Job hunting can be a challenging and intimidating experience. If you’re not finding immediate success, it is important to review your strategy and change some things that might not be working for you. If you’ve ever been turned down for a job, or have found yourself unemployed for a lengthy period, here are seven possible reasons why.

1. 7 Reasons
Why You‟re Not
Getting Hired
By Joya Martin

2. My Background
I started my career in 1997. I worked with
Big Four accounting firms Ernst &
Young, PwC and KPMG. I also worked in
high level finance positions in several
industries before making the switch to
General Manager.
In 2013, I was named „Corporate Leader of
the Year‟ for business performance and
innovative leadership. I now coach
executives and aspiring leaders.

3. Introduction
Job hunting can be a challenging and
intimidating experience. If you‟re not
finding immediate success, it is important to
review your strategy and change some
things that might not be working for you.
If you‟ve ever been turned down for a
job, or have found yourself unemployed for
a lengthy period, here are seven possible
reasons why.

4. 1. Sloppy Cover Letter
Make a good impression by addressing your letter to
the hiring manager by name.
Spelling errors, bad grammar, poor punctuation and
failing to sign a letter of application are all
immediate turnoffs. Always spell-check, and have a
trusted friend review.
Write a short paragraph explaining why you are the
ideal candidate and deserve an interview.
Cover letters only get a quick scan, so keep them
short and to the point.

5. 2. Boring Resume
Your resume should be like your own personal
billboard. It should say “I‟m the one, hire me!”
Most applicants prepare CVs that simply list their
work and educational history. Candidates don‟t stop
to consider how many similar pieces of paper will be
coming across the hiring manager‟s desk.
Stand out. Document what makes you unique, your
special skills, your outstanding
accomplishments, and the experience that makes
you ideally suited for the position .

6. 3. Employment Gaps
One of the biggest résumé turnoffs is gaps in your
employment history.
Don‟t be too picky. You should not wait too long after
completing studies trying to find a job. If you‟re an
experienced job candidate who is between jobs, don‟t
let too much time pass as you wait for a „suitable
position‟.
You‟re much more likely to find a job when you are in
one. Take the best job you can, and actively seek
something better. A year or more of unemployment is
a red flag for a potential employer.

7. 4. No Telephone Presence
One of my go-to hiring techniques is the 5-minute
phone interview. I don‟t feel comfortable about hiring
someone who can‟t impress me on the telephone.
Answer the phone in a friendly, confident and
professional manner. Be decisive in your responses. If
you can‟t take the call just then, politely offer to take a
number and return the call at a convenient time.
Be upbeat and enthusiastic. The hiring manager can‟t
see you; your voice is the only thing he or she has to
go on. Sounding disinterested or distracted during the
first phone call is a great way be crossed off the
interview list.

8. 5. Unclear About Strengths
Be clear on what makes you ideal for the job. Your
outstanding qualities should be a mix of academic or
intellectual qualities, personality strengths, and skills
gained through experience.
Before an interview, ask yourself what qualities it will
take to do well in the position, and how you can
confidently demonstrate your ability to do a good
job. You should be able to readily give examples of
your stellar traits through short, interesting anecdotes.
There must be consistency between what you have
written on your résumé and what you speak about
comfortably during an interview.

9. 6. Poor Interview Skills
Before the interview, prepare yourself well to show that
you have the skills required, and will be a good fit.
Review the details of the job opening. Find out about
the company culture. Try to experience its products and
services.
During the interview, listen carefully to questions. Avoid
rambling, irrelevant responses. Look directly at your
interviewer and maintain a relaxed but confident
posture. Mirror the tone and language used by the
interviewer. Ask clarifying questions.
Be bright and alert. You will generally not get hired if
you are not liked.

10. 7. No Follow Up
You are not the center of the interviewer‟s universe. As
many as ten or more candidates are often interviewed
for a single position.
Even if you were not the top choice during
interviews, following up can give you an edge. Send
an email thanking the hiring manager for the
interview, or offer contact information for your
references. A quick phone call to follow-up a week or
two afterward can help shift the decision in your favor.
Even if you are not hired for the position, making
contact gives you a connection with the
manager, and you may be considered in the future.

11. Thanks for
viewing.
I‟d love to connect with you!