It can be crushing to be rejected for a job you were perfect for, especially if the job seemed like your dream opportunity. The good news is there are more opportunities available for you now and in the future. You can learn from the experience by determining why your interview went well but you were rejected after the final round of interviews and by finding ways to improve for a better chance at job procurement in the future.
Reasons Why Your Interview Went Well but You Got Rejected
There are a variety of reasons why you may not be getting any calls for job interviews (or why you are not getting job offers after interviews). Below is a detailed discussion of the most common reasons applicants do not land a job offer. If the job is still open, then these may be signs that you will not get the job after the interview.
Company culture match
If your interview went well but you were rejected for the job opportunity, then you may have simply not been a match for their company culture. In the long run, this can save you from a poor experience overall. For instance, if you have an outgoing and ambitious mindset and thrive in a group setting where sharing is encouraged, then you may not be the ideal fit for more strictly structured environments that expect you to work independently. In other words, it may not be you — it may be them.
Competition among applicants
Have you ever heard the saying “no matter how good you think you are there is always someone out there that is a little better?” Well, this may have been the case with your interview. There may have simply been a more qualified (or even an overqualified candidate) for the position. This does not mean that you were not qualified or a good culture fit, but the company simply had to make a tough decision and chose to go with a candidate that was a little more proven and qualified. In fact, in many cases, the company may reach out at a later time to see if you are still available.
Interactions with other employees
The interactions you make with all employees and executives have an impact on your prospects for hire. From the company interns to the owner, you should strive to make a good impression on everyone you meet throughout the job application process.
Timing at the interview
Needless to say, punctuality is incredibly important when attempting to land a job offer. Of course, you can often still recover from a late appearance, but it can certainly put you at a disadvantage as well as add to any anxieties you are already experiencing.
Communication during the process
The interview is the biggest part of the job offer process, but does a bad interview mean no job? There are many other parts of the process. If you were slow to communicate before and after your interview, then this could lead the employer to opt for another candidate who is more timely and/or had better communication skills throughout the process.
Body language
The way you present yourself matters during job interviews. While in a perfect world your qualifications are the only factor. However, being able to present yourself in a confident and professional manner is also vital. This, of course, means more to some employers than it does to others. Nevertheless, if you did not feel like you presented yourself well, then this may be the reason for not landing the job offer. But do not worry, the more experience you get with interviews the more confident your body language will become.
Professional Boundaries
You should certainly aim to be loose and relaxed during your interview. However, sharing too much may give the interviewer the impression that you do not understand professional boundaries. Subsequently, sharing too much personal information could hinder your chances of landing a job offer. Find a good middle ground.
Lack of follow-up
Following up after your interview is a great way to show the company that you are serious about the position. In some cases, you can still get a job offer following a lackluster interview. Consider sending a follow-up email or thank you note after your interview. However, there is a fine line between following up and showing your interest and being too pushy. You should certainly follow up once but be willing to wait for their reply after you do so.
Your salary expectations are unrealistic
The bottom line is what matters most to employers. If they can save on salary costs, then oftentimes they will. In many cases, you may not have landed a job offer simply because they would have had to pay you more than they desire.
Ideas about longevity
Employee retention is of the utmost importance for law firms and other organizations. If the employer gets the impression that you are interested in the opening as a transitional role rather than a long-term position, then they may side with another candidate they feel will be more committed to the company.
Tips for improving your interview skills
If you have asked “why am I not getting hired anywhere?” despite multiple interviews, then these tips are for you. The purpose in determining the reason you did not land a job offer is so you can improve. This way, you can say no more to sulking after job rejections. Here are several generalized ways to improve your interview skills before your next interview.
Ask for feedback after rejections
It may seem intimidating to ask for feedback after rejection. However, most employers do not mind sharing their thoughts about your candidacy and providing constructive criticism. This is incredibly powerful as it removes the guessing game and provides you with clear and direct reasons why you were not chosen for the job opening. This can keep you from wondering why you are not getting a job after an interview.
Rehearse your answers
Preparation is the ultimate key to performing well in job interviews. It is also a remedy for nervousness if you feel anxiety about the process. Be sure to rehearse your answers and prepare for any and all questions you may receive. To further prepare, you can also study each job requirement and pay attention to all details about the company.
Treat every role like your top option
If interviewers get the sense that the position is not all that important to you, then they will likely go with a candidate they feel is more committed to the role. Subsequently, even if you are interviewing for an opening that is more of a backup opportunity for you, it is important to treat it as if it is your dream job. Otherwise, you could be the top candidate but have no job offer.
Get another set of eyes on your resume
Last but not least, it helps to have an unbiased outsider view your resume. Ideally, this should be a recruiter or another type of human resources professional. However, anyone who has experience with the hiring process and can provide sound advice on the quality of your resume can help you identify areas for improvement during the job application process.
It’s important to do your research and be as well prepared for your interview as you can be. Taking the above info and recommendations into consideration is a great start on the path to landing your dream role.