Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Career advice articles litter the internet, but maybe it is time to face the cold hard truth about why you did not get the job you applied for.
Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions provides some insights for career seekers:
You fooled yourself, but you can’t fool us
- You do not have the qualifications and skills required for the job.
“No amount of smooth talking or charm can hide the fact that you do not meet the minimum requirements of the job, especially in an interview or when assessments are conducted,” says Vittee.
- Your references were either not available or unsuitable. Nominating a colleague, friend or family member as a reference holds no merit.
References need to be individuals who are able to give an unbiased and accurate account of your skills and behaviour, ideally a direct management or in positions of authority.
- Unexplained big gaps in your employment record will never go unnoticed.
Provide honest reasons as to why you were or are out of work and be prepared to discuss these in an interview.
Your online reputation preceded you
Let’s be honest here, every recruiter or potential employer will search your name on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other similar sites.
This will not necessarily be to dig up dirt, but to look at how highly you regard your own image and reputation and, therefore, how respectfully you will look after theirs.
“Ensure that your privacy settings are set on your social media profiles and be careful about what you make public. Remember, what goes online, stays online,” says Vittee.
You were rude
- You arrived late for your interview. Even a few minutes late is not on.
Very often the interviewer has other interviews scheduled before and after yours and your poor timekeeping messes with theirs.
- You dressed inappropriately. Poor attire and lack of care for how you look shows disrespect and can make the worst kind of first impression.
- You were too familiar too soon. A professional greeting is so important. "Hi", "howzit", "what’s up" and a fist bump do not qualify.
- Your body language was all-wrong.
“So much can be said without words,” says Vittee. “Arms folded, wondering eyes, fidgeting or tapping your foot. All send out unspoken messages.”
- Be sure to present yourself confidently, positively and honestly.
- Badmouthing your previous employer is an absolute no-no.
You were unprepared
- You did not do your homework on the company and your silly questions revealed that.
Find out all you can about your potential employer.
- You had nothing to ask.
“This not only shows that you are not taking this opportunity seriously, it shows that you are not taking your career seriously," says Vittee.
"Prepare questions that demonstrate that you did your research and that you have some knowledge and insight into the business, the industry and how well you can contribute to both.”
You were too money hungry
- You asked about salary too soon. Let the interviewer be the first to raise the subject of remuneration and only if they don’t, do you.
- Your salary expectations were unrealistic.
“Look at salary surveys and industry reports on what the average salary for your job type and seniority is, this will give you sound support for your expectations,” says Vittee.
- You didn’t say thank you
You did not send an email to the interviewer saying thank you for his or her time.
This is also a great way to remind him or her of you and ensure they have your correct contact information at hand.
Some reasons have nothing to do with you:
In these cases you should not take the rejection personally, but in all other cases, do – it’s your career after all.
- The job was cancelled because of budget or organisational issues;
- The job was filled internally;
- You are not a cultural match to the organisation;
"As much as the truth hurts, it empowers. Now go get that job," says Vittee.
- Fin24
Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions provides some insights for career seekers:
You fooled yourself, but you can’t fool us
- You do not have the qualifications and skills required for the job.
“No amount of smooth talking or charm can hide the fact that you do not meet the minimum requirements of the job, especially in an interview or when assessments are conducted,” says Vittee.
- Your references were either not available or unsuitable. Nominating a colleague, friend or family member as a reference holds no merit.
References need to be individuals who are able to give an unbiased and accurate account of your skills and behaviour, ideally a direct management or in positions of authority.
- Unexplained big gaps in your employment record will never go unnoticed.
Provide honest reasons as to why you were or are out of work and be prepared to discuss these in an interview.
Your online reputation preceded you
Let’s be honest here, every recruiter or potential employer will search your name on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other similar sites.
This will not necessarily be to dig up dirt, but to look at how highly you regard your own image and reputation and, therefore, how respectfully you will look after theirs.
“Ensure that your privacy settings are set on your social media profiles and be careful about what you make public. Remember, what goes online, stays online,” says Vittee.
You were rude
- You arrived late for your interview. Even a few minutes late is not on.
Very often the interviewer has other interviews scheduled before and after yours and your poor timekeeping messes with theirs.
- You dressed inappropriately. Poor attire and lack of care for how you look shows disrespect and can make the worst kind of first impression.
- You were too familiar too soon. A professional greeting is so important. "Hi", "howzit", "what’s up" and a fist bump do not qualify.
- Your body language was all-wrong.
“So much can be said without words,” says Vittee. “Arms folded, wondering eyes, fidgeting or tapping your foot. All send out unspoken messages.”
- Be sure to present yourself confidently, positively and honestly.
- Badmouthing your previous employer is an absolute no-no.
You were unprepared
- You did not do your homework on the company and your silly questions revealed that.
Find out all you can about your potential employer.
- You had nothing to ask.
“This not only shows that you are not taking this opportunity seriously, it shows that you are not taking your career seriously," says Vittee.
"Prepare questions that demonstrate that you did your research and that you have some knowledge and insight into the business, the industry and how well you can contribute to both.”
You were too money hungry
- You asked about salary too soon. Let the interviewer be the first to raise the subject of remuneration and only if they don’t, do you.
- Your salary expectations were unrealistic.
“Look at salary surveys and industry reports on what the average salary for your job type and seniority is, this will give you sound support for your expectations,” says Vittee.
- You didn’t say thank you
You did not send an email to the interviewer saying thank you for his or her time.
This is also a great way to remind him or her of you and ensure they have your correct contact information at hand.
Some reasons have nothing to do with you:
In these cases you should not take the rejection personally, but in all other cases, do – it’s your career after all.
- The job was cancelled because of budget or organisational issues;
- The job was filled internally;
- You are not a cultural match to the organisation;
"As much as the truth hurts, it empowers. Now go get that job," says Vittee.
- Fin24
