It just may be your resume that is letting you down!!
Here are a few tips to working your way through the disappointment of not being successful in obtaining that job! There are varying levels of unsuccessful… your application may have been culled at the written stage, or at the interview stage. Either way, it will have an impact on you. Sadly, all too often, many employers and agencies don’t even inform you of the outcome.
Applying for a job is an emotional, financial and an investment in time – all valuable! You will have quite a bit of “buy-in” and your care factor and anticipation rating is usually high.
Let’s assume you made it to interview and you really gave it your all! You walked away feeling confident, but sadly, you got “the” dreaded call that announced you have been unsuccessful.
What can you do to lessen the trauma? Here are some strategies that may help.
- Ask what you could have done to improve your application
- Don’t get angsty, negative or nasty with the messenger, remain polite and courteous
- NEVER call to “have a go” ask yourself first “what is the point?” “ What will be achieved by upsetting them?”
- Remember that all interviewers perceive candidates differently and often they make final decisions (rightly or wrongly) based on gut feel.
- Sometimes feedback is minimal if not, completely absent, just soldier on and know that you were successful at obtaining an interview and that means that many were not.
- Research has shown that out of 100 applications, there will only be 4 or 5 that make it to interview – so you were chosen!
- Sometimes candidates more accustomed and experienced at being interviewed pipped you at the post, this does always mean that they are the better applicant. Practice and fine tune your interviewing skills!
- Treat yourself.. spoil yourself…eat a chocolate – whatever floats your boat
- call a friend – debrief and most of all – RELAX!
Lastly and most importantly, send a thank you card or letter…. This will form a further positive memory of you!
Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire