10 Reasons You’re Not Getting Hired
Don't lose your dream job by making these mistakes.
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No matter what stage of your career you’re in, the job-hunting process can be brutal. It’s laborious to research opportunities — and once you find a job you’re interested in, it takes being proactive and staying positive throughout the lengthy back-and-forth hiring process. If you haven’t brushed up on your job hunting skills in awhile, here’s a quick refresher on how to ace making a killer impression and stand out amongst the crowd.
Click through to find out how you can improve your chances of being hired.
1. Your Social Media Profiles
According to the Chicago Tribune in 2016, nearly half of employers now use social media or online searches as a way to screen applicants. What’s worse? Over a third of those companies disqualified candidates in the past year based on information they uncovered in searches.
While you’re looking for jobs, make it a point to turn your profiles to private or clean up your accounts. Make sure your pictures look professional and are a good representation of you. While your profiles don’t have to look squeaky clean (companies still want to see that you have a personality and interests), make sure to do a quick sweep so there’s nothing potentially derogatory or offensive.
And once you get the job, remember to still mind what you’re posting on social media.
2. Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your first real chance to stand out. It’s an opportunity to give your best elevator pitch and sell yourself. It’s the place to address holes in your resume, acknowledge your openness to relocate and explain why you’re the best fit for the position even if your experience (or lack thereof) may say otherwise.
Use your cover letter as a place to tell your story and show why the position and company are the perfect fit for you. You want to find common ground and show how the opportunity is mutually beneficial to both parties. Don’t make it so long that you’re rambling or regurgitating your resume, but use it as an opportunity to explain what separates you from other candidates.
3. Your Resume
Your resume should include vital details about your education and a timeline of your former places of employment, but the most important thing on a resume should be what you accomplished in each role and what impact you had on the company.
Go through each of your previous roles and make sure each section includes actionable verbs that resulted in quantifiable metrics that clearly demonstrate success. Words like “achieved,” “expanded” and “produced” are examples of how you personally contributed to growing the business.
Do It Right: 15 Secrets of Getting Your Dream Job
4. Your Lack of Enthusiasm
It’s been said that attitude is everything, and it’s especially true when it comes to the job search. Employers look for candidates who are eager to learn and are team players. Plain and simple, if you don’t sound like you want a job, you probably won’t get it.
A good way to show you’re serious after an interview is to follow-up with an email or thank you note expressing how you see yourself fitting into the company. This shows you’re confident but not cocky. There’s a fine line between sounding enthusiastic and sounding desperate, so make it natural. You can be creative with your delivery but don’t follow-up too aggressively.
5. You Were Overqualified or Underqualified
New grads who have no work experience are hard to hire because they have nothing to show for what they’ve accomplished in a real-world setting. Find a way to build up your resume, even if it’s part-time work or an unpaid internship.
On the flip side, if the hiring manager thinks you’re overqualified, she may assume you’ll be bored in the role. In this instance, the thank you note or follow-up email is crucial to mitigate those concerns. Be humble and genuinely explain why you’re interested in the position.
Always be honest and upfront about your experience. No one’s perfect or strong in every area, so you should always address your weaknesses head-on. As long as you can demonstrate how your lack of experience or skills wouldn’t be an issue, it shouldn’t disqualify you from the role. But you want to make sure you’re connecting the dots so potential employers are not making assumptions their own.
Beware: Why Jumping to a New Job Every 1 to 2 Years Is a Disaster in the Long Run
6. You Weren’t Relatable
During peak working years, you spend more time with your coworkers than you do with your family, which means people hire people they want to be around. There have been many studies suggesting that likability is the most important factor in getting hired. As Lauren Rivera, associate professor of management and organization at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, put it in a study published in the American Sociological Review, “Employers sought candidates who were not only competent but also culturally similar to themselves.” In short: they look for people who will fit into the work environment.
In your interview, have a good attitude, smile and focus on using body language that looks approachable. Never badmouth a former boss or co-worker because the way a candidate talks about their former or current place of employment speaks volumes.
7. Your Salary Expectations
You don’t want to turn a potential employer off by overvaluing yourself with an unrealistic salary number. Do your homework in terms of what you’re worth based on your experience and education, but be flexible and know the competition.
When you consider an offer, recognize that salary generally makes up just 70 percent of your total compensation. You need to evaluate the whole package to determine if it’s worth it to you. Benefits like 401k matching, bonuses, paid time off, insurance, training, education and travel are all potential negotiating chips that make an offer more attractive.
8. You Bombed the Interview
The in-person interview is a crucial step in securing an offer. Maybe you showed up late, didn’t dress to impress or simply didn’t do your homework. Always research the company ahead of time to show you care and you’re willing to go that extra mile.
