the only suite or corporate outfit you own, but it has tears or stains, maybe your hair needs a trim or looks unwashed? This can be very off-putting for an employer, treat an interview like a first date because first impressions count. Look your best! This can even refer to body language and posture.

3. You just aren't as good as your competition.

This is a hard pill to swallow, you need to understand who you are competing against, you have XYZ skills, but your competition has ABCDEF AND XYZ skills. Consider upskilling or self-improvement to ensure you don't fall behind.

4. You don't want it bad enough.

An employer can sense your motivation level, they can tell if there is no glimmer in your eyes and they can pick up when you are not enthusiastic about the job. To prevent this, apply for jobs you TRULY want and research the role to ensure it is right for you.

5. You live too far away from the location.

This one is almost out of your control, but if you live over 1.5 hours from the job site the employer might factor that in and not choose you. They have hired many times before and know that after about 1 year of this lengthy commute it will begin to become a problem and you are likely to take other job offers due to this travel. They are basically putting you out of your own misery.

6. You might not have the right attitude for their business.

No one wants to work with someone they don't like and if you don't build that rapport quickly or you just both clash in terms of chemistry unfortunately you don't stand a chance. This isn't your fault, but put yourself in their shoes and ask would you hire someone you don't really feel in your gut that you like?

7. You messed up somehow.

Did you get the company name confused, were you late or unprepared. You are less likely to get the job if you make mistakes in the beginning, it just sets it off on the wrong foot.

8. Your attitude needs changing.

No one will ever tell you if you come across rude or obnoxious, but being overly confident might put off employers, just the same way it rubs people up the wrong way in everyday life. Analyse your own demeanor and change it if you think there's a problem.

9. You're not the right cultural fit.

This refers again to your attitude and them not liking you, sometimes you may get along with THEM, but the hiring manager feels like you won't gel with the rest of the team for some reason. They don't want to hire someone who won't work well with the rest of the team. Research the type of people they tend to hire and ensure they are 'kind of like you'.

10. You looked good on paper.

They might have interviewed you as you looked good on paper, maybe you got a professional to write your resume and they 'over-sold' you or you lied on your resume, then when they met you their expectation did not match up with what you presented. Be careful as to how you sell yourself in a resume and make sure it is accurate to your skills.

Jessica Reesby- Managing Director 'Reesby' IT Recruitment.