5 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job Offer
Social Psychologist, Amy Cuddy
This article is for job seekers who fall into this category: I’ve been interviewing, but I’m not getting any offers!
The good news is that you’re halfway there. Your resume and experiences are clearly working to get you interviews. Your only problem is getting over the last hurdle – the interview.
Something in the presentation of your interviewing is throwing off employers and figuring out what that is requires some self-reflection. Here are some common and possible reasons why you aren’t getting that job offer. Ask yourself, do I do these?
1. Not treating the interview as a 2-way conversation.
Employers want to hire candidates that not only can get the job done, but will be easy to work with day-to-day. The truth is, they also need to be convinced that they could see you in the office every day and like that. The best way to convince your employer of this is through engaging them in a dialogue – Show them that you could get along well with your co-workers.
Don’t think of the interview as a time for the employer to ask you questions – ones that you need to answer right. Instead, feel free to ask them questions back. Have a natural conversation.
2. Not being prepared with short stories of your work experience.
Show, don’t tell. That’s what your English teachers probably told you…and there’s truth in it!
If someone says, “It was a long climb” versus “The climb consisted of 2,000 steps and two hours later, we finally made it to the top!” I bet you’re more convinced by the latter.
The same applies in interviews. It’s always better to go prepared with short stories of your work experiences because stories are more engaging and paints a visual picture in the employer’s head. Tip: Don’t ramble and keep these stories short and under 2 minutes.
3. Not knowing what the company does and why you’re a good fit for the role.
For example: You may be interviewing for a human resources position and know everything about your specific career function and the human resources department, but the company you’re working for is an investment banking firm. Be prepared to answer: “What role does an investment banker in our company provide?”
Make sure you’re versed on the kinds of products the company sells and what the company actually does. Employers want to make sure the candidate understands how their specific job function fits into helping the company’s mission as a whole.
4. Rambling and being vague, instead of giving direct and concise answers.
A lot of people hate the silence during interviews and will cover it up by rambling. However, it’s usually better to give concise answers and take your time while speaking. It’s okay to say phrases such as: “That’s a great question. Let me think about that.”
It buys you time and signals to the employer that you’re thinking through your answer. It’s almost always better to take your time before delivering a well-thought out answer than trying to appear quick-witted, yet giving a poorly executed answer.
5. Forgetting about non-verbal body cues.
Many interviewers don’t realize that nonverbal body cues also tell a story of their own and can be a deal breaker during an interview.
Some positive nonverbal body cues include:
- Making eye contact with the interviewer not only when the interviewer is speaking, but when you are speaking
- Smile and look engaged while the interviewer is talking
- Laugh only if the interviewer does so first
- Don’t lean backwards on your chair or you’ll appear too casual
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer mid speech
- Rest your hands on your notepad or lap and don’t wave them too much when you’re talking
- Avoid touching your arm, fidgeting your hands, tapping feet, or drumming your fingers – these give the impression that you’re uncomfortable
- Appearing confident and comfortable
If you want to improve your body language to exude more positivity and confidence, social psychologist Amy Cuddy shares a powerful message on how to improve body language.
