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8 Reasons You Are Not Getting a Job Offer

Written by: Dan Miller

Article Overview: Are you really too old, too young, overqualified or lacking the right education? Is the deck really stacked against you? Not likely!! Chances are you only need to improve the way you present yourself. Recently, a lady approached me after one of our seminar presentations on Career Management. She had been through 63 job interviews and wanted me to look at her resume to see what was preventing her from getting job offers. Hearing that she had 63 interviews let me know I did not need to look at her resume at all; it was doing an excellent job, getting interviews is the only purpose of a resume. So her problem was not in the resume, but something in her personal presentation.

8 Reasons You Are Not Getting a Job Offer

8 Reasons You Are Not Getting A Job Offer .

Here are 8 reasons human resource people give for rejecting people:

1. LACK OF ENTHUSIASM

You don't have to be a Zig Ziglar or a David Letterman, but you must express enthusiasm for a job if you don't want to be weeded out immediately. Enthusiasm, boldness, and confidence will often do more for you in an interview than another college degree.

2. LACK OF INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

When a candidate even hints at an inability to get along with others, it dramatically weakens that person's chances in an interview. While this sounds obvious, it's surprising how open some people are about their faults. Someone who interrupts frequently will not be seen as a good team player.

3. WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME

We know you want to know about benefits, vacations, etc. but don't lead with these questions. First, the employer will want to know what you can do for them. You can't negotiate for more vacation time before you have been offered a job. Convince the employer that you are the right person for the job, be sure that you want to work there, then you can discuss pay and benefits.

4. UNCLEAR JOB GOALS

Don't be a generalist. Be clear about the job you are seeking. If the interviewer gets the impression that you are just looking for a job rather than a specific opportunity to use your skills, you will sabotage your chances.

5. POOR PERSONAL APPEARANCE

The key here is to fit in with the organization you are contacting. I will defend your right to wear cutoffs and a baseball cap, but if you really want a job, you must dress appropriately. Many times I hear people who are irritated about not being given a job when they have a nose ring, bad breath, and unshined shoes. Keep in mind that organizations hire people, not credentials and experience. If they don't like you, it doesn't matter how great your experience is, you won't get the job.

6. UNPREPARED FOR THE INTERVIEW

If you fumble when asked basic questions, you will appear unprepared and uncaring about the process. When asked, "Tell me a little about yourself" you should have a concise 2 minute answer; 15 seconds about your personal background, 1.5 minutes about your work experience, and 15 seconds about what you can do for this company. Your time spent in preparing for the interview will be time invested wisely.

7. NOT BEING CLEAR ON YOUR STRENGTHS

You should be able to state without hesitation, three characteristics that would make you a great candidate for any given job you are applying for. If you cannot clearly identify your strengths, no interviewer will convince you what they are.

8. NOT SELLING YOURSELF

Even if you would not enjoy selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door, you have to realize that in the interview process, you are selling yourself. Especially in today's market, you have to promote yourself. Follow-up immediately with a thank you note and a telephone call three or four days later. It's a good way to reinforce your interest in the job as well as ask a question or two you may have forgotten in the interview.

Today's workplace is desperately seeking competent workers. Know how you are gifted, present yourself with confidence, follow up, and be ready to have multiple offers from which to choose.

More on Interviewing skills on pages 117-138 of 48 Days To The Work You Love

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