Reasons You Didn’t Get Hired

It never surprises me just how many people are their own worst enemy when it comes to landing a job.  And many times, it would have been the best job in their work history.  So what happened?  Let me count the ways: 

Inappropriately dressed when you come to complete your application. If you don’t respect my business any more than to arrive with wrinkled pants you have to hold up while walking, or showing more cleavage than your are hiding, you need to move on. Dress at least as well as those you are interviewing with or, please – don’t waste our time.

Not knowing anything about my company, the job opening, or why I should hire you.
If you are lucky enough be called for an interview, be prepared. That means:

• Dress as good or slightly better than the people you will be talking with during the interview.
• Research the company before the interview.  After looking at the company website, formulate a few questions that will set you apart from other applicants. It will not be that difficult.
• After you know something about what the company does, you will be able to talk intelligently about what you can contribute. Connect-the-dots for the interviewer.

You blew it during the interview.
During the interview, never roast your past employers or your coworkers.  It is unprofessional and only reflects badly on you. You will never come out on top. If you roast them, you will roast me.

When you express doubts, or come across less than confident, it is very difficult for me to have confidence in you. I am looking for a “can-do” person.   If you cannot energetically sell me on yourself, how can I sell me on you?

Your phone rang during the interview. If your social life is more important than this interview, it will certainly be more important than doing the job I would hire you for.

What you need to understand, I am not hiring a person for a few hours a day so I can pay them. I want a person who will “own” that job to the best of their ability. If you are offered the job, it is because you demonstrated enough promise that you might be promotable at some point.

Bottom line, I am looking for is a “business partner” for that one position.  And just maybe, we can grow together to better things. You need to convince me you are that person.

Looking for a jobs in Waco, TX?  Visit our job board.