Interviews But No Callbacks?
If you got through the hoop of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) or hiring manager screenings to get an interview, your resume is in decent shape. That’s a win to celebrate!
If you find yourself interviewing but not getting offers… Argh. So frustrating.
There’s a number of reasons you could not have gotten a callback after an interview. Some of them have nothing to do with you and can be maddening. For example:
Internal candidates: In some cases, companies may prefer to promote or hire from within their organization, giving internal candidates an advantage over external applicants. It’s not personal, it’s just a bummer.
Budget or organizational changes: Sometimes, budget constraints or organizational changes can affect the hiring decision. Even if you were a strong candidate, the company may have decided to freeze the position or go in a different direction. Incredibly frustrating.
One would hope that this would be figured out before you get called in, HOWEVER almost everyone needs practice interviewing so there is a benefit to it. It can also help you refine what you are looking for. And, if the company doesn’t have their act together, you will likely be better off elsewhere.
Did you ask for feedback as to why you were not selected? If you did, that’s another win! It doesn’t occur to everyone to inquire; and if it does, many don’t have the courage to ask.
Here’s some reasons you might not have heard back, combined with tips about what you can do to improve for next time:
You don’t meet minimum experience requirements. Begin volunteering so you have legit experience to put on your resume. You can also get job references who can speak to your relevant skills.
There’s a mismatch of experience or qualifications: While your resume and cover letter may have caught the employer's attention enough to grant you an interview, they might have discovered during the interview process that your experience or qualifications are not up to par with what they need. Or perhaps you are “overqualified” and they find you a bit intimidating. If you suspect this going in, be prepared to address it in the interview directly - ask a coach for guidance if you feel stuck.
Competition: The job market can be highly competitive, with many qualified candidates applying for the same position. Even if you secured an interview, there might have been other candidates with more relevant experience or skills that the employer chose to hire. Ask them what you might do to be a stronger candidate in the future - this feedback will help you set effective career goals.
Fit with company culture: Employers often consider how well a candidate would fit within their company culture and team dynamics. If they perceive that another candidate aligns better with their values and work environment, they may extend the job offer to that person. Make sure you have done your homework and can speak specifically about the company culture and how it is a good fit for you.
Interview performance: Your interview performance plays a crucial role in the hiring decision. If you didn't showcase your skills, enthusiasm, confidence, and fit for the role during the interview, the employer may have chosen another candidate who seems more aligned. Career coaching will help you be more confident, answer questions better, and get you closer to the offer.
Reference check: Employers often conduct reference checks to verify a candidate's qualifications and suitability for the role. If there were any concerns or negative feedback from your references, it could influence the employer's decision. Talk with a career coach about your specific situation and how to navigate it moving forward.
You don’t know what you want. Sometimes people interview for jobs and they’re conflicted about; think about what you really want. Being authentic in the interview is important. We can sniff fake interest in conversations with each other, your mixed feelings may count against you.
Talk with a coach to get clear on what you want and don’t waste your time applying for jobs that don’t fit into your life.
It's common for highly qualified candidates to go through multiple conversations with potential employers before finding the right job match. Take each interview experience as a learning opportunity to improve your interview skills and job search strategy for future opportunities. While it is disheartening not to get an offer, keep in mind that YOU ARE NOT ALONE when it doesn’t work out, and it’s not always a reflection of your performance or abilities.
And certainly it’s never a reflector or predictor of your worth.
You are more than your job. Never confuse your work identity and your value as a human being.