Why you didn’t get a second interview

The interview went OK, or at least that’s what you thought. You were qualified for the position, you were dressed right, and you thought they liked you. So why haven’t they invited you for the second round or extended an offer? What could have gone wrong? Is it you or is it them? Should you email to find out? Aaargh!

1. You were needy

You wouldn’t have applied for the job if you didn’t want it, right? So you made sure the hiring manager knew just how much you wanted and needed the job. That, right there, was where you went wrong. While employers definitely want someone who’s motivated and passionate about the job, reeking of desperation only puts them off. We’re not suggesting you act aloof and arrogant. Instead, work on your confidence and affirm yourself before going into the interview room. Remember, the employer needs your skills just as much as you need the job. Focus on showcasing the value you will offer them. Show interest and appreciation but know that even if you don’t get the job, there are other opportunities for you to pursue.

2. You rambled and interrupted

Interviews are usually quite stressful and to cope, some people tend to start rambling. Instead of giving succinct answers, did you start narrating needless anecdotes, going into unnecessary details, and generally going off tangent? Other than boring the interviewer to death, you probably also didn’t adequately showcase how you’re a good fit for the job. Or in your nervousness and eagerness to show brilliance, did you jump into answering questions before they were even out of the interviewer’s mouth? Interrupting someone is rude and although they might not say it, it might be the reason you didn’t get the job. As much as your skills matter, you need the interviewer to like you as a person and know that you’ll be a great person to work with. Learn how to listen without interrupting and communicate more effectively.

3. You made it about you

Were you eager to bring up the topic of salary, benefits, and vacations? This might have made you look as if you only care about what is in it for you. Hiring managers are more concerned with finding out what you can offer the company, especially in the early interview stages. Of course, these are important subjects to address but avoid giving off the wrong impression by waiting for the interviewer to bring them up.

4. Your online presence did you in

Many hiring managers often go online to research on top candidates before calling them for a second interview or offering them the job. They do a quick Google search, scan your LinkedIn profile, and even check out your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. According to survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 57 per cent of employers have decided not to hire a candidate based on something they found online. Those pictures of you partying yourself silly or your snarky tweets on Twitter might be the reason you didn’t get a second interview. Lack of online presence doesn’t help either- in the same survey, 47 per cent of employers said they’d be unlikely to hire a candidate with no online presence. Remove any risqué pictures from your social media profiles and make your sure that your online conversations- especially when it comes to politics and social issues- don’t turn off hiring managers.

5. You had over-rehearsed

Rehearsing your answers for interviews is a great way to gain confidence and prepare to impress interviewing panels. However, over-relying on your rehearsed responses might be your downfall. It’s a little like using pick-up lines in a dating situation. You sound sleek and fake, which is off-putting. To bring more authenticity and personality to your responses, draw on past experiences and speak from your heart about your passion and values as they relate with the company’s mission.

6. Your references bad-mouthed you

Who do you have as your references? Is it a former supervisor who didn’t like you or a lecturer who barely remembers you? Think carefully about who you put down on your CV as a reference. A good reference is someone who is familiar with your work and has favourable things to say about both your work and personality. Be sure to request them to be your reference and to speak positively about you to potential employers. After your first interview, it would be a good idea to call your references and review the job’s details so they’ll know what the hiring manager wants to hear.