Getting Interviews but Not the Job? This May Be Why.
Receiving an invitation to interview for a job you really want is always exciting. It’s even more invigorating when the meeting goes well, because you start to envision yourself in the role. Consequently, it’s a huge letdown to find out you weren’t selected — especially if it happens time and time again.
Sometimes, the chosen candidate was truly better suited for the job, but that’s not always the case. Despite your best efforts, you’re probably making at least one of the mistakes below.
Poor Cultural Fit
More so than ever, employers have started to recognize that skills can be acquired, but personality traits are relatively consistent over time. Therefore, hiring managers might be realizing you don’t mesh with their culture. You can’t — and shouldn’t try — to change who you are, but you can make a point to focus only on organizations you feel are a fit. Achieve this by thoroughly researching the company culture before applying to the position.
Lack of Enthusiasm
Rightfully so, employers want to hire a candidate who is excited about the job. Hiring managers aren’t mind-readers, so make a point to show how thrilled you are at the possibility of being hired. Do this by smiling a lot, displaying positive body language — maintaining eye contact, nodding your head while the other person is talking, sitting up straight — and conducting research on the company that will allow you to ask plenty of thoughtful questions.
Not Focusing on the Company
You want the job to boost your career, but the hiring manager isn’t interested in strengthening your resume. Instead of explaining what the job will do for you, focus on what you will bring to the position. Highlight your skills and experience relevant to the job to drive your fit home. If you have any ideas for initiatives you would undertake if hired, be sure to mention them.
Not Making Yourself Stand Out
Chances are, you have some pretty tough competition for the job, so you have to bring your A-game to the interview. Engage the interviewer by developing unique and interesting responses to questions that will make you stand out. This will likely involve using specific examples and statistics to get your point across, because giving the same generic response as other candidates will earn you a spot on the reject list.
Using the Wrong References
Often one of the last steps in the interview process, references can make or break your chances of getting the job. Some candidates brush this step off as a mere formality, and if that’s your attitude, this could be the problem. Potential employers don’t know what it’s like to work with you, so they rely on the words of your references. If you’re submitting references you don’t 100 percent trust to sing your praises, they’re probably not, which could be why you’re not getting hired.
Securing a job that perfectly suits your skills and personality is hard work, but you don’t have to navigate your search alone. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].