3 Reasons You Don’t Get Hired (And How to Overcome Them) [Part 3 of 3]

In part one and two of our series, we explained the first six reasons candidates don’t get hired. We have seen these common mistakes hurt a candidate’s chances of getting hires. Unfortunately, many candidates have not identified these mistakes and continue to repeat them during their job search. Here we have 3 more reasons you don’t get hired, with tips on how to overcome these common mistakes.

Not Asking Questions

It’s important to ask questions during an interview because not only do you want to make sure the position is the right fit for you, it also shows your potential employer that you are engaged and interested in the job. Ask questions that show you are envisioning yourself in the role and with the company. This is also a great opportunity to show that you have researched the company thoroughly. Consider asking a question about an article you read about the company or their competition. Doing the research shows that you are serious about a job prospect and it opens up a greater opportunity to impress during a job interview.

Being Negative about Last Employer

Always approach a job interview with a positive attitude. In our last article we discussed the importance of managing the stress and emotions of a difficult job search. The same rules apply here. Be sure that you answer interview questions with optimism. Focus on the positives, such as what you were able to learn from your previous employer that you can now bring to a new role. This will make you seem mature and optimistic rather than negative and spiteful. Highlighting the negative experiences with your last employer is sure to leave your interviewer with a bad impression. It is important to maintain professional boundaries at all times during the interview process.

Too Firm/Unrealistic about Salary Expectations

Flexibility is key when it comes to negotiating salary. Always do the research and know what the market rate is for the job you are interviewing for, and take your current salary into account. According to Forbes, the average salary boost employees receive when making a job change is 10-20%. In the current market, we have seen candidates asking for 32% or greater, but not succeeding. Know that employers have a concrete salary range for the job, and asking for too much could put you beyond the range and therefore disqualify you. It’s important to also take into account what benefits are being offered. Compensation is often not the most important factor when making a job change. For example, a survey done by Qualtrics found that nearly 40% of people would take a pay cut for more flexible work hours.

These are 3 of the many reasons we see candidates disqualified for a job. In our experience, these mistakes can happen often. By identifying these mistakes and overcoming them, candidates can dramatically improve their chances of receiving a job offer. In case you missed it, start with part one of our series for even more tips on getting past common mistakes.

Bradley Staffing Group is a full-service staffing firm based in Wayne, PA. We are committed to matching A-level talent with best-in-class businesses. Our knowledgeable and well-trained staff brings a combined 70+ years of staffing experience to our clients and candidates alike. http://bradleystaffinggroup.com/bradley/contact-us/