Getting turned down for a job you want sucks. But getting turned down when you need it is worse. So, to help you get over the hump of not getting hired, here are six reasons why you didn’t and how to fix it, so you can.
1. You applied, but aren’t qualified for the job. Don’t confuse required qualifications with desired qualifications. Required skills are necessary. If you don’t have them, someone else that does will and they will get hired. Desired skills are not required, but if you have them, it’s like a bonus. If you want recruiters and hiring managers to look at your resume, avoid applying for jobs where you do not meet the minimum requirements.
2. You have errors on your resume. Mistakes on a resume are typically very minimal, but its impact isn’t. It can lead a potential employer to consider how well you could do the job. Avoid not getting hired by proof-reading your resume out loud and having someone else check it for you. Also, remove the line (hyperlink) under your email address.
3. You don’t know enough about the job. Nothing says you are interested in a position like having an understanding of what it does. Plus, researching the role will get you ready to see and tell how your skills qualify you for the job. So, do your homework, so you can confidently say how you can add value to the company.
4. You didn’t show up as your best self in the interview. Dress appropriately for your interview, be punctual, and always have your resume handy. Here’s a simple fix, prep your outfit and an interview kit a few days before the interview. By the way, your interview kit should include your resume and anything else you want to share during your meeting.
5. Someone else was more qualified than you. There are billions of people in the world, and tons of them are ready to get a job, just like you. Increase your marketability by always upskilling yourself. And no matter what, don’t take the decline personally. Keep applying.
6. You don’t sell yourself well in the interview. I hate interviews and find that practicing with someone helps me. So, if you can, do a few test interviews with someone that hires. Also, if you feel your nerves got the best of you during the meeting, then redeem yourself in your post-interview thank you. Use the Thank You for the Interview email to briefly reiterate your strengths and highlight situations that you thought about post-interview. Does this happen to you too? *Facepalm*
Here’s a bonus. Your resume should include your skills summary. Your skills summary should consist of demonstrated abilities, and more specifically, add the required, as well as the desired qualifications from the job posting. Put this information neatly in bullets to help direct the recruiter’s eye there. Doing this will help to get your resume looked at by recruiters and the people that can hire you!
Do you want more job tips? Listen to podcast episode #49 now!
0 Comments