Top 7 Reasons Why You Didn't Get the Job

Ever wonder about the reasons why you didn’t get the job? Do you wish employers would be more forthcoming about why they decided to hire a different candidate instead of you? Brutal honesty might be difficult to swallow, but how can you do better at the next interview if you don’t know where your weak spots are?

Feedback is crucial, especially for jobseekers already asking questions such as “Why are my job applications unsuccessful?” or “How come all my efforts applying for a job do not bear positive results?” Rejections can dampen spirits and lower a jobseeker’s self-esteem.

The benefit of knowing why you didn’t get the job

Leaving a jobseeker to make assumptions to answer these questions can be dangerous and even backfire on the company. Sure, it’s not a pleasant task to critique someone directly, which is probably why most hirers avoid specifics when delivering the unfortunate news of rejected applications. But the jobseeker must know where they stand, how they can improve, and when they can move forward. 

To keep jobseekers like you from second-guessing, here are seven of the most common reasons to answer why you didn’t get the job. The list consists of points to ponder that might help you evaluate where things could have gone wrong during the interview. Plus, JobStreet also offers suggestions on how to reverse these reasons — so that you can do better on your next try. 

Seven reasons why your job applications are unsuccessful

1. You just weren’t the right match for the job

It’s easy to look like the right candidate on paper (which is why a well-written resume is so crucial). Still, the way you present yourself and articulate your ideas and views during the interview will either match the interviewer’s idea of the right candidate, or it won’t. This truth might sting, but the interview might have revealed that you just weren’t the right match for the job. Instead of sulking, your perspective should be that it’s good to pin this down from the get-go and not wait until you’ve already been hired and things become complicated. 

The solution: 

This is one aspect of the job search you can control right from the start. To minimise future mismatches, you can adopt a more discerning approach to choosing the right companies to work for, and spotting job ads worth applying for.

2. You lacked chemistry with the interviewer

It’s a natural human reaction to favour someone you connect with instead of someone who ruffles your feathers, albeit unintentionally. We like people we get along with, whether within our circle of friends or in a professional setting. It’s that simple. So don’t take it too personally that you start questioning your values. 

The solution: 

How can you increase your chances of connecting with the interviewer? Research, of course. When preparing for an interview, your research shouldn’t be limited to the company and the job. The more you know about the person who’ll be interviewing you, the better prepared you can be. Find out who will be conducting the interview. From there, you can do a spot of online investigation via their social media accounts and online interactions, or suss out intel from your social and professional network. But, please, always showcase your best self! 

3. You got passed over for an internal referral for the position

Internal recommendations are almost always preferred. As the candidate is vouched for by a current employee, they are usually a safer bet than a stranger. Referrals from someone within the company can always boost a job application because an informal screening has already been made by a current employee. 

The solution: 

This is when a strong professional network can come into play. You can improve your chances by tapping into your social and professional network — it’s a small world, after all. Someone you know might have a friend or relative working in the company and might be able to pull some strings to help get your foot in the door. But, make sure you don’t pressure them too much that they might end up putting their own job at risk.

4. You looked like you won’t stay long

Job hopping has become a fairly normal occurrence in the local work culture, especially as Malaysia faces The Great Resignation. For a jobseeker though, the downside of having too many short stints on your resume is the perception that you’re unreliable or unlikely to stay with the same employer for an extended period. You will want to take the interview as an opportunity to address this if your employment history shows an erratic trend. 

The solution:

Make your real intentions known, especially during the interview. Anticipate that this issue will be brought up during the interview, and prepare acceptable and justifiable reasons as to why you may have jumped from one job to another in the past. Be clear also about your expectations from the job and the company, so that the hirer can address your issues right away.

5. You come across as trying too hard

Self-promotion is a subtle art. It requires confidence, finesse, and tact in ensuring that you don’t come across as obnoxious or arrogant. The goal is to showcase a balance between promoting your accomplishments while acknowledging that you’re constantly learning from those around you and giving credit where it’s due.

The solution: 

Manage your expectations, but also manage their perceptions. The image you give off is entirely reliant on you. You can’t alter the way they see or hear you, but you can take actionable steps to make sure that what you put out there agrees with your persona. Please don’t be all talk and full of yourself. Your hirer would want to hear about the challenges you’ve also overcome and how you find solutions to problems.  

6. You made one too many awkward blunders

You are human, and it’s perfectly normal to slip up when you’re nervous, as is the case when undergoing an important job interview. That said, how you recover from the blunder says more about your personality than the actual blunder itself. 

The solution: 

As many beauty queens have done, when you fall, pick up yourself and stand up with full composure and pride. A graceful recovery tells the interviewer that you’re quick enough to act on your feet, which is a useful quality for those working under pressure or facing irate customers, for example.

7. You were insensitive to local customs

While this is particularly relevant to expats unfamiliar with local customs, natives are not immune to such blunders. Some companies uphold specific customs based on the owner’s beliefs, the business location, or the organisation’s traditions. Skipping to honour them could suggest that you are not a team player or are someone who tends to bend the rules. 

The solution: 

If you’re new to the country, the city, or whichever location, you’ll want to make sure you study up on local cultures and traditions to avoid potential embarrassments at the interview. You might find this infographic guide on job interview etiquettes in Asia a handy reference to get started with.

Summary

Applying for a job is a tedious process, and failing at a crucial step can be upsetting. But do not feel discouraged. Knowing why results didn’t go your way is the right first step towards redeeming yourself and preparing a better application for your next target. 

Do not hesitate to ask for specific feedback after your rejection, as this will help you make the proper improvements and leave a good impression on that company. Finding out the reasons why you didn’t get the job will never be pleasant, but it is crucial in becoming a better jobseeker.

Make sure you also update your JobStreet profile to inform prospective employers of your current employment status. #LetsGetToWork and get a head start on a job application. Finally, make sure to visit the Career Tools page and try the interview practice tool to brush up your skills before your next interview.