Get The Job:
You didn’t get the job. Someone else was chosen for the position you felt you were perfect for.
Why?
Before you take it personally, realize this: even if you were a qualified candidate, there are many reasons why an employer might choose to hire someone else. So, in the spirit of self-reflection…and because you don’t want to burn any bridges with a passionate reaction…let’s consider why you were overlooked.
Did You Really Want the Job?
Or were you hoping to progress in your career? There is a big difference between searching for and obtaining a J.O.B. (I call this ‘Journey Over Broke’) versus seeking an opportunity that will progress your career.
I understand that mortgages need to be made and kiddos need to go to college. But trust me, recruiters and hiring managers can typically sense if you aren’t passionate about the position. Not only will it become evident when reviewing your cover letter, resume, and application, but it will be clear through the energy you put off during correspondence.
So do some self-reflection…was the job something that excited you? If not, perhaps the hiring team sensed you were settling. And no hiring manager wants to onboard a team member who is settling…they want someone who wants the position.
Did You Follow The Application Instructions?
Sometimes applicants feel that to stand out from other candidates, they need to side-step the application process.
Don’t do this. Even if you have a relationship with someone within the organization, you should still follow the application process…at least before you reach out to your contact.
Here are some reasons why.
Why Companies Use A Job Application Process
Even though job application systems seem like torture, companies use a formal job application process for several reasons.
One primary reason is that the process ensures the information gathered from the applicants is consistent. All applicants’ essential information is maintained in one place, enabling hiring teams to compare candidate qualifications in a standard format.
Another reason companies require candidates to submit details into an applicant system is to capture information necessary to prove compliance with discrimination and equal opportunity employment laws.
And note this: most application systems require an electronic signature from the candidate confirming the information provided is verified as true and accurate. Why? Because lying on your resume isn’t illegal, but providing false information into a job application system and then verifying its accuracy via signature is.
Why Candidates Should Follow The Application Instructions
Do you really want the hiring team’s first impression to be that you don’t follow directions? Candidates who follow the application process show respect for the company’s policies and procedures, and this is important when trying to impress your future manager.
What you put into the applicant system also shows your ability to pay attention to details. It also shows how accurate you are when providing those details.
I understand that the job application process requests similar information to what you provide in your resume, but remember the process is in place for a reason…with a key reason to see if you will adhere to it while effectively and accurately providing the details requested.
Were They Unimpressed With Your Resume?
Maybe. I have seen some horrible resumes. I recently posted an image of a ‘fancily formatted’ resume gone wrong…it happens to more professionals than you think.
When writing an effective resume you want to be more concerned with the content and your story than the formatting. But if you need help with the formatting, ask…don’t lose an opportunity because you can’t properly use bullets, tables, or navigate with tabs.
In addition to paying attention to both resume content and formatting, did you tailor your CV for this particular job? Did it highlight the soft and hard skills the job description identified as important? Did you speak to what you accomplished in each role?
Attitude
Your body language and tone of voice are usually more highly considered than the answers you provide to questions. When you prepared for the interview, did you consider what attitude you wanted to portray? Seriously…did you think about the personality you wanted to present during the interview?
Did you want to present yourself as a trainee? An equal? A coach or consultant? An expert? Alternatively, did you go in too confident because you were sure that you were overqualified (or at least more qualified than anyone else)?
I recently had a Project Manager contact me asking if I could help her get a CRA position. She said it would be an easy sell.
She was sure she was overqualified. But she flunked the CRA assessment because she wasn’t prepared. Therefore we didn’t represent her.
Her overconfidence (ahem…arrogance) didn’t serve her at all. When navigating the job application process, remember that it is important to balance being confident without coming across as arrogant.
Strive to come across as being excited about the position. Hiring managers want to hire candidates who want the job so be sure to project that attitude. Appear eager to learn new things. Show that you are excited to help the team solve problems and meet objectives.
Appearance
Were you dressed appropriately for the interview? The “right” answer may change depending on the company culture, level of interview, level of position, and many other variables.
Years ago my coach recommended I dress ‘like my client’. At the time, this seemed a logical approach but as I progressed in my career, I learned to dress ‘slightly better than my client.’
Why? Because I want to clearly represent what I believe my purpose to be: serve my client while providing expertise, consultation, and coaching. Therefore, I dress in a way that doesn’t overpower their style but shows that I am buttoned up and at least as professional (if not more professional) than they are.
To accomplish this, you need to know the company’s culture. The easiest way to know this is to ask your recruiter (or the person who scheduled the interview).
But be careful. Several years ago, I scheduled a face-to-face with a candidate for one of our internal recruiting jobs. I told her that our team dressed casually so she could leave her business suit in the closet.
She showed up in sweats and sneakers. EEK!
So…if the recruiter tells you that the dress is casual, understand that ‘casual’ usually means ‘country club casual’. Dressing too casually will show your interviewer that you aren’t taking the interview seriously. Slightly overdressing is better as it will show the interviewer how important the position is to you.
What If None Of the Above Apply?
What if you feel your performance was perfect and you just do not understand why you didn’t get the job?
Ask.
But before you do, realize that not everyone will respond. However, don’t let that keep you from asking for feedback in the spirit of self-improvement. As you contact the hiring manager, your goal should be to create a comfortable environment so the hiring manager will speak freely. And because of this, I recommend you email the interviewer instead of calling.
One thing to note…always be accountable for the outcome. It is easy to blame the recruiter, company, or interviewer. Don’t do this. Blaming someone else for the outcome is counterproductive to asking for feedback so that you can self-reflect (and hopefully grow as an individual or professional).
Here is a great sample email to start with:
Ms. Roberts, I appreciated speaking with you last Monday about the Senior Oncology CRA position your firm has available. I am quite disappointed to have not received an offer but I feel this rejection is an opportunity for me to better myself.
So that I can improve my candidacy for future opportunities with your team, would you mind providing feedback? I realize you are busy but if you can give me two or three tips on how to either improve my interviewing technique or shore up my skills and knowledge, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
And When The Hiring Manager Responds…
Do not defend yourself. The reason most hiring managers don’t provide feedback is because candidates tend to ‘kill the messenger’. Be open to the feedback and thank the hiring manager for taking the time to respond. Close by reiterating that you would welcome another opportunity to join their team when something else becomes available.
The hiring manager will be impressed.
Have questions? Reach out and we will help where we can.