You just got notified you didn’t get the job. You’re wondering what happened, and why. With job searching and interviewing there a lot of unknown factors. Now reasons as to why you didn’t get the job vary from person to person. Let’s take a look at the top three reasons you didn’t get the job:

1. You were not specific with your answers: When interviewers ask behavioral questions they are looking for very specific answers. They want you to provide an example to back up your answer. We all have the tendency to answer very broad and general – it happens when we are nervous and/or unprepared. Being in the hot seat requires you to answer questions you rarely ever think about, don’t let someone else beat you out of a job because you were not specific enough.
2. Slandering your current/past company: Every experience may not be a pleasant one. Some organizations are different and not everyone will leave with a positive experience. With that being said, one thing hiring managers will never tolerate is slander of an organization, managers or colleagues. No matter how much you did not like your previous job you should never outright say it. It shows the interviewer the truth of your character. Their only thoughts is if this candidate gets hired and things go south they will surely do the same.
3. High Salary Expectations: Salary is very tricky. Relating this to why you didn’t get the job, your salary expectations were unreasonably high. We all want to make more money, but the worst is when you lay out an expectation that is very unrealistic. There are many factors in getting a job and salary is just one of them. You must have a well prepared response for what your expectation is. Don’t just add $10,000 to what you are currently making and think that is reasonable. Research industry standards, take a look at what you are currently making and mesh the two together. Above all else take some time to look at the overall package, is the job closer to home, do they offer better benefits, are you getting more vacation time, are you going to grow  within the organization. All of these aspects will relate to a more realistic salary expectation. Don’t  cheat yourself out of job because you wanted to be greedy.

Take a look at these reasons, reflect on them, and the beauty of it all is you can change it all for the future and land your next opportunity!

Interviewing is a nerve-wracking process. We have all been there before, sitting across from the interviewer(s) and answering the questions as best you can. The goal really is to portray your experience and skills well enough to get the job. With that being said, certain things we say can raise red flags. You may not say it with bad intentions and you might have been nervous, however it can cost you the opportunity. Here’s a list of seven things you should never say in an interview:

1. “It’s on my resume”: When an interviewer asks you specific questions about your experience, the go to answer is not to say that it is on your resume. It speaks volumes of your character when you opt with that answer – and not in a good way.
2. Profanity: This goes without saying, but profanity never bodes well. Even if you excuse yourself when it does happen.
3. “I know I don’t have the experience”: The reason you made it to the interview was not on the premise of not having the experience. They saw something they liked and brought you in. Don’t make the rethink their decision by saying you have no experience.
4. Saying “Um”: We all have the one thing we say when we’re nervous. “Um” seems to take the number one spot. Try to break the habit, interviewers do notice when you say things like that and it can be a knock against you.
5. Saying negative things about your previous company: Bashing your previous company only makes you look bad. This is a major red flag for employers. They will not hire someone on if they feel in turn they will bash their organization.
6. “I’m just seeing what is out there right now”: If you are currently working and you’re testing the waters to see what is out there. Do not make it a point to saying that. Right off the bat it shows you’re uncommitted and wasting the interviewers time.
7. “I don’t have any questions”: Always ask questions, you want the opportunity you will show your true interest with asking questions. They will gauge how eager you are for the position when you ask questions.

If you are hungry and eager to land a new position make sure you don’t say the seven things listed on this list!

Looking for a new job is a long and arduous process, and as candidates you must commit yourself the entire way. Once you have been through the entire process and end up at the stage of accepting an offer you must realize your current employer may present a counter offer. Here are some tips on handling the counter offer from your current employer.

Be Committed to your Job Search
You started your search for a reason, it could have been because you were looking to grow your career, you wanted new challenges or overall you have job dissatisfaction. Now, whatever the reason may be you have to 100% think about quitting your current job to go for another. It may seem like a simple task but you need to actually think about leaving your current place of work. Quitting is never easy and if you’re not fully committed to leaving, your current employer can sway you with their counter offer and your whole search would be for naught.

Expect the Counter Offer
Now, when commencing your job search you should expect your employer to present a counter offer when you submit your resignation. To better prepare yourself, you should think about all aspects of what your current employer may potentially present to you. If they offer you $5000 will you stay? If they offer you more money and an extra week of vacation will you stay? If they give you a promotion or new job duties will you stay? You have to expect your current employer to use whatever means to get you to stay. However, if you answered yes to those questions it is better to have a conversation with your employer to see how you can improve your current situation.

More money, more vacation, and improved role are all enticing when put into a counter offer. But as someone who initially wanted to leave their job, take a moment to think back to your initial motivation in wanting to leave. If you still feel the same way, no amount of money, vacation weeks or improved role will keep you long-term.