What You’ll Learn: Find out common reasons why you might not be getting job offers. Plus, explore signs that you didn’t get the job, how to follow up, and tips to improve your job search strategy to land a role that helps you thrive.
There are multiple answers to the question “Why am I not getting hired?” It may be due to a lack of skills or experience, a resume that hasn’t been tailored to the role, a history of frequent job hopping, or simply not following up after the interview. Often, however, there are multiple factors at play.
From polishing your resume to updating your skills to going through multiple interviews, the application process can be complex. As such, trying to get hired in this historically tough job market can be anxiety-provoking. Wondering why you didn’t land the role after multiple interviews—especially if those interviews went well—only adds to the pressure.
Developing a sense of curiosity, however, about why you’re not getting job offers can help improve your job search strategies and, in turn, your odds of being hired.
Common Reasons You’re Not Getting Hired
Given how many things there are to consider when looking for a job, it’s understandable if you forget a key step or two. Maybe you didn’t tailor your resume to the position, didn’t ask for feedback or didn’t follow up.
Yet, it’s a competitive job market, meaning each step is vital. AI is displacing certain jobs and companies are cutting costs. While factors like these may be beyond our control, there are steps that can help you move forward in the job-seeking process.
Let’s look at some common reasons for not getting hired and cover tips for navigating these common issues.
1. You Didn’t Tailor Your Resume to the Position
Recruiters want to see applicants who have the skills mentioned in the job listing. As such, it’s important to tailor your resume to the role’s requirements. The only way to do that is to carefully read the job description—from top to bottom—ensuring you understand which of your skill set should be included or expanded upon in your application.
When considering how to construct a resume, it’s all about adding those keyword skills from the job description throughout your resume. Not doing this may be a significant factor in why you’re not getting hired.
2. Lack of Relevant Experience or Skills
Not getting hired may come down to your current skill set or experience. Lacking the specific traits listed in the description itself may be why you didn’t get the job.
So, what’s the fix? Consider your ideal role—and ask yourself whether your current skills and experience truly match. If they don’t, it can be helpful to explore taking online courses. Could volunteer work help you gain some of the necessary experience to show you can do the job? Do you need to take a refresher course to show your skills are current and relevant? Consider the various ways you can gain or update your skill sets and experience; acting on this can help ensure you’re a stronger candidate for the next role you apply for.
3. You Didn’t Follow Up or Ask for Feedback
Are you wondering why you didn’t get the job after a great interview? Some interviewers frown on applicants who don’t send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. You may also be able to ask for feedback during the interviewing process, especially if there will be multiple interviews.
If you’re interviewing for a job with multiple interview stages, Harvard Business Review recommends that you write a thank-you email after every stage. These are important to send to those you interviewed with, but also, the recruiter. Reaching out to the recruiter can also help open up opportunities for future roles and interviews.
4. Too Much Job Hopping
How long do you typically stay with one company? If it’s around a year, you’re not alone—especially if you’re a Millennial or Gen Zer. However, it’s important to remember that some employers view the practice of job hopping with suspicion.
While changing careers or roles frequently isn’t viewed as negatively as it once was, it can still potentially be a red flag. Job hopping can be costly to companies, as they will need to find and train a new employee. As a result, some recruiters will avoid hiring job-hoppers unless they find information that could offset their cost and risk.
It’s important to show a hiring manager your potential value to the business. Demonstrate what you will bring to the company, and how it will outweigh the cost you’ll generate. You can do that by adding quantifiable accomplishments to your resume.
For example:
- Generated $5,000 in cost savings after negotiating a new contract with vendors
- Increased sales by 15 percent after implementing automated email campaigns
Give the impression that you’ll generate fantastic value for the company, even if it’s only for a short time.
5. You’re Overqualified for the Position
Let’s say you applied for a lower-ranking position to have a better work-life balance. You might not have gotten the job because your resume confused the recruiters. Why would you apply for a job that’s at a lower level than your current career path?
It’s best to anticipate such confusion. Tell the hiring manager that you know what you’re applying for and you have your reasons. You can do that in a well-written resume summary and cover letter.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t work as a barista after graduation. But consider taking on extra work that’s in line with your career path—even if it’s unpaid. This can include internships or volunteer, nonprofit, and freelance roles. Put that experience at the top of your resume to show that you’ve developed your primary skill set despite any setbacks.
6. You’re Unemployed or Have Gaps in Your Resume
Another reason people may be bypassed for interviews or job offers is because of a lack of current employment or gaps in work history. These can sometimes be a red flag to recruiters or hiring managers.
