From the recruiter's mouth: Why you didn't get the job

If you’ve recently missed out on a job offer, you may be asking where you went wrong. Andrew Brushfield, Director at Robert Half provides some insight into why you didn’t get the job.

One of the highlights of working in the recruitment industry is being able to help people in their quest for a meaningful and rewarding career. On the flipside, one of the hardest jobs is telling a potential candidate that they have been unsuccessful in securing a job offer.

The reality of a competitive employment market is you may not always get the job you applied for. So, if you have recently missed out on a job offer, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you have the right experience? Experience is one of the primary decision drivers when looking to fill a position. Unfortunately, if you lack experience for the job, you’re already on the back foot, and don’t be surprised if someone with more relevant qualifications or industry knowledge makes it through. That said, it's not a 'done deal' just because someone has more experience. There are plenty of other ways to make yourself an attractive candidate. Firstly, take a look at your resume. Be sure to tailor your resume to emphasise how you are best suited for the position. Include real examples of how you use your current skills to create success in your role.
    
2. Were you prepared? Interview preparation is not just about presenting well, but ensuring you research the job and the industry you are applying for. Companies want enthusiastic candidates and during an interview you must demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the brand and industry. This means being adequately prepared, and you should start by looking at three key areas:
   
   1. The company and their products
   2. Their competitors
   3. Their customers
   
   Check out the company's website and research what they are about. Memorise their mission statement, read up on their latest blog posts and media releases. When you’re asked about why you want the job, your answer should include points on how you’ll bring success to a company that aligns with their ethics and goals. Demonstrate what you love about the organisation and where you think improvements can be made.
    
3. Did you ask the right questions? In my experience, the best candidates ask questions at an interview. Asking intelligent questions demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in the position and that you’re serious about assessing whether this is the right opportunity for you. Here are examples of truly impressive questions:
   
   Q. If I was offered the position, what would you say are the three most important things for me to master in the first 90 days on the job?
   Q. How does the company encourage career growth internally? Is there anyone I can speak to who has advanced their career in the organisation?
   Q. How will my performance be evaluated?
    
4. Did you close the interview? Asking for the job is not an easy thing to do, and most candidates never do it, so this is your chance to get ahead of the competition! At the end of the interview, you should ask: "Do you have any concerns about hiring me for this position?". At which point, the employer will give you their thoughts. Use this opportunity to correct any misinterpretations and outline why you think you’re the best person for the job.
    
5. Did you follow up? Impressive candidates always follow up post-interview, and it can differentiate you from other candidates who’ve been shortlisted for the same role. This demonstrates that you really want the position and know how to network. All it requires is a short, succinct email or handwritten note to the interviewer, thanking them for their time and reiterating what you think you can bring to the role.

Finally, be realistic about your expectations. There are many great candidates out there and it is rare to secure an interview for every role you apply for, let alone a job offer. Missing out on the position is not a failure, but a learning experience. Talk to your recruiter or the employer to find out why you were unsuccessful and use this feedback to make improvements for your next application.

At the end of the interview, you should ask: "Do you have any concerns about hiring me for this position?".

While SEEK partners with trusted contributors to bring you the latest career advice, the views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.