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August 10, 2022 Category: Human Resources (6 minutes read)

Five Reasons Why You Aren't Getting a Second Interview

Five Reasons Why You Aren't Getting a Second Interview



Before you think about your potential mistakes, you should also remember that there are many reasons you may not be able to get another interview. If you are beginning your job search and have had a few first interviews without any follow-ups, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are the problem.



What the Employer Might Need to Change


Companies are constantly changing. They reduce their budgets. They shift dollars to other roles. They transfer positions to other teams or teams to other places. These changes can sometimes occur during your interview process.


In this instance, the HR representative or hiring manager will usually inform you politely that their needs have changed. It might sound like, "It's NOT you, it is me", but sometimes, that's the truth. It's impossible to find a job that doesn’t exist anymore.



Perhaps You Aren't a Good Cultural Match.


Cultural fit is just as important as skill set in terms of hiring. A hostile environment won't make the most skilled worker as productive.


One recruiter described it as "trying to compose with your non-dominant hands." A vast open office with all the perks and parties you need will make it feel like you are an introvert working alone.


If the hiring manager decides you will not enjoy working there, it's okay. You might be able to move on to a more prosperous and comfortable place.



A Hiring Manager might Secretly Have Something in Mind


This is the worst of all. However, it happens. Sometimes, the hiring manager has the mandate to interview external candidates. But they prefer internal candidates... and they know exactly which one. You could be the best-qualified candidate globally, but you won't get the job.


The Reasons You Are Not Being Invited to a Second Interview (That you Can Control)


1. You failed the first interview. The hiring manager was referred to as the wrong person. You knew very little about the company, and that showed. You didn't explain why you were interested in the job or answer other standard interview questions. You were rude or late.


There are many ways to ruin an interview. While you can make up for some of the mistakes in your follow-up, there are other times when you can't. So learn from your mistakes and try again next time. Bad interviews can happen to anyone.


2. The story you told wasn't the right one. It would be best to have your elevator pitch ready before you go to corporate headquarters. Also, prepare a few engaging stories that explain how your qualifications and skills match the requirements of their company. It can help to review the job description and ad.


This doesn't mean you have to wait for the chance to give your monologue at the interview. This means that you must be prepared to share your achievements in a way that resonates with the hiring team. Humans are drawn to stories. You will be able to tell a great story and have the edge over your competitors.


When creating your stories, it is essential to ensure that you focus on the right things. Your leadership skills might be awe-inspiring. However, they can work against you if they don't want managers or people afraid of losing their job. Make sure to read the job description and highlight any relevant experience.


3. You did not send a thank you note. Although thank-you notes have been a part of job searches since the invention of writing, they don't have to be forgotten. TopResume surveyed 68% of recruiters and hiring managers to find out if thank-you notes had influenced their decisions about whether or not to hire candidates.


Within 24 hours of the interview, send a thank-you note handwritten and email. Your skills and suitability for the job should be highlighted, and you should express gratitude for the interview. Double-check spelling and proofread your letter.


4. You ignored the directions. You must follow all instructions during the interview process. Send the required materials (e.g. resume and cover lettersportfolio, etc.). Use the specific file formats. Follow the hiring manager's instructions when you follow up after your interview. If they tell you that they are interviewing candidates in the next two weeks, please send your thank-you notes immediately, but wait until they have completed their process.


5. You were too stubborn. It can be challenging to follow up on a job interview. It is essential to thank the interviewer and express your appreciation for the opportunity, but not to appear like you are stalking him. It's best to send a thank-you note and follow-up email if you don't hear back. Nobody wants to work alongside someone who isn't willing to let anything go.


Social media can be too transparent. A CareerBuilder survey found that 57% of employers won't hire candidates based on information they find online. In addition, employers might not like the material you share on social media. This could include photos of bikinis, party photos, and political opinions. Therefore, it is best to keep your social media profiles locked down so that only the work-appropriate material can be seen by hiring managers.


You might not be on the side of one of your references. But, are you aware of what your references think about you? It's time to discover.


You should first ensure that you are asking for references from people who know you well and will have positive things to say about your work. Next, ask potential connections to confirm you're positive qualities. Also, make sure to review the job details with them to ensure they understand the hiring manager's needs.


You can always ask hiring managers to explain why they passed on your candidacy if you are unsure about the picture your references paint for potential employers. Please don't ask for specific explanations and keep it casual and respectful. If they have any other reason, feel free to inquire.


It should be framed as a request for feedback. I would appreciate any feedback regarding my candidacy and the interview process. Then, please thank them for their time and move on.


You come off as a poor cultural fit


Interviews will be more accessible if you look comfortable in a smart suit and close-toed shoes. This is great if you are interviewing for a corporate job. The hiring manager might quickly notice if you are a Ms. Wall Street-type candidate and walk into a casual, free-wheeling company.


You are an Interrupter


Sometimes, it can happen to even the most experienced, especially when we are nervous. We can get distracted by our brilliance and preparedness, which can cause us to skip over questions before the interviewer has even finished. If you interrupt the conversation too often, you may lose your job with the company.


You smell of neediness


Look. It's hard to look good when you have so much riding on a job. It's not easy to fix. If a hiring manager senses desperation, you may be seen as less attractive than someone who seems like they will not live or die because of this decision. You don't want your life to depend on this job.


You emit a vibe that will make you feel like you are onboarded.


If you are interviewing for an entry-level position or the job ad clearly states that the company will train that person, they likely want to find someone who can take the job seriously. If your strategy is to "Go in and tell how trainable you are", don't be surprised that the interview process does not pick up momentum on its own.


You are a WIIFM candidate


An important message for job seekers: Hiring managers care more about what is in it for them than what you want from the deal. At least, that's early on. While they will care about your needs once you have proven your worth, it is possible to quickly lose your place in the initial stages of a job interview if you start listing requirements and ask about vacation time, salary, benefits, or other details.

 


Sources:


https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-reasons-youre-getting-knocked-out-in-the-first-round-of-interviews-and-how-to-stop

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/reasons-why-you-re-not-getting-a-second-interview-4684919