Why You Didn’t Get Hired: 3 Common Reasons

Sometimes you see a job that looks perfect for you. You interview, it seems to go well, and then you get dinged! What happened? Below are three common scenarios I see:

1. Too much (boring) information. Lawyers often talk too much when they have done a lot of research and want to get all their points in. Read your audience, and engage the interviewer! Make the interview a conversation.
2. Muddled messaging. You need to stay on point and consider what the company cares about. Do you know the company’s business and what separates it from competitors? Did you concisely explain your relevant skills and how your work history leads to this company and this position? When asked what you are looking for or what you are best at, did you consider what the company wants? Are you a good cultural fit — did you come across as nervous or overly confident?
3. Your past catches up with you. Interviewers try to predict what you will do based on what you did before, so if you moved a lot, you need to explain why and how that won’t happen here. (This post can help with those explanations.) Also, because of LinkedIn, interviewers will back channel you. They see who they know in common with you and get their unfiltered opinion, all without your knowledge. This common practice can boost your chances or can sink you. So do a great job everywhere, and maintain your relationships.

Pro tip: If you developed rapport with your interviewer and still got dinged, try to reach out by phone and ask what happened. Make clear you are asking so you can improve. If you email your request, I highly doubt a lawyer will reply in writing since it’s likely against the company’s policy to give a reason.