Always An Interview, Never A Job Offer

Perhaps you’ve been wondering, what’s wrong with me? When you apply for employment, you get invited for interviews, but you have yet to hear the words “Congratulations, you’ve got the job.” Not getting the job might have several reasons.

Your Qualifications

Have you considered that you may be over qualified for the positions you are applying for? You may not have a problem taking a job that is below your qualifications, but employers might feel differently. They might suspect that once something better comes along, you might quit and they will have to start looking for your replacement all over again. They just aren’t willing to take a chance.

Then again, you might not have the necessary qualifications. Not every employer is willing to train a new employee when they have their pick of people with years of experience.

Your Salary Expectations

Money is another factor that can undermine your chances of getting the job. If you ask for too little you might be under selling yourself; if you ask for too much, the company might not be able to afford you. Avoid talking about money during an interview and if pressed for a figure, mention a minimum and a maximum range. This gives the employer room to negotiate.

Your Age

Age discrimination is against the law, but sometimes an employer has to think ahead and consider if a mature employee will be happy surrounded by much younger colleagues. You may think this is unfair, but how would you feel being around people, day in and day out if you have nothing in common?

The opposite could also be true if you were being considered for a job with a mature staff and you don’t have the same level of experience.

Your Personality

Being happy at work largely depends on getting along with your superiors as well as fellow employees. Compatibility is a requirement for productivity. Next time you hear “Sorry, you’re not the right fit,” don’t feel frustration, maybe there is some truth to the statement.

It’s the interviewer’s job to get a feel for your personality. He or she may very well ask any previous employers you list specific questions about your personality and whether or not you were a team player.

The Interview

Or maybe there is another reason for feeling that you fall into the category of “always an interview never a job offer.” If you’re getting interviews you obviously have a good resume and a winning cover letter. Perhaps your interview skills need some work.

- Do you show up on time? Being late for an interview is inexcusable. If you find it difficult finding your way to a new and strange location, visit the company ahead of time. Not only will you be familiar with the site, but you will know how long it takes to get there.

- Do you present yourself well? For a corporate job, a business suit and appropriate shoes that match your outfit are preferable. Keep your hair well groomed and not in an extreme style, wear a minimal amount of jewelry, apply make-up with a light hand, and take it easy on the perfume.

Try to keep your spirits up and never give up! Sooner or later you will hear the words “Congratulations, you’ve got the job.” In the meantime, keep up your technical skills and polish your resume and cover letter. When in doubt, having someone look at your resume and ask for feedback. You might think that your resume tells everything about you, your qualifications and experience, but a fresh pair of eyes might be able to point out flaws. Success if often in the details.