Five Reasons You Didn't Get the Job

Just about everybody has gone after a job that ultimately went to someone else. Often, it is just a matter of someone with a little more experience, or a slightly better track record wanting that coveted position. Employers, by nature, want to get the most for their money, so it's no surprise when you don't get the job under those circumstances. However, there are times when you don't get the job for no reason other than you shot yourself in the foot before, or during that job interview. Before you head out on that next job quest, consider these five common mistakes that people make when looking for work.

Reason # 1 - Your Resume Sucks

Somewhere down the line, somebody told you more is better. Not true with resumes. Employers don't want to read a condensed novel that tells your life story from birth to present. What they want is a one to two page document that is broken down into easy to read sections. This allows them to quickly scan your background and qualifications and see if you are a potential fit for their needs. Forget trying to be cute or witty; stick with the relevant facts, make sure the text flows, and that there's nothing there to make an prospective employer consider calling the men with those funny white jackets.

Reason # 2 - Your Attire Is All Wrong

Gone are the days when one mode of dress (business) is right for every job interview. These days, being overdressed can kill your chances of landing that cushy position as easily as being underdressed. What this means is that instead of automatically reaching for the same old thing every time you head out for an interview, do some detective work first. What is the dress code at the place where you want to work? Would your choice of attire fit right in if the interviewer said, "You're hired! You can start right now!"? Dress to match the setting and you are more likely to be perceived as a team player, and worthy of consideration.

Reason # 3 - You Didn't Make Sure The Job Was Right

Far too often, people looking for work fail to stop long enough to consider if a particular employer is right for them. Employment is a two-way street. That means that the job must fit you as much as you fit the job. If you honestly don't have what it takes to do the job, then save the trip and look for something else. The same thing applies if the job doesn't offer you the chance to shine and still pay the bills. Rest assured the employer is looking out for his interests, so make it a point to look out for your own.

Reason # 4 - You Didn't Do A Background Check On The Employer

Taking the time to learn a little about the history and the culture of the company you want to work for can provide all sorts of important information that you can use to your advantage. Keep in mind you don't have to spill everything you learned, but it never hurts to drop into the conversation that you happen to know sales figures in the Peoria region were up twenty percent last quarter. Leaving the impression that you actually have an interest in the company may be the one thing that sets you apart from an equally qualified candidate, and swings the pendulum in your direction.

Reason # 5 - You Didn't Look the Interviewer In The Eye

The fact is you can have great qualifications, dress in the most appropriate manner, ask the right questions, and have a killer resume and still lose the gig. Why? You never looked the interviewer in the eye even once when asking or responding to questions. This can leave the interviewer with some doubts about your confidence, as well as how much you really meant all those great responses. Eye contact is one of the most important elements of communication during a job interview. Get it right before you try for another position.

Finding the right job these days is hard, even if you have all sorts of connections and stellar qualifications. When a good opportunity comes your way, don't mess it up with simple mistakes that can easily be corrected. Take some time to assess your last few interviews that did not result in job offers, figure out what went wrong, and change your strategy now if you want to join the ranks of the employed any time soon.