So what can you do? Consider leveraging contacts and connections. Give your resume to someone who knows that you’re worth it. Start by building a LinkedIn profile and leveraging your network to look for open positions and referrals. Around 40 percent of all hires come from job referrals, even though they make up only 7 percent of applications. If someone vouches for you from the inside, you’re much more likely to land the job.
If you don’t have an inside connection, consider contacting a hiring manager without a referral. Send a message via LinkedIn that offers something of value and provides a convincing reason to connect. Once you’ve made positive contact, you can send your resume directly to the hiring manager along with a personalized email.
You can also be prepared to be honest and transparent about the reasons for your unemployment, without going into unnecessary detail. Use the opportunity to talk about transferable skills you learned, such as adaptability or resilience.
7. Timing Can Play a Role
Although it can vary by industry and other factors, timing can play a role in why you didn’t get hired. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, January and February tend to be the months with the most job opportunities. However, keep in mind that there are a multitude of aspects that can impact the timing. Though the timing can be due to factors beyond your control, applying soon after you identify a job posting that fits your skills can be a smart step.
8. AI Could Be Impacting Your Job Search
One possible answer to the question, “Why can’t I get hired?” could be AI. The impacts of AI on recruiting and hiring are widespread. AI displacement is playing a major role in people not getting hired. Along with fewer entry-level positions being available, jobs in certain industries and specific types of jobs are also dwindling. Fortune highlights the fact that tech jobs have been halved, leaving many new grads in this sector with fewer job opportunities. Many Fortune 500 companies are using AI in their screening process, impacting whether your resume and application even make it to the eyes of the hiring manager.
To combat this, ensure your resume is AI-friendly. Learn new skills that cannot be replaced by AI, such as areas that require creativity and critical thinking. Build a personal brand and develop skills that can help set you apart from the competition.
10. Disconnects Between Job Seekers and Employers Can Impact Hiring
In today’s competitive and fast-paced job climate, there may be disconnects between employees and potential job seekers that make it harder for people to get hired. For example, unclear job descriptions could lead to applicants who aren’t quite the right fit. Employers are also raising the bar, requiring more experience and more skills, even where job seekers may not realize it, such as for entry-level roles.
To combat this, research roles and companies carefully to make sure you’re clear on roles and expectations when you apply. Build your skill set so you have a valuable mix of hard and soft skills to offer employers. Consider leveraging your network to gain insight into what the company is looking for, if possible.
Signs You Didn’t Get the Job & What to Do Next
While you shouldn’t jump to conclusions, there are certain signs that you may not be hired for a job you interviewed for. Here are some examples.
You Don’t Hear Back for an Extended Period
If you don’t hear back from the company or interviewer within a couple of weeks, there is a strong chance you didn’t get the job. In some cases, the interviewer will tell you the date by which you should hear back. If you don’t hear from them by then, you probably won’t get hired.
The Interview Was Unexpectedly Short
If the interview seemed much shorter than you expected it to be, that could be a sign that another candidate is going to be chosen.
The Interviewer Didn’t Seem Interested
Did the interviewer seem bored by your resume or what you had to say? This is often an indication that you’re unlikely to join the team.
When you realize you didn’t get the job, it’s important to make a positive decision to move forward with the job search. Put your disappointment to one side and regain your sense of optimism in looking for other opportunities.
How to Ask “Why I Didn’t Get the Job?” After an Interview
If you want to know why you didn’t get the job, here are some ways to ask while maintaining a professional and tactful tone.
Wait for the Right Time
Did the interviewer mention when you would hear back after the interview? If so, you should wait until after that date before you contact them. Generally speaking, after you send your thank-you note (within 24 hours of the interview), you should wait about two weeks before you follow up.
Be Professional
Maintain a friendly and professional tone when asking why you didn’t get the job. Being courteous and professional can go a long way, whether it’s through email, phone calls, or some other form of communication.
Ask for Constructive Feedback
Frame the question as a request for feedback, so that you can improve and have a better chance at future opportunities.
How to Improve Your Job Search Strategy
To improve your job search strategy and potential chances of getting hired, there are a few things you can do:
- Apply for jobs that are the best fit for your skill set.
- Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the role. Your resume should be scannable, as well as ATS and AI-friendly.
- Don’t just use job boards. Try networking, leveraging connections, attending job fairs, or reaching out to companies directly.
- Continue to grow current skills and develop new ones, especially those that can’t be replaced by AI.
- Showcase your skills and talents by building a strong digital presence. Build your personal brand and consider joining professional networks or associations for visibility and connections.
Moving Forward and Persevering in a Tough Job Market
“Why am I not getting hired?” is a common question, especially in this historically challenging job market. Many factors play a part in your job search. But no matter when you find yourself navigating the job market, keep growing and keep moving forward. Adaptability, flexibility, and continuous improvement can help set yourself up for success in finding the right job.
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