Why You Didn't Get Hired

Was this close <holds fingers an inch apart>

I recently had this sort of experience in that I was interviewed by a big company for a position which I felt I was a fit for in experience and education. Unfortunately, after having made it through the HR recruiter interview, the GM of the facility on-site interview, another phone interview with an HR rep, a phone interview with a manager who held the position which I was applying for, and finally getting to the regional manager, I received an email from the HR recruiter that I was not accepted b/c they were not sure my skills were strong enough?

How does one get so far to be turned away? And on top of this, they have recently posted the same job again - meaning they didn't find what they were looking for.

Should I apply again for this position and let them know that I have a strong desire to become part of their team and can be the essential candidate they need to fill the position, OR would I just be wasting their and my time and efforts in doing so?

Any information or thoughts would be of great help.

Frank of NY @ Sep 08, 2009 15:00:18 PM

Didn't get hired because of Facebook

We interviewed an excellent applicant and checked her out on Facebook afterward. She had 236 friends, which made us wonder if she would be spending a lot of time on Facebook, IMing, texting, getting emails, receiving phone calls, etc. Plus, one of her interests was "being a smart ass." Not worth the risk on this end.

Debbie of GA @ Jul 15, 2009 17:03:58 PM

Truth

these reaons exactly describes the survival of the fittest. this mentality needs to change because it will not work as we are one species. whatever happen to the human heart?

truth of CA @ Jun 03, 2009 04:56:51 AM

If only they would tell you why they didn't hire you.

The place where I work is closing in a few weeks and we had the "luxury" of a 6 month notice. A coworker was near despair at being told, for the third time, "candidate A has more experience (or education) than you." He said, "they knew that before the first interview when they saw my resume"! I wish they wouldn't make up fake reasons like this.

I am finding that sometimes they have an internal candidate they plan on hiring, but are required to conduct interviews as part of the process. I don't waste their time, why do they think it's ok to waste mine?

Tracy of IN @ May 05, 2009 13:28:39 PM

when they make a stupid decision

My husband just got passed over for a job because we don't live in the area. We would love to live in the area but can't move until he secures a job somewhere. We aren't asking for any relocation help either. From what the recruiter said the candidate they choose had same skills and experience but lived in town and they are going to pay him a ton more than my husband was asking. Based on their decision making skills I think we may glad they didn't hire him.

KelliP of KS @ Apr 28, 2009 18:04:34 PM

"Me Too"

In September, I applied for a job that looked like it was a perfect match for both my education and prior work experience. However, after getting through the on-site interview, I was left feeling a bit bummed -- I just didn't feel the fit being there -- how could a job that looked so great on paper just not be? Partially, most of the people I interviewed with were somewhat distant or impersonal if not cold. Not only that, but the pay was below market average. I was really torn -- with the market being the way it is, do I take "any" job that fits in with my skills and just bide my time?

Turns out they never made me an offer, and I ended up with an offer that is 40-50% better than what the first company would have made me, with work I love (oddly, it's similar to the first company) and great people. The whole "fit" thing feels like its a cliche when one is on the job hunt, but it's a real factor to consider.

Anonymous of VA @ Apr 28, 2009 10:18:27 AM

Company culture difficult to pin down

#5 is so easily overlooked, because it's just so difficult to define. We all focus so much on our skills, qualifications and achievements, and so little on who we are as people - our working style and our ethos. It's also interesting that while many hire on skills etc, people who are often the first to be considered for lay-offs are those whose values don't mesh with the company's.

Clare

http://www.JobMarketSuccess.com

Clare @ Apr 27, 2009 15:04:47 PM

Yep! Lived through it myself ...

... and it isn't fun. You hit the target on this post! Especially today, you have to be ready for just about anything that can come between you and an offer for a job that you really want and that you know has "success" and your name linked. Don't assume you're the one until you receive the offer!

Rick Saia of MA @ Apr 27, 2009 14:11:03 PM