Do Better Next Time! What Are The Reasons You Didn't Get Hired?

Not landing the job you applied for is not the best thing you want to hear (or read!). Whether it be a call on the phone or the classic “We regret” template, the sentiments are the same. They did not pick you this time. That said, there are several employers that do not bother to call.

Instead of feeling bad about it, take this lesson in stride. Critique is never easy to hear. But it is also possible that you may not have heard back from the company? To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of reasons you didn’t get hired. 

Maybe this can ease the pain of rejection, and can help you become better in the long run. 

What can cause you not to get hired?

1. You don’t know why you applied for this job

While the word “purpose” can mean many things for people, it is important to know the why of both sides. What does this mean? Aside from knowing why you applied for this job, you should also prioritize the why of your future employer. Why did this role come to be? What capabilities and skills does my employer require of me for this particular assignment? The interviewer usually asks what you can contribute to the company. It is obvious enough from the get-go through your resume. The career objective portion defines that for you in black and white. Just like how interviewers can see a pursuit of passion, they can also see right through a lack of motivation. 

If you cannot answer the why, companies see it as both a lack of purpose and direction. 

What to do about it: Align your purpose to points of action. Share with the interviewer your capabilities and concrete anecdotes of how you applied them to certain tasks. Tailor-fit your answers to the role you are applying for as much as possible. It shows the company that you not only have the vision, but you can execute as much as you plan. 

2. You were insensitive to cultures and beliefs of others

These days, people abide by the cancel culture code. What does that mean? It is a type of sweeping declaration against one person for what they did. Its roots go back to the #MeToo movement, where women stood up against male oppressors for harassment of all kinds. But despite its sometimes extremist applications, there is a core belief that serves as its foundation. It all boils down to the value of respect – to embrace and welcome their differences, whether it be about culture, belief, race, and the like. 

Interviewers have a different way of going about people who tear others down–and they may reject that person flat-out. After all, working in a company (whether office or home) requires you to deal with different people from all walks of life. 

What to do about it: It would be good to learn about different cultures, especially if you are working with various nationalities or working in a foreign country. Learn about their traditions to avoid any mistakes in the future. Take this as an opportunity to expand your horizons. 

3. There was an internal hire

Just like the rule of never saying hello to strangers, employers prioritize internal over external talent. The reason is because current employees have tenure and a track record, therefore making them more viable than hiring someone unfamiliar. If you land in this debacle, it is almost impossible to compete against a talent that already proved themselves long ago.

What to do about it: Prove your edge during the interview. Share about your credentials and the willingness to learn something new. Aside from that, you can also offer a fresh perspective or a new set of eyes to the role. 

4. Your resume did not stand out

The clearest indicator of this? Not making it to the interview stage at all. Before having your moment with the interviewer, you have to stand out in a crowd of thousands. And by thousands, we mean the resumes that companies receive daily. Even if you have all the achievements, the execution (the resume) must align with what you are. Most of all, it must grab the attention of the reader at first glance. 

After all, numerous resumes come in. Make sure that your resume is the one they end up holding onto at the end of the day. 

What to do about it: It is not only about your capabilities, but how you pitch them. Make sure that your resume is an easy-to-read format. Whether it be one-page or two pages, your achievements should be at the forefront. Moreover, tailor-make your resume for the company you are sending it to. A cover letter would also be something nice to have!

Need help with writing your resume? Try our Resume Templates.

5. You committed several mistakes along the way

It is not just about answering the wrong questions. Your resume contained several grammatical errors, you were late to the interview – the list goes on. The recruitment process is not just a one-time thing – it is an entire system. It begins when you send your resume in and it ends with the result, whether it was successful or not. Consistency is a value that you must apply here. Everything must be perfect from start to finish. 

Remember that you are making a solid impression and a pitch to your employer to hire you. One or two mistakes is forgivable, but several will not look good on you in the long run. Employers will see this as a lack of preparation and attention to detail, two qualities that are important across all forms of employment.

What to do about it: You have nothing to lose if you take extra effort to review. Whether it be spell-checking your resume or internalizing the company history, employers know when you take that extra step. It also helps if you can align your capabilities with the role you are applying for.

6. They do not see the commitment

Getting a job is like getting into a relationship. There is a lot of investment that goes into you entering the company. Aside from the agreed salary, there are a lot of other expenses. Examples of these include your training, your incentives (if any), and the time spent to help you grow. It is not to say that companies hold you hostage forever. But if the time skips in your resume are too frequent, it will look bad on you. 

Company loyalty is a debatable topic, especially since there have been several shifts in the workplace. There are several reasons to leave. But employers wish to see a long-term commitment that you bring to the table, aside from your skills. They wish to hire people who are loyal to the company they work in. It is a two-way street, and if you just keep leaving once the going gets tough, employers will view it as you not being able to face the music. 

Need some help with negotiating an offer? Check out our Salary Guide.

What to do about it: State the reasons why there are employment gaps in your resume. Be honest and transparent. Explain that you sought other opportunities or were given positions to further your growth. Whatever you do, do not badmouth former employers unless incidents occurred that give reason to. 

It’s time to kickstart your career so #LetsGetToWork! But before anything else, make sure you take a look at our comprehensive Career Tools to ensure you get the help you need. 

Update your profile then search jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play. 

Visit Career Advice for more expert advice on developing a rewarding career.