Candidates
The journey to getting a job doesn’t always go smoothly. Just about every job seeker experiences rejection at one time or another – sometimes you don’t make it past the application stage, while on other occasions you’ll land an interview and still get turned down in the end.
Either way, you may well end up wondering...
...what did I do wrong?
Either way, you may well end up wondering...
...what did I do wrong?
Don't be downhearted
First of all, it’s important to keep your chin up. You can’t expect to hear back from every job application you submit – in fact, a 2016 survey found that, on average UK job seekers have to apply for 27 jobs to get just 1 interview [source]
Even if you made it to the interview stage and still didn’t get the job, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you made a huge faux-pas or that the interviewers weren’t impressed. There are any number of reasons why the employer might have chosen someone else for the role.
So instead of feeling disheartened because you didn’t get the job, try to turn the experience into something positive by identifying opportunities for improvement. Here are some constructive tips from the employment experts at Hyper Recruitment Solutions – with our help, you’re bound to have better luck next time!
So instead of feeling disheartened because you didn’t get the job, try to turn the experience into something positive by identifying opportunities for improvement. Here are some constructive tips from the employment experts at Hyper Recruitment Solutions – with our help, you’re bound to have better luck next time!
Ask the employer
When you learn that your job application was unsuccessful, it’s always worth asking the employer why. Most employers won’t mind answering this question if you ask them politely.With any luck, the employer will give you some useful advice that helps you to understand why you missed this particular opportunity, and what you can do in the future.
Despite your disappointment, be sure to remain professional, be modest, and keep to the point. Politely ask the employer if they have some time to give you feedback on your application and/or interview so that you can improve your performance.
Reasons an Employer Might Give: You lacked self-confidence
Reasons an Employer Might Give: You weren’t interested in the company, just the job
Reasons an Employer Might Give: You don’t have enough relevant experience
Reasons an Employer Might Give: You had unrealistic expectations
Reasons an Employer Might Give: You didn’t display the knowledge needed for this role
Reasons an Employer Might Give: You need to give more examples of past achievements
Was your CV up to scratch?
Your CV has to stand out for all the right reasons. Have a look at our CV Advice page for some tips on creating a professional-looking CV.- Is it too long?- CVs should be concise and only include information that’s relevant to the job.
- Is it too short? - At the same time, a very brief CV gives the impression you are under-experienced and unsure of what you have to offer.
- Does is have any mistakes? - Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are hugely distracting. They demonstrate a lack of care and attention to detail. Always ask someone else to read over your CV, whether that’s a friend, family member or recruitment agency.
The average employer will spend just 8.8 seconds looking at your CV
100m World Record
Speed of Light
Rubik's Cube
Beatles SongHow’s your interview technique?
Job interviews can be daunting, and even if you feel like you are well-prepared, you may still be doing something in interviews to make your prospective employers think you are not the right person for the job.To see what you should be doing before an interview, read our job interview checklist. We have also put together a list of common interview questions that may help you to feel better prepared for the interview itself – visit our Interview Advice & Questions page.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: Showing up late
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: Not dressing appropriately
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: Bad body language
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: Poor personal hygiene
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: Not asking any questions of your own
A lack of experience
One of the most common reasons for not getting the job is a lack of experience.
Your cover letter, CV and interview answers should all highlight the specific experiences that makes you perfect for the role.
You might think that, because you haven’t had an identical job in the past, you don’t have any experience worth mentioning. But if you think outside the box, you may realise that you have:
You might think that, because you haven’t had an identical job in the past, you don’t have any experience worth mentioning. But if you think outside the box, you may realise that you have:
- Relevant experiences from seemingly unrelated jobs
- Achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role
- Examples of problems that you solved using relevant skills
If you do need more work experience, you may be able to get this by volunteering, taking a course, or going for a lower-level job that will give you a taste of the work you really want to be doing.
Here at Hyper Recruitment Solutions, we aim to not only find you fantastic opportunities but also to thoroughly prepare you for the application / interview process. Get in touch today and speak to one of our recruitment specialists – next time, you hopefully won’t have to wonder why you didn’t get the job!
Here at Hyper Recruitment Solutions, we aim to not only find you fantastic opportunities but also to thoroughly prepare you for the application / interview process. Get in touch today and speak to one of our recruitment specialists – next time, you hopefully won’t have to wonder why you didn’t get the job!