You can prepare for common interview questions ahead of time like, “Tell me about yourself,” “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome” or “What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?” It’s a surefire bet at least some variation of these standard questions are going to be asked so you should definitely brainstorm examples and ways to spin negative experiences into learning opportunities.
9. Your References Didn’t Check Out
Generally one of the last steps before an offer is made, companies will really only dig into candidates they’re serious about. Reference checks give recruiters the opportunity to ask former bosses and co-workers how they’d rate your skills and fact-check things you’ve told them in your interview. You can sing your own praises, but it always sounds better coming from someone more objectively unbiased.
Make sure you have really solid references lined up that you can count on to be your cheerleader. Be sure to give them a heads up on what company may be calling and when, and a bit about the role so they can tie in any relevant experience.
10. You Didn’t Listen or Ask Questions
Following instructions is critical to the hiring process. You will likely be asked to bring certain things to the interview like an ID or copies of your resume. It’s a straightforward way to show you’re prepared and is essentially your first assignment.
In the interview itself, if you spend too much time talking about your wants and needs, and not enough time listening and responding to questions, it’s likely not going to go very well. In order to build a relationship, there’s always give and take. You need to ask questions that show you’re interested and add to the conversation. Things like, “What are some of the biggest challenges in this position?” and “What does success look like in this role?” are a good way to get the ball rolling and show you care about the job expectations.
Up Next: 6 Tell-Tale Signs You’re Underpaid
About the Author
Lauren Monitz
Lauren Monitz is a travel writer and social media influencer specializing in approachable adventures and offbeat explorations. With a BS in Advertising from the University of Colorado and an MS in E-business from Depaul, she has over 10 years of experience in content and social strategy for leading tourism destinations, publications, and hospitality clients. She has bylines around the web from Fodor’s and Huffington Post to MSN and AOL, has done Snapchat diaries for the Food Network, and Instagram takeovers for Forbes. From becoming a certified Viking in Iceland to blackwater rafting in New Zealand, she is on a perpetual mission to seek out the most insane adventures she can find and introduce you to things you never even knew you wanted — or needed — on your bucket list. With a goal of visiting all 50 states and at least 50 countries by 50, she is an expert at experiential travel across the globe and close to home. A Chicago native, a Denverite by choice, and perpetually on the go, her mantra is, “Life is short and the world is Wide, Eat, sleep, travel, repeat.” You can follow her (mis)adventures on http://thedownlo.com or on Instagram (@lmonitz @anadventurestory and @onetastytrip).
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No matter what stage of your career you’re in, the job-hunting process can be brutal. It’s laborious to research opportunities — and once you find a job you’re interested in, it takes being proactive and staying positive throughout the lengthy back-and-forth hiring process. If you haven’t brushed up on your job hunting skills in awhile, here’s a quick refresher on how to ace making a killer impression and stand out amongst the crowd.
Click through to find out how you can improve your chances of being hired.
1. Your Social Media Profiles
According to the Chicago Tribune in 2016, nearly half of employers now use social media or online searches as a way to screen applicants. What’s worse? Over a third of those companies disqualified candidates in the past year based on information they uncovered in searches.
While you’re looking for jobs, make it a point to turn your profiles to private or clean up your accounts. Make sure your pictures look professional and are a good representation of you. While your profiles don’t have to look squeaky clean (companies still want to see that you have a personality and interests), make sure to do a quick sweep so there’s nothing potentially derogatory or offensive.
And once you get the job, remember to still mind what you’re posting on social media.
2. Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your first real chance to stand out. It’s an opportunity to give your best elevator pitch and sell yourself. It’s the place to address holes in your resume, acknowledge your openness to relocate and explain why you’re the best fit for the position even if your experience (or lack thereof) may say otherwise.
Use your cover letter as a place to tell your story and show why the position and company are the perfect fit for you. You want to find common ground and show how the opportunity is mutually beneficial to both parties. Don’t make it so long that you’re rambling or regurgitating your resume, but use it as an opportunity to explain what separates you from other candidates.
3. Your Resume
Your resume should include vital details about your education and a timeline of your former places of employment, but the most important thing on a resume should be what you accomplished in each role and what impact you had on the company.
Go through each of your previous roles and make sure each section includes actionable verbs that resulted in quantifiable metrics that clearly demonstrate success. Words like “achieved,” “expanded” and “produced” are examples of how you personally contributed to growing the business.
Do It Right: 15 Secrets of Getting Your Dream Job
4. Your Lack of Enthusiasm
It’s been said that attitude is everything, and it’s especially true when it comes to the job search. Employers look for candidates who are eager to learn and are team players. Plain and simple, if you don’t sound like you want a job, you probably won’t get it.
A good way to show you’re serious after an interview is to follow-up with an email or thank you note expressing how you see yourself fitting into the company. This shows you’re confident but not cocky. There’s a fine line between sounding enthusiastic and sounding desperate, so make it natural. You can be creative with your delivery but don’t follow-up too aggressively.
