Over the years I've noticed there are times when the candidate who is the most ideal for the role doesn't get picked. The hard question becomes "Why didn't I get the Job?" Answering that question for candidates sometimes is the hardest part of my job. From those conversations with the hiring authority and the candidate, I created an understanding and helpful hint for all those that have asked the question "why not me?".
I found there are three main reasons people don't get what the job: 1. Mindset 2. Skill and Experience 3. Culture Fit
- Mindset - Believe it or not its the number one reason. Mindset is probably the toughest to overcome. It requires us to conquer our fears, step out and take risks and be honest with ourselves about ourselves. There is the old adage that "the person not looking for the job always gets the job offer". Why? Because they are free of fear of making a mistake in the interview, have nothing to lose because they already have a job and they are confident about their skills because they work with a team that they already fit culturally, and that acknowledges their abilities.
Quick Fix:
To feel secure - remember you can't lose something you don't have. You don't have a job to lose in the interview stage. Be your best self, be someone worth working with...because the goal of the interview is to land the job offer. Don't think about the job itself focus on getting the offer. Build your confidence by prepping for the interview. In the interview focus on why you are an asset to the company and tell them. Companies want to know that you will be an asset. Tell them why and how your skills will contribute to the prosperity of the team, department and company. If possible, let the interviewer know what you plan to bring to the company that you will be the "value add".
- Skills and Experience - Sometimes candidates in the initial conversation say they can do everything the job requires; or recruiters calling the candidate for the initial conversation mis-represent the job. In either case the skills and experience don't match when it comes to the interview, and everyone walks away disappointed.
Quick Fix: don't force the fit or overstate or understate your abilities. Express in each conversation your capabilities and why you fit the requirements for the job. For each point in the job description you should have a matching or relatable experience that you can point to as evidence of your compatibility.
- Culture Fit - Of the three reasons this is the most subjective. Managers are looking for individuals they can manage. And, they unconsciously are looking for candidates they get along with and have the same mindset or perspective. The questions they ask about problem solving, for example, are to see if you would approach the problem the same way and use the same tools to solve the problem; or if you have a better way to solve the problem then the current team.
Quick Fix: Be easy to talk to, don't over talk the person your meeting. Match the pace and tone so that the conversation has a feeling of fluidity. Also, pay attention to how managers describe the work process and challenges they've solved. Then give similar examples of the work problems you've solved. It's important to relate the story using similar techniques and language. And, remember they should be relevant examples based on your conversation. Importantly, keep answers short, concise. If you can add humor or tell in a story-like fashion it will enhance their comfort level.
Share your thoughts in the comments - ask questions - I'll be happy to answer.