Why didn't I get hired?

Scenario:? There are 2 unemployed but highly qualified candidates interviewing for the same job.? One gets chosen and the other declined.?

Question:? What was the determining factor?

Answer:? If the candidates are equally qualified, it often comes down to attitude.? It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

There are two types of people – Positive/Optimists, and Negative/Pessimists. (that is simplifying it a bit for my point)

A positive/optimist will get laid off and regardless of the hard knocks, will keep smiling, keep trying, and present themselves well in an interview.? They have a “go get em” attitude.? They don’t complain, they create solutions. ?They don’t get angry, they get motivated. Even when they chips are down, they have faith that things will turn around.

The negative/pessimist will get laid off, be angry, ruminate on the unfairness and get bitter.? When they interview this attitude is apparent, even if they try to mask it.? They will make negative remarks about their situation, they will post on social media about how slighted they are that they haven’t found a job even though they have outstanding qualifications. They will belittle recruiters and hiring managers for not selecting them and continue to wonder why they are not getting a job given how highly qualified they are.

I have immense empathy for anyone who unexpectedly loses their job.? I have been in that situation myself in the past.? That experience has helped me see things from different perspectives in my career as a recruiter. Over the years I've noticed that attitude often is the determining factor for the hiring managers. Hiring Managers are not only seeking highly qualified individuals for their team, they're seeking someone who will bring the right mind-set to the job.