5. You Were Overqualified or Underqualified
New grads who have no work experience are hard to hire because they have nothing to show for what they’ve accomplished in a real-world setting. Find a way to build up your resume, even if it’s part-time work or an unpaid internship.
On the flip side, if the hiring manager thinks you’re overqualified, she may assume you’ll be bored in the role. In this instance, the thank you note or follow-up email is crucial to mitigate those concerns. Be humble and genuinely explain why you’re interested in the position.
Always be honest and upfront about your experience. No one’s perfect or strong in every area, so you should always address your weaknesses head-on. As long as you can demonstrate how your lack of experience or skills wouldn’t be an issue, it shouldn’t disqualify you from the role. But you want to make sure you’re connecting the dots so potential employers are not making assumptions their own.
Beware: Why Jumping to a New Job Every 1 to 2 Years Is a Disaster in the Long Run
6. You Weren’t Relatable
During peak working years, you spend more time with your coworkers than you do with your family, which means people hire people they want to be around. There have been many studies suggesting that likability is the most important factor in getting hired. As Lauren Rivera, associate professor of management and organization at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, put it in a study published in the American Sociological Review, “Employers sought candidates who were not only competent but also culturally similar to themselves.” In short: they look for people who will fit into the work environment.
In your interview, have a good attitude, smile and focus on using body language that looks approachable. Never badmouth a former boss or co-worker because the way a candidate talks about their former or current place of employment speaks volumes.
7. Your Salary Expectations
You don’t want to turn a potential employer off by overvaluing yourself with an unrealistic salary number. Do your homework in terms of what you’re worth based on your experience and education, but be flexible and know the competition.
When you consider an offer, recognize that salary generally makes up just 70 percent of your total compensation. You need to evaluate the whole package to determine if it’s worth it to you. Benefits like 401k matching, bonuses, paid time off, insurance, training, education and travel are all potential negotiating chips that make an offer more attractive.
8. You Bombed the Interview
The in-person interview is a crucial step in securing an offer. Maybe you showed up late, didn’t dress to impress or simply didn’t do your homework. Always research the company ahead of time to show you care and you’re willing to go that extra mile.
You can prepare for common interview questions ahead of time like, “Tell me about yourself,” “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome” or “What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?” It’s a surefire bet at least some variation of these standard questions are going to be asked so you should definitely brainstorm examples and ways to spin negative experiences into learning opportunities.
9. Your References Didn’t Check Out
Generally one of the last steps before an offer is made, companies will really only dig into candidates they’re serious about. Reference checks give recruiters the opportunity to ask former bosses and co-workers how they’d rate your skills and fact-check things you’ve told them in your interview. You can sing your own praises, but it always sounds better coming from someone more objectively unbiased.
Make sure you have really solid references lined up that you can count on to be your cheerleader. Be sure to give them a heads up on what company may be calling and when, and a bit about the role so they can tie in any relevant experience.
10. You Didn’t Listen or Ask Questions
Following instructions is critical to the hiring process. You will likely be asked to bring certain things to the interview like an ID or copies of your resume. It’s a straightforward way to show you’re prepared and is essentially your first assignment.
In the interview itself, if you spend too much time talking about your wants and needs, and not enough time listening and responding to questions, it’s likely not going to go very well. In order to build a relationship, there’s always give and take. You need to ask questions that show you’re interested and add to the conversation. Things like, “What are some of the biggest challenges in this position?” and “What does success look like in this role?” are a good way to get the ball rolling and show you care about the job expectations.
Up Next: 6 Tell-Tale Signs You’re Underpaid
About the Author
Lauren Monitz
Lauren Monitz is a travel writer and social media influencer specializing in approachable adventures and offbeat explorations. With a BS in Advertising from the University of Colorado and an MS in E-business from Depaul, she has over 10 years of experience in content and social strategy for leading tourism destinations, publications, and hospitality clients. She has bylines around the web from Fodor’s and Huffington Post to MSN and AOL, has done Snapchat diaries for the Food Network, and Instagram takeovers for Forbes. From becoming a certified Viking in Iceland to blackwater rafting in New Zealand, she is on a perpetual mission to seek out the most insane adventures she can find and introduce you to things you never even knew you wanted — or needed — on your bucket list. With a goal of visiting all 50 states and at least 50 countries by 50, she is an expert at experiential travel across the globe and close to home. A Chicago native, a Denverite by choice, and perpetually on the go, her mantra is, “Life is short and the world is Wide, Eat, sleep, travel, repeat.” You can follow her (mis)adventures on http://thedownlo.com or on Instagram (@lmonitz @anadventurestory and @onetastytrip).
