The Top 10 Reasons You Didn't Get the Job

I've been a staffing consultant for 15 years. Before that, I was in management, so I often had to interview and hire staff. After 30 years of combined experience, I've "seen it all." I'd like to offer my top 10 reasons that candidates don't get the job they thought they were perfect for (in no order of importance).

1. Unrealistic salary expectations

Understanding the job market and what you bring is incredibly important. I regularly get resumes from candidates who post salary expectations that are 3X the average. Those candidates are often unemployed or not even in the field they apply for, so there is a disconnect. Could you make sure you do your homework and be realistic about your salary expectations?

2. Inability to sell oneself

There is no realistic way to indicate how many candidates I've met and interviewed over the years, but the number is significant. One of the biggest surprises of my career would be how unable some candidates are to "sell" themselves. Here's a tip: The best candidates don't get the job; the ones that market themselves the best do. It's that simple. Know what your personal brand is, be sure to "pitch yourself" (the elevator pitch), and describe how you can serve the employer's needs precisely.

3. Bad online presence

This one's another big shocker. If you don't already know, 93% of employers will do an internet search on you at some point during the interview process. That usually comes sooner, not later. That's because they want to refrain from interviewing you if you're a possible liability to the company. Hundreds (maybe thousands) of online articles talk about how employees got fired over social media posts. If a recruiter Googles your name and finds controversial material, you will likely get passed over.

4. Poor video interview skills

Many employers will do a video interview first in this new day and age. This saves time and money. Some of my experiences are so raunchy that I literally can't even write about them here, but I will give some of the PG-13 ones: I once had a candidate do a video interview with me, and the camera was on the side of her head, so I was looking at her ear. On another occasion, a man had a dirty pair of underwear on the floor behind him. Neither of them passed to the second round.

5. You’ve fallen behind the times

We have all heard the phrase: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I want to be clear that this doesn't apply to "older" applicants; it applies to everyone. So, my message is still the same whether you are in your 30s or 60s: Ensure you're constantly engaging in professional development. The world is changing a mile a minute, and keeping up with the times is essential. Always be working toward bettering yourself because HR managers and recruiters like seeing applicants working toward being better at their jobs.

6. Flirting with the interviewer

You might be laughing to yourself right now and thinking this is silly. Indeed, it is. I've had applicants flirt with me. Both men and women are guilty of this. Remember that it's a job interview, not a date. Please don't push the boundaries and think that being cute is a good idea because it isn't.

7. Having a cocky attitude

There is an excellent line between confidence and arrogance. When I do career coaching with candidates, I sometimes have to "talk them off the ledge" because they cross the line and dive into the over-confident realm. Because I deal a lot with elite personal assistants and estate managers who serve celebrities and billionaires, I tell candidates not to rest on one's laurels. I look at it like this: Some actors on huge sitcoms never work again after the show. When you're looking for work, be humble. It's a lot more attractive than the alternative, I promise.

8. Bad email address

Here's another silly one that you won't believe. Talk to any recruiter about this, and they will tell you that no day passes when they don't get a submission from a candidate with a head-slapping, ridiculous email address. Remember that part of your professional identity is how potential employers perceive you, and having "[email protected] " will be fine with human resources.

9. Extended unemployment

I know the world isn't fair, and I'm realistic about that. Unfortunately, some employers I have spoken with over the past told me that they didn't want me to send them unemployed candidates. For the record, I won't work with employers like that. It's not about the money; I did ask them why they felt that way. They said, "If nobody else wants them, we don't either." It's cruel, but it is a good reminder that you don't want to be too selective in waiting for the "perfect job" because if too much time passes, it can be a difficult obstacle to overcome.

10. Disrespecting your current or previous employer

You may be working in a toxic work environment, and that's why you're leaving, but you can't say that in an interview. This "rule" is as old as the hills: Never badmouth your previous employers. You can find a clever way to present your dissatisfaction. "I'm looking to expand my opportunities" or "The opportunities to move up were not as prevalent as I'd hoped" are pretty good solutions.