Rejected? Here’s Why

 

If you haven’t interviewed in a while—reminder: there are a lot of moving parts that can make-or-break your chances of getting the job.

 

Have you ever been rejected after an interview, and received zero feedback from the hiring leader? If so, how do you know what to improve on for next time?

 

At Staffing Solutions, Inc. we, unfortunately, have to tell our candidates when they’re not selected to move forward.

 

If you can relate, here are some possible reasons why:

 

• You didn’t make a good first impression. Did you show up late? Did you dress too casually? Recruiters will disqualify candidates for these reasons; it can come across as though you’re not taking the interview seriously.

 

• You came unprepared. Did you research the company before the interview? Did you run through interview questions? Recruiters will most likely reject a candidate if they seemed clueless or underprepared in their interview. Do your homework—first!

 

• You didn’t follow directions. Did you submit your resume in a PDF format when they asked for Word? Maybe they asked for extra copies of your resume, and you didn’t bring them. The interview is a test: if you can’t follow simple directions, why would they trust you with bigger responsibilities once you’re hired? Next time, double-check the interview details to make sure you’re not missing anything before it’s too late.

 

• You stretched the truth. Recruiters have a way of fact-checking: for what was in the interview & what was on your resume. Think—when they go to check your references, will everything line up? St. Louis is a big small town—honesty is the best policy here.

 

• You didn’t vibe with the interviewer. Was there “chemistry”? The interviewer wants to make sure you’ll be a good cultural fit for the organization. If your communication styles didn’t line up in the interview, there’s a good chance they don’t think you’ll “vibe” with the rest of the team. Just like you should with the company, research the interviewer on LinkedIn and find a shared interest you can mention during small talk.

 

• You didn’t pass the social media test. 92% of recruiters check out your social media profiles before your interview, and almost all recruiters will disqualify a candidate if inappropriate content is found (Jobvite Recruiter Nation Study 2018). Make sure your social profiles are polished & professional, or they’re set on “private”.

 

• You didn’t follow-up. If you gave the hiring leader radio silence after the interview, they may think you’re not taking it seriously. Sending a thank you letter after an interview sets you apart from the competition, shows you’re truly interested in the organization, and can increase your chances of getting the job up to 75% (Ladders).

 

Before your next interview, consider the above. We get it—interviews are nerve-wracking! However, reflecting on your past interviews should help you do better in the future. For an easy reminder, check out the interview prep infographic below.

 

Partnering with a talent agent or an experienced recruiter can also help you navigate your job search, and can offer you free resources to help you find your dream job.

 

Remember: If your last interview didn’t go as planned, don’t lose hope. There’s always next time!

 

Questions? Call us!