Why You Didn't Get Hired

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We interviewed an excellent applicant and checked her out on Facebook afterward. She had 236 friends, which made us wonder if she would be spending a lot of time on Facebook, IMing, texting, getting emails, receiving phone calls, etc. Plus, one of her interests was "being a smart ass." Not worth the risk on this end.

Debbie of GA 5:03PM July 15, 2009

these reaons exactly describes the survival of the fittest. this mentality needs to change because it will not work as we are one species. whatever happen to the human heart?

truth of CA 4:56AM June 03, 2009

The place where I work is closing in a few weeks and we had the "luxury" of a 6 month notice. A coworker was near despair at being told, for the third time, "candidate A has more experience (or education) than you." He said, "they knew that before the first interview when they saw my resume"! I wish they wouldn't make up fake reasons like this.

I am finding that sometimes they have an internal candidate they plan on hiring, but are required to conduct interviews as part of the process. I don't waste their time, why do they think it's ok to waste mine?

Tracy of IN 1:28PM May 05, 2009

My husband just got passed over for a job because we don't live in the area. We would love to live in the area but can't move until he secures a job somewhere. We aren't asking for any relocation help either. From what the recruiter said the candidate they choose had same skills and experience but lived in town and they are going to pay him a ton more than my husband was asking. Based on their decision making skills I think we may glad they didn't hire him.

KelliP of KS 6:04PM April 28, 2009

In September, I applied for a job that looked like it was a perfect match for both my education and prior work experience. However, after getting through the on-site interview, I was left feeling a bit bummed -- I just didn't feel the fit being there -- how could a job that looked so great on paper just not be? Partially, most of the people I interviewed with were somewhat distant or impersonal if not cold. Not only that, but the pay was below market average. I was really torn -- with the market being the way it is, do I take "any" job that fits in with my skills and just bide my time?

Turns out they never made me an offer, and I ended up with an offer that is 40-50% better than what the first company would have made me, with work I love (oddly, it's similar to the first company) and great people. The whole "fit" thing feels like its a cliche when one is on the job hunt, but it's a real factor to consider.

Anonymous of VA 10:18AM April 28, 2009

#5 is so easily overlooked, because it's just so difficult to define. We all focus so much on our skills, qualifications and achievements, and so little on who we are as people - our working style and our ethos. It's also interesting that while many hire on skills etc, people who are often the first to be considered for lay-offs are those whose values don't mesh with the company's.

Clare

http://www.JobMarketSuccess.com

Clare 3:04PM April 27, 2009

... and it isn't fun. You hit the target on this post! Especially today, you have to be ready for just about anything that can come between you and an offer for a job that you really want and that you know has "success" and your name linked. Don't assume you're the one until you receive the offer!

Rick Saia of MA 2:11PM April 27, 2009

Spot on, Alison. And this is just the kind of simple, factual advice that people tend to ignore because they don't believe it applies to them. Especially the traits you mention in #4!

Ain't human nature a bitch?

Julie O'Malley, CPRW, of MA 12:38PM April 27, 2009

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