WHY AM I STILL NOT GETTING THE JOB?

I’m doing everything right; I have a great CV, a great covering letter, my blog, Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook all represent my “Personal Brand” well.  I also present well at interview, and never apply for a job I couldn’t do.

Unfortunately, in this current climate, being good enough, just isn’t always enough to secure the job.  Many people are now experiencing long periods of unemployment for the very first time, and are finding job searching very frustrating.  

More than ever it’s vitally important to actively compete for a job.  This may appear unseemly to our typical British reserve but, with more applicants for every vacancy, each individual needs to find a way to distinguish themselves from their rivals.  In an ideal world there would be a job for everyone, according to their abilities and aspirations.  However, unfortunately there just aren’t enough vacancies to go around at the moment, which means that some people won’t be seeing a job offer letter anytime soon.

So you’ve made your application, with your great CV, and you have secured an interview.  How do you now make the most of this opportunity?  Firstly, do your homework.  If using an agency, ask your recruiter all about the company, the vacancy, why they are recruiting, and their expectations of the successful candidate.  Ask also about the interviewer or hiring manager; what are they like, their career background, their interview technique, and what do they like to see in an interview situation.  Ask also about the other employees of the company; where were they recruited from etc.  Linkedin, Twitter, and many other search tools can really help to give you a fuller picture of your prospective employer.  If you’re already working in the same industry, it’s likely that you already know, or have a connection to, someone who works there, now or previously.  This information is vital.

ASK FOR THE JOB

Again, in the interview itself, our British reserve can really hold us back.  Regardless of the chosen format of the interview, remember it’s a two-way conversation. Your role is to find out enough information to make a decision whether to accept this job, if offered.  In most interviews, the hiring manager believes that you already want the job, but you won’t really know until the end of the interview process.  If you’ve done your homework, and like what you see, then it’s essential to tell them.

“Mr Employer, from what you’ve told me about the company, and the job, and having now met with you, I want you to know that I am very interested in this position.  You have convinced me that I am a perfect match for this job, and I know I’d enjoy working here.  Can I ask, now that you know more about me, do you believe that I am capable of doing this job to your satisfaction?”

At this point, the interviewer will usually refer to the other candidates he has already seen, or has yet to see.

“I understand, but aside from other candidates, do I match your requirements for this job, and do you think I would fit in with your team?”

Sometimes an interviewer may have formed an objection in his mind, which he hasn’t mentioned, but that you might be able to overcome.

“Can I also ask, are there any reservations you might have about offering me this job?”

This can help to clear up points that would then otherwise be vital to the decision making process.

Interviewer: “Well, wouldn’t commuting from Bristol to Swindon every day be really difficult for you?”

“Actually, I’m originally from Swindon, and would be moving back straightaway, if I get the job.  How soon would you like me to start?”

These are only a few, of the many tips that an experienced recruiter should be able to give candidates, so that you will have the best chance possible of securing that job offer.  Interviews needn’t be your worst nightmare, and with a little planning, you will be able to compete with anyone.