You just knocked out the first round of interviews for a job that’s really piqued your interest. Overall, you feel that the meeting went well, and you are expecting an invitation for that second-round interview. But sadly, your phone never rings. From updating your resume to applying to the job, all that hard work can be an anxiety-filled process that drains a lot of your energy.
Many people, however, struggle with receiving a second interview, and it is a lot more common than you think. That is why we are here to help! Understanding why you are not getting a callback will help you become a better interviewer, and ultimately, achieve your career goals. Here are four possible reasons you are not getting a second interview and some suggestions to help you land that job!
Not a good fit for the job
When applying for a job, you may not check off every box the hiring manager is looking for in a candidate. This can also occur during an initial interview as you start to provide the hiring team more insight. You may have failed to cover all the areas they are looking for in an ideal candidate during your conversation. As a result, that second interview goes out the door.
Before you apply for a new job, always ask yourself if you are a good fit for this role. Carefully read through the job description and decide whether your skills and backgrounds match up. We are not saying you have to meet every point on the job description, but if there are significant holes and your transferrable skills don’t fill these gaps, you may want to pass on this opportunity. Thus, ignore jobs that don’t match your skill sets to save you a lot of heartbreak and improve your success rate in the future.
For more help with this step, check out our interview tips here!
You didn’t send a thank-you note
Failing to send a thank-you note is a mistake many people make after an initial interview. After each interview, it’s essential to send a thank-you message to the hiring team to show your gratitude and reaffirm your interest in the role. Did you know that 68% of hiring managers and recruiters are influenced in their hiring decisions because of a thank-you note? This study shows a considerable advantage to those who send one after their initial interview. Thus, if you are not getting a second interview, it’s time to start sending thank-you notes!
Take a look at our guide for crafting the perfect post-interview thank-you note.
You interrupted too much
Sometimes, you may catch yourself talking more than actively listening to the hiring team when you get into the first interview. This tendency is most likely due to nerves, being anxious, and the desire to illustrate your excitement. To combat this, the acronym PIE (or passionate, interested, and engaged) can keep you on track in nailing the initial interview. Hiring managers tend to look for these three qualities in prospective employees. As you have conversations with hiring managers, keep this acronym in mind to ensure you are effectively communicating and leaving a strong impression.
You didn’t give them the right story
It is vital to relate your skills, experience, and other qualifications back to the job in an interview. To do this effectively, you must carefully review the job description. Just like tailoring your resume to the job, you must tailor your answers to common interview questions to emphasize how you are a good fit for the position. By not telling hiring managers the “right story,” you aren’t communicating how you can add value to the team, which can steer you away from getting a callback.
Check out these tips on how to stand out in an interview to curate the best story possible!
Are you looking for more interview advice?
Failing to progress through the interview process can be disheartening. However, if you follow these four tips, you will bolster your odds of receiving a second interview and securing your dream job! If you are looking for more interview advice, take a look at our Candidate Resources!
