Why wasn’t I hired?
Interviewing can be both frustrating and arduous because throughout the process,
you receive little or no feedback except for the obvious: if they want you
back, they contact you. If they don’t, frequently you never hear from them
again. But after a first interview the reasons for not being asked back
are numerous, and quite frankly, usually they’re about you: lack of
experience, poor interviewing skills, inadequate preparation and research, or
similar shortcomings. As a result, another candidate generates more
excitement.
But sometimes you are the candidate who’s invited back for a second or even a
third interview. After that, though you’ve reached the final stages of
interviewing and feel sure an offer is imminent, suddenly……nothing.
Sometimes the process has stalled. Occasionally - and stupidly - a company
finds the perfect person, but feels they have to interview a specific number of
people first, and while they do, they’re under the impression you’re waiting
happily in the background with your life and emotions on hold until they contact
you again.
Other times only a letter in the mail tells you it’s done. Rarely
are candidates told why they didn't get the job. Unless you get this far
in the process, usually you aren’t even told that much. Was it something
you did? Maybe. But maybe not!
Relax. While you’re busy wondering what went wrong or trying to convince
yourself it had nothing to do with you...sometimes that’s the truth! You and
that company just weren't meant to be, and nothing you might have done - or not
done - would have made any difference.
Consider these factors, all of which take place without your knowing:
Interviewing is the process by which you find a company you like, and by which a
company hires you because they feel you’re the best person for the job.
Everything happens for a reason, and if you missed getting an offer with one
company, something better may be just around the corner.
So concentrate on what you can control and forget about what you can’t. If you
mope around worrying about what you did or didn't do and wonder why they didn't
like you or where you messed up - your attitude will bring about another
negative outcome.
Look objectively at whether or not you can pinpoint something you might have
done differently, and then learn from it. Otherwise, put it behind you and move
forward with a confident and positive outlook!
Judi Perkins
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From May 2010