Why Didn't I Get Hired?

Top Reasons Why You Didn't Get Hired

• You Are Underqualified
  A job posting has the qualifications listed for a reason. If you applied for a job that you do not have the skills or background to perform, you wouldn't be selected; it's as simple as that. Don't expect to be hired if you do not meet all the requirements listed.
  
  To preclude this situation from occurring, pay close attention to the qualifications section, and use your judgment as to what you think you can do to make it work. Some positions are more flexible than others, so it is not always a bad thing to apply for a job when you do not have a specific degree for it. As long as your certifications have some relevance, you may land an interview.
• You Dress Improperly
  First impressions are everything during an interview, and if you dress like a slob, the employer is going to remember you, but in a bad way. If you are spending more time getting ready to go out to dinner, than you are to go to your interview, you need to rearrange your priorities. If you are unsure about what the appropriate dress code is for your interview, see our guide on how to dress for a job interview.
• Ineffective Resume Targeting
  Your resume needs to be tailored to fit your specific application. Many candidates are turned down merely because their resumes are ineffective at capturing the employer's attention. Not only should your resume contain relevant, eye-catching information, but it should have a neat and organized appearance. Get more resume tips like these by following the link. For more information about resume targeting, see our guide about this important technique.
• Errors in Your Portfolio
  All of your documents including: your resume, cover letter, and application should be free of typos, grammatical errors, and inaccurate information. Having errors on important documents such as these are insulting to the recruiter who reads them and embarrassing for you by submitting them. This mistake is one of the easiest to fix, and yet this is one of the most common reasons why people do not get the job.
• Inappropriate Behavior
  During the interview, you must be polite to everyone you encounter at the business. You don't know whom you will meet. Maybe that person you were rude to in the elevator holds some weight in the decision of whether they will hire you. You don't want anything to come back and haunt you in the future, so be on your best behavior.
  
  The next mistake is also one of the most common reasons why people get passed up for the position. Bad-mouthing previous employers or workplaces seems to be everyone's favorite thing to do in an interview, but these things are the worst thing you could say! Not only is it inappropriate, but it isn't contributing anything positive to your interview whatsoever. The interview is supposed to be about your skills and how you can improve a company, not how awful your previous workplace was.
• You Lack Knowledge
  It is your responsibility to research the company before your interview. The recruiter has every right to quiz you about the job, company, and your general knowledge of the field of study. If you are caught off guard and do not know basic information, this is going to reflect poorly on you.
  
  However, that is not to say if you do not know the information that you should lie. Do not fabricate any of your answers because this will be worse than if you honestly tell the employer you don't know.
• Forgetting to Thank the Interviewer
  Why Didn't I Get Hired? You should always send a thank you email within 24 hours after your interview. Forgetting to do so is considered rude and bad form. Everyone thanks the recruiter, and if you don't, you will be remembered negatively from the group of other applicants.
  
  If you are unsure about how to thank your interviewer, see our how to write a thank you letter guide.