Why You Didn’t Get the Job – Really

“The job was perfect for me.” “I was a perfect fit.” “The interview went great.”

You interviewed for the perfect position. It was an ideal match. You highlighted your qualifications in great detail. You shared compelling anecdotes about your achievements. You might even be the most impressive candidate they’ve ever met. And yet, you didn’t get the job. Why?

The answer is simple: it’s not about you.

I know this sounds harsh, but hear me out. Companies don’t hire people because they need jobs or have great resumes. People get hired because the company believes they can solve a problem. Successful candidates use the interview process to position themselves as the best solution to the hiring manager’s problem.

How Do Successful Candidates Do This?

They focus on what matters most to the company. Here are key strategies they use:

1. Prioritize the Company’s Needs: They use the limited time in an interview to address the employer’s priorities, not just their own experiences. Instead of delivering long-winded answers, they keep their responses concise and impactful. They also ask clarifying questions to uncover the hiring manager’s key challenges.
2. Qualify the Opportunity Early: For example, when faced with the common opener, “Tell me about yourself,” a successful candidate responds with a brief summary of their background, followed by a question like: “Can you share more about what you’re hoping to achieve with this position? I’d like to tailor my answers to what’s most important to you.” This sets the stage for a meaningful conversation that benefits both parties.
3. Position Themselves as the Solution: By understanding the company’s specific challenges, successful candidates frame their skills and experiences as direct solutions. This approach helps hiring managers see the practical benefits of bringing them on board.

Think Like a Salesperson

When I share this concept with people in sales, it’s often a lightbulb moment. Sales reps don’t walk into a customer’s office and rattle off every feature of their product. Instead, they qualify the opportunity by asking questions to understand the customer’s needs. Then, they present their product as the solution to the problem.

The interview process works the same way. Your skills, experiences, and abilities are the product. The hiring manager is the customer. Solve their problem, and you close the deal.

The Bottom Line

Remember, landing the job isn’t about proving you’re the best candidate in general. It’s about showing you’re the best candidate for their needs. By shifting your mindset and approach, you’ll stand out as the candidate who truly understands what it takes to succeed in the role.

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