You’re dressed for success, you’re qualified for the position, you have your experience and education histories mastered and you’ve shook the interviewer’s hand with gusto, so why aren’t you being called back? We’ve asked employment experts and other professionals about why you could be being passed up for a call-back.
You’re not enthusiastic enough about the position
Being qualified is key but showing your charisma for the position is just as important. “The number one reason I don’t choose to move forward with someone after an interview is this: they didn’t seem excited about working with us,” says Yaniv Masjedi, chief marketing officer at Nextiva. “It’s obvious to me if someone is excited about working specifically for our company versus just looking for any job they can get.” Masjedi says no matter how good their skills are, that’s just part of the equation for success. “I can’t get someone to do amazing work if they’re not really into what we’re doing,” adds Masjedi.
You’re not making it clear your talents fit the role
A connection with the interviewer is paramount for a follow-up meeting or call. “One reason that people aren’t remembered in an interview is that they didn’t connect with the interviewer’s needs,” says Anne Corley Baum, author of Small Mistakes, Big Consequences Develop Your Soft Skills to Help You Succeed. It’s important to remember that a job is posted because a company needs a role filled, she says, and they have results they are trying to achieve and when you connect your skills and talents with the needs of the company, you have a much greater chance of being remembered. “Listen carefully to their position and then discuss how your background, experience and expertise will take them down the road to success,” Corley Baum adds.
You’re not on your interview game
Interviewing successfully is an art and like most art forms the more you do it and practice, the better you become. “Practice… and practice again,” advises LinkedIn career expert Blair Decembrele. “Nothing beats role-playing the interview to help you refine your story and smooth out the answers to questions so you won’t drop the ball.”
You’re acting overly confident
Trumpeting your accomplishments and appearing over-confident can be a turn-off. “While interviewers want to know more about your professional history, no one will be impressed by a candidate who wants to go on and on about how fabulous they are,” explains Rhys Williams, managing director with Sigma Recruitment. You will be remembered, but for the wrong reasons. “A better approach is to listen to the interviewer, understand their pain points, and explain how you’ve used your skills in the past to solve similar problems,” says Williams.
You’re appearing desperate
Contrary to what some candidates think, showing how much you want to leave your current job to join this new company will not earn you extra points, says Williams. “Even if this is indeed what you want, no one wants to hire someone who just needs the job for their own sake,” Williams continues. “When asked why you want the job, try to explain how both you and the company would benefit by bringing you on board.”