Is This Why Youre Not Getting A Job Offer

Is This Why Youre Not Getting A Job Offer Theres always a lot of competition for good job openings.   So its quite average to have to endure several companies interviewing you before you finally get an offer.   But what if youre not getting a job offer after even 15 or 20 interviews?   If youre in that unenviable position, its passed time to dive deep into the causes, evaluate them, and correct as necessary. Here are ten of the most likely reasons youre not getting a job offer.   When you have all of them under control, theres sure to be an offer coming in short order. Lack of Preparation Google the company. Visit their website. Know who their clients, are, what they do, who they serve, who their competition is, and find out what sets them apart from their other businesses in their field.  It is important to do your research prior to the interview. Youre Not Proactive Want to work with a specific company?   Reach out to their hiring manager or better yet your would-be boss and inquire about possible future positions.   If youve already had the interview, be sure to connect afterwards with a thank you note.   And if youre not hired for the current opening, let them know how impressed with the company you are and that youll be staying in touch for upcoming positions. Not Enthusiastic in The Interview Okay, so its not your dream job.   If you come across as less than enthusiastic, you wont get the offer.   Dont think of this position as the ultimate goal, think of it as a stepping stone and get excited.   And heads up theyll remember their impressions down the road should you want to apply for some other position later. You Dont Sell Yourself Yes, I remember that you said you hate sales.   Get over it.   From the times of childhood, life is about getting what you want and thats always about selling your ideas, needs, and self to someone else.   If need be, take a class or read a book on basic sales skills.   Get comfortable with the notion of selling being nothing more than convincing someone else to do what you want.   In this case, its offering you the job! Ineffective Resume You have a long list of skills.   Youve got a degree and respectable experience.   And its more than likely that none of that is directly related to creating a really good resume.   While you no doubt know more about yourself than anyone, there are professionals out there who do nothing but build resumes that get results.   Consider that the resume is actually your first interview with the company.    Its definitely worth considering having your resume professionally written to ace that.   The key is to find a reputable firm to do it, so check for references and ratings before wasting your time and money. Arrogance I get it.   Youre awesome.   The best at what you do.   While you want to communicate your greatness, you dont want to come off as thinking youre on a pedestal.   As always, balance is key.   Tell them about your accomplishments, your accolades.   But be sure to keep the ego in check so your potential employer doesnt put your application in the primadonna file. Youre Over- or Under-qualified This is a tough one.   If youve never found yourself rejected because of being either under- or over-qualified, let me tell you its frustrating.   So if youre targeting a position thats outside your present perceived occupational fit, youre going to have to work hard to justify why.   Clearly, your best bet is to interview for positions that are a good fit if not best fit. Youre Not Well Connected Its well documented that the vast majority of jobs are never advertised.    Youre making your quest for a job offer a ton more difficult if you rely on just the advertised positions.   In todays world, that means youre going to have to get on and engage in LinkedIn.   Thats not essential, its critical.   Check out this article on Ms Career Girl about revving up your LinkedIn experience. The Compatibility Factor This can be among the most difficult aspects of failure to get an offer.    Whether its the first impression, going either direction, or simply a growing dislike, when the interviewer and the applicant dont click, that job seeking journey is dead in the water.   So from the second you enter the interview room, engage your best social skills to the max.   You dont have to marry this person, just get them to put a best applicant on your resume. Youre Desperate And It Shows The fridge is empty.   Your rent was due last week.   And theres not enough money in your bank account to buy a loaf of bread.   Yup, youre desperate for a job.     All that stress shows up in the interview and can often derail your efforts.   Before going in, try a little self talk or meditation.   Remind yourself that this, too, shall pass, that you do have resources to fall back on, even if it might take a bit of humility to seek them out.   Breathe.   Youve got this.