Thread by @TundeTASH

You had a good interview but did not get the job?

You were quite positive you would get a call back but did not?

Here are top 7 reasons of 2018 why recruiters did not hire a candidate.

1. Position was filled internally:

In many cases, departments put out job vacancies for the sake of formalities.

Some even go as far as interviewing candidates while concurrently reviewing internal candidates within the organization.

So, in many cases, it's not because there was someone better than you. The recruiter won't tell you that the law requires that some, if not all, roles have to be advertised externally even though they know they are going to promote someone from inside.

2. Not an Organizational Fit:

Have you heard a square peg in a round hole? Yes, this sums it up.

Professional recruiters look out for a match between a candidate and the organizational culture, and if there is any red flag whatsoever they decide not to go with the candidate.

Here's how they know if you are one or not:

They carry out standardized assessments
They ask situational interview questions
They arrange informal meetups
They get everyone involved (HR, Manager you'd be working with)
They take what your references say about you seriously.

3. You were over-qualified:

There's been a lot of debate on 'over qualification' and why recruiters shouldn't care. But here's something you should know. The less-qualified applicant will be taken for budget reasons or because the role is more junior than your qualifications.

Managers want to work with someone that is 'manageable'.

Now ask yourself. Would you, the manager, hire someone that is as qualified as yourself into a more junior role where the person reports to you?

They can:

be less productive
be unhappy
leave when a new job comes up.

4. You weren't qualified:

Survey indicates over 50% of job applicants who apply for roles aren't actually qualified. Some recruiters give the benefit of doubt, thereby inviting a less qualified candidate for an interview.

However, it shouldn't stop you for applying for a roles you believe you are capable of.

If the required years of experience is 6 and you have 5 or even 4, apply!

5. You made a bad 1st impression:

There are loads of interview bias out there that recruiters themselves are guilty of. If unfortunately you happen to create a bad first impression because of some of those biases, your interview might just be a waste of time.

Now here some ways of how to create a good first impression for your interviews:

- Arrive on time
- Dress for the job
- Get the interviewers names right
- Smileeeeeee
- No careless remarks
- Be confident in the way you speak and walk.

6. There was a 'restructuring' in the organization during the recruitment process:

Again, this is totally not your fault.

At this point, HR will reevaluate their priorities for what kind of job positions they need and if yours doesn't make the cut, they'd move on.

However, if you’re still excited about working for the company, don’t give up. Let HR know that you’re still interested in any future positions that might come up.

That way, they'd have you on the top of their list and you'd just be an offer away from being hired.

7. They are going through a 'hiring freeze':

Here, an employer in an attempt to manage human capital costs in times of general economic issues or when the organization is experiencing a financial crisis can halt all recruitment.

Some org have short term freezes while others have long term freezes, and sometimes, freezes may even lead to layoffs / downsizing.

Not hearing back after you have put in your best in an interview shouldn't affect your morale for other roles or going for as many interviews as possible.

Remember to ask when you'd hear back, and continuously follow up professionally until there is closure.

All the best!