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Great Interview But No Offer: Why You Didn’t Get the Job

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If you are having trouble sleeping, then watch the "Why the experts are wrong" Youtube posed by Brian. Dude, I am employed by the government and am a professional bureaucrat - I am accustomed to tollerating pure waste. But your 9 mintute Youtube was a total yawner! Sheesh! Seriously, learn to say something! In 9 minutes you said - Jack. At least Lindsay's blog gives you some practical, useful advise - that you can read in about 18 seconds. Just my two cents....
Dr. Pepper

Dr. pepper of CA 5:05PM December 17, 2010

I am putting together a video series to cover how to give a job winning interview. In it I debunk most of the expert advice given in books and websites. I have spent the past 5 years doing research and putting this revolutionary approach that is guaranteed to get results. If you have followed all the experts advice and still are not getting the job, I think you will find my videos insightful and helpful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wZ3oFQyINg

brian of MD 3:32PM November 24, 2010

I own a chauffeur business in the Tampa Bay area, called "The Corporate Driver" www.thecorporatedriver.com. Most of our applicants really need the job, but I look for people who are dedicated to the role, not just someone who I feel would make a good employee for a season or two. You have to be married to your field of work, and it shows.

Kerrie Steckbeck of FL 12:52PM November 18, 2010

My organization has a very complex, methodical, time-tested approach to the staff and management recruitment process. I have been in the position to both screen and hire staff a the entry and executive level for several years. While "personality" certainly influences and plays a role, I usaully higher the girl with the biggest cans. It works. If it is a male, I try and figure out if he is "Stones" or "Beatles".
Drums-

Dr. Pepper of CA 4:15PM November 08, 2010

Dear All,
I have usually heard the cliche that "First impressions leave lasting impressions." I definetely value this, but honestly don't feel it is totally true bc I have met few people in life who seem overall at good at first, but later on seemed like a complete ass or indecent person! Also, the reverse has happened where I have met some people who seemed cold when meeting them, but now appear very authentic, lovable and known for a great character. I honestly believe there are some people out there who try to make a charm with the 1st impression and are two-faced or people who seem good and ok when met but are total jerks, psychos or unstable the more you are exposed to them. Also,I always hear that some people known as so good just change.
Anyone please give me your thoughts with the statement of first impression, lasting impressions and feel free to give feedback to my thoughts.

Samar Misra of AL 7:10AM November 08, 2010

What I'd like to know is this - where's the line between terrific personality and actual skills for the job? If one candidate has a great, bubbly personality but not quite the required skills for the job (but willing to learn) and another candidate has a so-so personality but the skills for the job, who do you think will be chosen? I guess my question is - what's more important? Skills or personality?

Linda of NY 3:41AM November 08, 2010

This article is spot on, as is the comment noting that a strong personal connection does not mean you are going to get the job. Even if you are sitting in the interview thinking "Wow, this is going great, she really likes me", you still need to keep the focus on your fit to the position and your ability to solve problems for the company. For more on signs an interview isn't going well, and how to fix before it's too late, here's my blog on the topic: http://bit.ly/bZw7ac
Thanks for the good advice Lindsay.

Carrie Krueger of WA 1:20PM November 04, 2010

Here's another possibility: When I was working in an employment program, I had clients who had a great personal connection at an interview because they were really open and honest. "It didn't feel like an interview, it was a conversation." But when I spoke to the employer later, they said "I really liked her! She's a great person. But she opened up to me about (difficulties at past jobs, personal red flags, etc.) and frankly I heard some things that make me think she won't fit in here."
Moral of the story: Be authentic but don't let down your guard or toss out your interviewing technique.
http://bit.ly/TKExaminer

Thea Kelley, CPRW, GCDF of CA 11:51AM November 04, 2010

I remember looking for my first job. I had so many interviews that I thought went well, but never got a call back. I was only 14 at the time, so I believe my age may have been my biggest problem. The job I did get in the end was an open interview call and I went not caring or expecting to get the job. I was confident and relaxed, and it turned out to be the best part-time job I've ever had.
So from my experience, it is your first impression and your attitude that get you the call back.

Liz 12:59PM November 03, 2010

As part of number 4, "An employee referral or internal candidate popped up", it happens a lot that a manager decides to put his buddy in the position (whether he's qualified or not), or they never really intended to fill the position from the outside anyway -- because they already had somebody in mind, but company rules required them to at least make it look like they were trying to find the best candidate.
As part of number 5, "The job specifications changed", they were really just fishing until they realized that the position's requirements were unrealistic or that any person who could meet those requirements were was going to be a lot more expensive than they expected. They probably just cancelled the job.
Don't beat yourself up if you thought that the interview went well but then you never hear from them again. It's just the company's way of telling you that they are unprofessional and not really a good opportunity anyway. They're also telling you that if you should decide to compete with them they will not be able to fight you off.

ferd of VA 7:58PM October 31, 2010