Why You Got Rejected When You’re Perfect for the Job

Reader Comments
Back to blog

I have interviewed with the same telecommunications four separate times for four separate jobs. I must be doing something right, right? No. what I am doing wrong is allowing this firm to use me as a measuring stick against their own internal candidates. Each position I have interviewed for was a good to very good fit. but in each case, an internal candidate was elevated or made a lateral move for a few bucks more than he/she was being paid previously and a better sounding title. With my very successful experience in Telecommunications (wireline and wireless + IT) I should be able to command a salary, bonuses and commissions that would put me in the mid-$100K range or a bit higher. But nooooo...the hiring manager has used me as an external threat to persuade an internal person to take the job for about 2/3 of what the firm would have to pay me. I know all this as factual because of my insider friends and HR relationships at the company. I do want to get back into the field I know best, but I am not going to allow myself to be the gauge by which others inside the company are measured. Cutting off my nose to spite my face? Maybe. but should I receive another invitation to interview with this firm, my first question is going to be: "are there any internal candidates being considered?" If so, I'll pass.

Steve in NoVa of VA 9:23PM August 06, 2011

I know this sounds harsh and mean but the reality is that companies both abroad and in the US have fiquered out that they can pay low wages and no health insurance and still make mega profits. They have no loyalties to any of us and dont plan on it anytime soon. The way around this??? Have a skill so in demand and flexible that you can be in the drivers seat of your career. I know this sounds easier said then done but the reality is that companies dont give a rats azz about us, why should we give a rip about them.
In regards to some of the posts about education, the more you have the better. However, as an MBA graduate myself, dont think your graduate degree in Elizabethan Poetry is going to knock them on thier feet. Crap degrees from crap schools are still crap. Stick with nationaly accredited schools not shyt houses like University of Phoenix or Capella. Knowing a few human resource hiring managers, all them say that resumes with such schools are thrown in the trash...

Bob of TN 9:10AM July 31, 2011

In reference to following up with a hiring manager after submitting a resume or interviewing. My motto is "the squeaky wheel gets the oil". Persistance always provokes a response. Keep your name in front of this person as much as possible and stick out from the pack. More often than not it will be an invitation to the second stage. Trust me, they want to get this spot filled asap and the manager would much rather be doing something else than interviewing applicants everyday for the next two weeks. Recognition or acheivements shouldn't be presented as statements like, "I was the top performer at my company". Give them numbers like volume equated into $$$ or revenue you brought in for the company.
In reference to networking, the easiest way into a company is through a friend or friend of a friend who may be that hiring manager. So always keep your feelers and intensions out there for help finding that means to an end. I hope this helps.

Steve of CA 1:59AM July 31, 2011

If your over 50, then you must be smart enough to live that long. You damn sure don't get old by being stupid. When the so called old generation can no longer perform the important jobs, we are screwed. The generations these days are self centered, rude, non educated, drug addicts. Let's not forget the young people who are so ignorant they don't pull up their pants, they don't realize how stupid they actually look. Not to mention when one of us old people is kicking their ass they would be to busy holding up their pants. I know from experience myself along with many other older, (40 something) people we can work circles around alot of the young generation.

jeannie of FL 12:34AM July 31, 2011

Just because posts represent a lack of skills, does not mean each and every one of those people type that way in resumes. I use improper grammar and spelling often in casual forums such as internet posts. But I damn well make sure I revert to the good old fashioned correctness for resumes and such. So I bet some of these people save up their hard work on proper editting for an actual interview or resume, rather than a random vent on the internet.

Gina of WI 11:40PM July 30, 2011

To all those who have posted their concerns regarding unsuccessful job searches, I can only point out that the problem may be with your grammar, spelling, and/or typing skills. Your posts represent a lack of skills, education, and/or attention to detail. All traits are vital for securing and keeping a job.

Lainie of CA 4:33PM July 30, 2011

If your over 50 years old, forget it, go get a job at Wallmart or Walgreens, no one is going to hire you, your now dead meat.

Richard of OR 4:13PM July 30, 2011

Im a 42 year old, who has been a stay at home mom of two for the last 20 years. So I decided to go to back to school and graduated with an AS degree in Allied Health (Medical Billing & Coding). I also was the oldest in my classes or in the top three, but still managed to graduate Sum Cum Laude. Alll that sounds great, but the thing is I CAN NOT GET A JOB!!!. Ive been on Interviews,phone interviews no call backs. Its been a year since ive graduated and still jobless, while others are being hired. Oh yeah, no job experience. Could this be the problem?

SHANNON WHITEHEAD of FL 4:03PM July 30, 2011

I am an almost 30 year old who finished school and is now looking for work. One thing that ticks me off is the amount of years of education/ experience that is required. Some jobs go for either or but others are specific. Don't they know if I have been spending all this time in school, I didnt have much space in my schedule to gain extensive experience and vice versa? To us younger ones in the job market, it seems that older candidates are in demand.

D of NY 3:29PM July 30, 2011

I have been on both ends of the job interview. As the interviewer, I very much preferred to hire an older person because of dependability, work ethic and dedication. A person in their 20's is still deciding what and where they want to be with priorities that don't necessisarily promote good employee performance.
As the job candidate, I more often than not made it to the final selection process even in the employer market. Put your resume on ivory/beige parchment paper. It's classy and stands out from the regular white copier paper resumes. Don't put all your information on the resume about your job experience, just what you want to emphasize. Leave some for discussion in your interview.
Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview. Show that you respect yourself, and you demand respect from others. This will help your confidence and you'll come across in your interview as self-assured. Do your homework about the company before the interview. Research as much as you can on the internet. The number of locations, the hierarchy, the products, the policies, the objectives, etc. Show them how interested you are in them. If there is any lag time in the interview or if they ask you if you have any questions, you can throw in a comment or question about the company to let them know that you took the time to find out about them. It shows your interest and initiative.
It is unfortunate however that we are a society of physical judgement. I am retired now, but in my later years because of medications, I gained a lot of weight. I still could get the interviews from my resumes, but found I couldn't get much further after I made it to the interview, even if I made it to the final three. But I always gave it my best shot. There is always the right employer out there that evaluates you on the important credentials.
Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. If they don't want you, why would you want them?

Jeanne of FL 11:37AM July 30, 2011