Job searching can be hard, especially in these times. It is also hard to keep searching when you keep getting rejected. Sometimes it can be hard to understand a rejection, so here are 5 possible reasons why you didn’t get the job.

  1. You Did Not Have the Correct Qualifications on Your Resume

When you submit your resume to an employer, your resume should list all (or most) of the same skills that the job description lists. If you do have the skills and experience required for the job, make sure you list those in an obvious way. If you do not, apply for a job that more closely matches the skills listed in your resume. Read our blog on five ways to strengthen your resume here!

  1. They Saw What You Posted on Social Media

Yes, the rumor is true, employers do look at the social media of their candidates! You always need to be mindful of what you are posting on social media. Even if your profile is private there is always a chance that your potential employer may see it. Who knows, maybe they are a friend of a friend on your Facebook! Maybe that post you shared was funny to you and your friends, but it may not have been that funny to the employer.

  1. Your Interview Didn’t Go Very Well

Interviews are crucial to the hiring process. They are the first impression that your employer has with you and one of the only ways they can tell if you are fit for the job. Make sure that you research the company before your interview, show up at least 15 minutes early, dress to impress, practice active listening during the interview, and ask questions after the interview.

  1. The Company Decided to Put the Job Opening on Hold

While these times are so uncertain, many companies may find themselves unable to hire new employees. Whether it’s a money issue or their office isn’t open due to COVID-19, it may not be anything about you as a candidate, maybe they realized right now isn’t the best time to hire another employee.

  1. You Never Followed Up

Many job seekers may not realize this, but sometimes employers are waiting for you to contact them first, instead of vice versa. After you apply, follow up a few days to a week later expressing your interest in the position with a phone call or an email. After your interview, send a thank you note, and make a phone call a week later if you have not heard anything. Do not call more than once during a week to ask about the status of your application. Yes, eagerness can be good, but you don’t want to be bothersome.

The most important thing to remember is to not give up hope in your job search. We talked about staying motivated during a job search in a recent blog that you can read here. In the end, sometimes you will never know why you weren’t chosen for the job. The best thing you can do is not take it personally and keep applying.

Continue your job search here, where you will see our full list of jobs, and apply, apply, apply!