Why weren’t you selected for the Job you interviewed
for? As a Recruiter you start to hear
some common threads across different candidates and employers. Here is a list of the most common reasons we
hear for candidates not advancing in the interview process and the behaviors or
situations that caused those perceptions.
I hope sharing the knowledge of these common threads will help you
prepare for your interviews and come out the top candidate for the role.
1)
Was not perceived as a strong enough
leader.
Associated behaviors described: Soft spoken, no point of view, soft
handshake, awkward pauses, visible nervousness, giggling, no specific examples
of leadership, not a confident professional presence.
2)
Not qualified.
Associated behaviors: Unable to convince interviewers that your
abilities and experience meet the requirements and expectations of the current
opening.
3)
Not a culture fit.
Associated behaviors/situation: This varies based on the employer and ranges
from the way the candidate dresses, the brands they find aspirational, and
their communication/leadership style not being a fit.
4)
Not prepared.
Associated behaviors: Arriving late, not understanding some basics
about the brand and the business of the potential employer, not having
thoughtful questions prepared, the inability to answer the majority of the
interview questions with confidence, short on resumes, an incomplete portfolio.
5)
Negativity.
Associated behaviors: Speaking negatively about current/former
employers, bosses or colleagues.
6)
Too much job movement.
Associated behaviors: If there are more than a few short term job
changes that are not explained during the interview with confidence employers
tend to hesitate on the hire.
7)
Didn’t see growth potential for future
leadership roles.
Associated behaviors: Not able to convince the interviewers of your
ability/desire to progress in responsibility level in your career. Most employers are thinking of a candidate’s
potential beyond the initial role they are interviewing for.
8)
A poor network reference.
Associated behaviors: Someone you have worked with in the past
gives less than positive feedback to a decision maker at the potential
employer.
9)
Tough competition.
Associated situation: There are candidates in the process that are
more qualified for the role than you are.
Have you ever interviewed and been passed
over without explanation? Do you think
it could have been due to any of the common reasons we hear above. How can you avoid the above perceptions of
you as a candidate in your next interview?
