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

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I can personally vouch for the truth inherent in what Darcetha Manning and the snow leopard said. There are very few people that want to admit that ageism, sexism, and racism still exists in hiring interviews. Yes, there are laws that are supposed to address this, but discrimination (of any sort) is harder to prove at the hiring level than it is for someone already gainfully employed. I have personally been fortunate to have been employed from 1996 until 2009. I remember encountering a hiring manager who claimed (at the end of the interview) that he could not employ me due to a supposed "hiring freeze". A second hiring facilitator (for another company) was more courteous. He even complimented me on having the perfect personality for the job. However, he was able to successfully reason that I can only be hired if I had a car. Most banks and credit unions will not give a person a car loan without at least six months of employment, and yet I met other company employees who also took public transportation. There are other instances that I can name, but I want to avoid being too much of a "Debbie Downer". The point that I am trying to make is that having an open-minded and fair hiring manager (with who you can establish some semblance of personal rapport) is the only true way to get a job in this current economic climate.

Striving for Wealth and Happiness of MD 7:49AM July 30, 2011

I am glad Arlene posted her opinion, as well as Terry, they are right on point; if you are over 50 you have a very diffcult time getting hired. I think I am one of the lucky ones and fell into a "quota" for older hirings. Out of over 5000 employees, 99% of them are under 30 years old. I can technically retire in two years, but with the economy the way it is, that may not be possible. I just pray I can keep up my quality of work with the younger people in my department, so I can keep my job.

Susie of CA 3:22PM July 29, 2011

Even though hiring managers do not like to discuss this, ageism, sexism and racism are still persistent in job hiring. It does not matter how qualified you are, or how much experience you have, if the hiring manager takes one look at you and lets their prejudice take control, there is nothing you can do.
I know from experience what I am talking about, because I have been looking for work for several years with no luck. I am highly educated, have a good personality, dress professionally for interviews, do follow-ups, have a professionally written resume and even give thank you notes if I am rejected for a job, but it is still not good enough. I am hoping that after I become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, my luck will change.
It is easy for those who are working to be hateful, vindictive and belittle those who are not, but remember, no job is guaranteed to anyone! One day you might find yourself out there looking for work and what goes around comes around.

Darcetha Manning of MO 11:51AM July 29, 2011

The only thing you forgot to mention was AGE! And yes, it does matter if you are around or over fifty. They will use the phrase "over-qualified" but what they really are saying is too old and too expensive. I know for a fact that once an employee hits the big 50, insurance rates for the company's group insurance plans skyrocket. Age discrimination is a fact of life in these tough economical times. Anyone in their fifties is too young for SS and too old to be an attractive job candidate. By law, age discrimination is illegal, but only if it can be proved!

Arlene of FL 10:57AM July 29, 2011

In an ideal world these reasons for not getting a job will apply. In reality; 1. It's the first minute of the interview. 2. It's who you know not what you know. 3. They have already made up their mind before they started the interview process. 3.The all encompassing, "Sorry, you're not the right FIT (whatever that means). 4. You were interviewed so they could meet a quota on interview numbers.
Not to be to cynical, but having had a lot of interviews, in many states, you have a lot of luck playing into the process. You can only hope that you are engaging the process at the right moment. I am in education and the "good ole boy" system and political rhetoric are still in play. Until this changes the factors I have mentioned play a bigger role than any resume, qualifications, or experience you may bring to the table. I wish you all the best luck in the world.

Terry Denuszek of TX 10:38AM July 29, 2011

It was an informative article and practical and at the right time, too; and the addition that Angela added in her comment hit the ball home for me. Facial Expression really do not mean a hill of beans; and to Relax!!! :)

Olga of FL 9:59AM July 29, 2011

ALWAYS get rec letters from prospective references and send them to your potential employer. Your refs remember what they wrote, will usually use it for the sake of expedience and will look foolish if they contradict themselves when called. The article, by the way, is ridiculously boilerplate.

thesnowleopard of CA 7:04AM July 29, 2011

You are the wrong color, culture or gender. Still there - larger than ever in the politically correct U.S.

thesnowleopard of CA 6:57AM July 29, 2011

I found this article really useful and in my view spot on for sure. One thing tho which I would add is that often times people forget to just relax and be themselves. So..... while an interview "went well" what you did not realize was that the panel picked up on some one saying what they wanted to hear and not your true personality flowing thru. This is especially critical when dealing with senior level positions. The company wants to know what you are really like not the yes man person sitting here smiling. I say this from exp of being the person on the company side of the table recruiting.
And the lack of knowledge of the company you are interviewing with. No way to stress this enough. Just because the recruiter team seems happy does not mean squat. They are just polished at what they do.

Angela 10:28AM July 25, 2011

While it might be hard to understand as a candidate, these points are spot on, Alison. One additional reason a candidate might not get a job is because someone else had a connection at the company. This is a great example of why candidates should work their network when applying for jobs.

Anthony Morrison of TX 11:45PM July 24, 2011