Published by Espresso-Jobs, November 12th, 2015
“Why didn’t they call me back? This job was made for me! My profile matches every single one of the job posting’s requirements!” Does this sound familiar? All job or internship seekers have experienced this at one time or another.
Rest assured it is possible that the real reason you didn’t get the job is not at all related to your job application. There are hundreds of factors that may have influenced the hiring process, which you had no control over. Here is a list of nine unofficial reasons why you were not hired.
1. Your salary expectations were unrealistic
Did you share your salary expectations with the recruiter? If not, it is still possible that you were overlooked based on their estimate of your most recent salary. It can be easy to guess the pay scale of various industries and organizations. If you worked for an organization with a reputation for offering high wages, the recruiter may have eliminated your resume, knowing that they cannot offer you a remuneration that meets your expectations.
2. Another candidate negotiated a much lower salary
Unfortunately, competition is fierce in some areas and some junior candidates are ready to see their salary cut to gain experience. That is unfortunate, because this affects the job market. Once you gain experience, you can fearlessly negotiate a salary that reflects your true worth by demonstrating your added value.
3. The position is already filled
You may be aware that some employers are obliged to post certain positions even if they have already been filled internally. Although this situation is fairly rare, keep in mind that the status of the posted job can change at any moment. Some employers may review the internal structure of the team and decide not to hire anyone right away.
4. The position no longer exists
Sometimes, employers may post a position knowing that they will eventually need to fill it. They are content to build their resume bank as a short-term strategy in order to be ready when the time comes.
5. You and the recruiter didn’t click
Hiring decisions most often come down to human factors. Did you feel any chemistry between you and your interviewers? It is important to present yourself authentically in the interview in order to get a job that fits you.
6. You have more experience than your manager does and they feel threatened
If you are hired to work with or under the supervision of an employee who has less experience than you do, this is likely to create tension within the team. The employer might be looking for a candidate with less experience than you, so as to avoid upsetting the balance of delegated tasks and projects.
7. Your appearance in the interview was sloppy
Even if people in the workplace you intend to work in dress fairly informally, we recommend that you present yourself at your best. First, you want to show the employer that you are serious about your career. Second, you will be more confident if you feel you are projecting a professional image.
8. You didn’t pay attention to your body language during the interview
Body language accounts for 50% of communication in a job interview. Under stress, candidates forget to be careful to send positive verbal signals: eye contact, smiling, nodding at opportune moments, etc.
9. Your profile doesn’t fit with the corporate culture
The recruiter may have a very specific idea of the style of candidate they hope to hire: someone more reserved, extraverted, artistic, logical, cavalier, etc. You can only be 100% yourself; the rest, unfortunately (or happily!), is out of your hands.
If you believe your candidacy was overlooked for unfounded reasons, don’t overreact. Check new job offers in the Portfolios section and tell yourself that you will find another employer who will see you for what you are worth!
