10 reasons why you didnt get the job -

10 reasons why you didnt get the job - Youll probably never know exactly why you didnt get the job. If youre like most  job seekers, it will remain an unsolved mystery. Most employers do not provide useful feedback for fear of legal ramifications or other hostile actions on the part of unhired applicants. That said, there are typical reasons that may explain why you did not get the job: Your  resume didnt make a clear case  for your qualifications. You did not articulate a connection between your skills and accomplishments and the employers needs. Its likely that a computer scanning system, known as an  applicant tracking system, reviewed your  resume for keywords  and phrases necessary to match you to the employers needs. Even if it is very clear to you that youre well suited for the job, its your responsibility to make sure that you demonstrate your skills and accomplishments in your resume. Do not rely on a cover letter or any other documentation you may send with your application to describe key reasons why you are well suited to the job. Its possible your target employer will not even see that information until you pass the resume screen. There were  grammatical or spelling errors  on your application materials. This complaint often comes up when employers and recruiters gripe about job seekers. Especially if you are applying for a job that involves writing letters or correspondence, such as an administrative assistant, one typo or error can make the difference between landing an interview or not. Its difficult to proofread something you wrote yourself, so consider asking an eagle-eyed friend to  review your cover letter  and resume before you send them in. Alternatively, try to read your resume backwards. Of course, always spell-check your work, but be aware that spell-check doesnt pick up every error. You were unqualified or overqualified.  This is another common recruiter complaint. Many job seekers apply for every job that seems reasonable to them, but employers may consider the candidate ill-suited to the job. As a rule, do not expect interviews as a result of applying for positions  you are overqualified  or not quite qualified to do. Employers filled the position internally. Sometimes, employers advertise jobs they intend to fill internally. When this happens, you never had a chance at an interview, anyway. Its frustrating for job seekers, but an unfortunate fact of the job search. You already  are  asking for special favors in the interview stage. Consider this  an interview killer.  If you seem demanding or inflexible during the interview stage, assume the employer will worry about how youd act once you have the job. You didnt seem very interested  during the interview.  Once you win an interview, you have a lot more control over your chances to land a job. While you dont want to be overly solicitous, as employers may interpret that as desperation, you should muster energy and some enthusiasm for the job. When you describe your skills and why you are a good fit, make sure you communicate your interest and that you dont come off as a cold fish. Your interviewer will be looking for examples of specific skills in your answers, but he or she is also evaluating your personality and deciding if it is a fit for the team. You dont do a good job distinguishing your personal contributions in your current or previous job. During the interview, you dont want to take 100 percent credit for everything in your work history, but its important to avoid too much we language when you talk about what youve done in the past. Make it clear what accomplishments you own and separate them from the teams accomplishments. You said something inappropriate in the interview.  Did you let it slip that your boss was a real jerk? Did you make an off-handed comment putting down a team member? Did you get a little too comfortable in a lunch interview and use language more appropriate for the locker room than the boardroom? Even in an informal environment, dont let your guard down during an interview: everything you say can, and will, be held against you. Your references were unenthusiastic.  Do not underestimate the value of a strong work reference. If you come close on every job, but dont wind up with an offer,  rethink your references.  Could they be saying something that causes the employer to hesitate? Consider identifying new people to vouch for you. Employers found inappropriate or  questionable information about you online. Expect employers to Google your name and to find photos and  comments posted on social media profiles. If there is anything online that may cause the employer to question your judgment, expect the hiring manager to take a pass instead of a chance on hiring you. Originally published on AOLjobs.com