Getting a job offer can sometimes feel like searching for Big Foot or the Loch Ness Monster. It can elude you at every step, no matter how much preparation and effort you put forth. It can be discouraging to spend weeks and even months searching, applying and interviewing for jobs and then not getting the job offer.
When your job search seems to be going nowhere, it’s time to ask some very important questions. Why aren’t the applications converting into interviews? Why didn’t I get a follow-up interview? And most importantly, why didn’t I get the job offer?
5 Common Reasons for Not Getting the Job Offer
You are using the “shotgun” approach.
Are you applying for any and every job you come across? Are you using a few key words in your search and then applying without ever really reading the job description? Regardless of your reasons for using the “shotgun” approach when applying for jobs, you are probably just wasting your time and everyone else’s. John Hopkinson, a writer for Salary.com suggests that job hunters use a “sniper” approach instead of the all too common “shotgun” approach when searching for a job. What he means by this is that you should sharpen the focus on your job search by analyzing your goals, qualifications and connections. Don’t just apply willy-nilly for jobs you may not even want.
You lack qualifications.
Do you apply for jobs when you don’t have the qualifications? Are you hoping that the manager or recruiter will overlook the fact that you lack more than half of the required job skills? Did you embellish your experience on your resume? Sure, you may somehow get an interview, but the truth will most likely come out at that time and the job offer will never come. Instead, take the time to go through the job requirements and then honestly ask yourself if you have the majority of those skills. A general rule of thumb is that you should have a minimum of 60% of the required qualifications before applying for a job.
You want too much.
Are you asking $50K for an entry-level position? Do you require four weeks of vacation time? While it is important to get the best offer possible when looking for a job, it is also important to be real about your expectations. Do you have the experience and skills needed that will allow you to negotiate your salary and benefits? Are you willing to take a step back before you take a step forward? In other words, are you willing to start at a lower salary and then earn raises as you prove your worth? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when filling out a job application. All too often, putting too high of a required salary on your application will get you to the shred pile instead of the interview pile. Remember, you may have to take a pay cut, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for some time. Monster.com published a great article that further examines when it’s okay to take a cut in pay.
You are not prepared for the interview.
You may have the art of the job search down. You may be perfectly qualified for a job and have gotten dozens of interviews, but that job offer is still not coming. If you fit into this category, you need to ask yourself if you were properly prepared for the interview. If you are at a loss every time you are asked to give examples of work situations that prove your qualifications, you probably need to do some more preparing ahead of time. While every company has it’s own way of doing things, most recruiters and managers will ask a basic set of questions to get a better idea of what you bring to the table. They do this with situational questions.
Situational questions ask for very specific details about your previous experience. For instance, you may be asked to name a time when you had to take on a task with which you had no experience. There are actually three specific sections to these types of questions and it is important to address each section. First – give the specific situation which applies to the question. Second – give a detailed answer on what was done within that situation. And third – explain the outcome of the situation.
You can prepare for these types of questions by having a thorough understanding of the job requirements before going to the interview. By knowing what your duties will be, you can get an idea of what types of situational questions may be asked. U.S. News & World Report offers some additional advice on preparing your interview answers in advance.
You didn’t follow-up.
A simple thank-you note can go a long way in getting a job offer. While handwritten notes add a personal touch, most people are satisfied with an email. Following up on your interview tells the manager(s) that you are truly interested in this position and that you appreciate the time they took to meet with you. It also serves as an opportunity to remind the interviewer why you are the best fit for the job and stand out one more time.
Getting a job offer is the ultimate goal of any job search. SB Checks offers insight into why that offer may not be coming. Call (888) 725-2535 today to hear about all of our services. To be proactive and check your own background check report, please visit www.clearcandidate.com.