12 Reasons Why Your Interviews Are Not Turning Into Job Offers
You have a resume that piques interest so landing interviews is a breeze. You go on interview after interview. But none of them seem to result in job offers. You even felt a connection with the interviewer, prepared for hours, and that button-down you choose - on point! No feedback, nothing, just you and your thoughts about what went wrong. And since asking your friends or a recruiter probably isn’t going to get you any closer to a job offer, here are 12 reasons why your interviews are not turning into job offers.
We’ve interviewed, briefed, and debriefed tens of thousands of professionals and hiring managers over the years, and here is our list of the most common reasons.
If you've been on many interviews but haven't received any job offers, it's important to look at your behavior. There could be something that you're doing that's causing employers to pass you over. By making some small changes, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want.
You don’t know your career brand
Your career brand is what makes you different from every other professional out there. The combination of your skills, experiences, and personality makes you uniquely suited for a certain type of job or company. Unfortunately, many people never take the time to develop their career brands. As a result, they end up in jobs that don’t suit their skills and interests or fail to stand out in the job market.
If you want to be successful in your career, it is essential to take the time to develop your unique career brand. Only then will you be able to find the right job and shine in the competitive world.
Take the time to know what you’re all about. Your career brand is what makes you different from every other person out there. The combination of your skills, experiences, and personality makes you uniquely suited for a certain type of job or company. Unfortunately, many professionals never take the time to develop their career brand. As a result, they end up in jobs that don’t suit their skills and interests or fail to stand out in the job market. If you want to be successful in your career, it is essential to take the time to develop your unique career brand. Only then will you be able to find the right job and shine in an ever-increasing competitive world.
Whether writing a resume, prepping for an interview, or career planning, this should be one of the first exercises performed. You need to know who you are as a person. Are you a self-motivated, do anything, figure it out, staff accountant? Are you the automation boss that saves millions on SG&A? Are you the leader that turns around difficult situations? At the end of every interview, the person will probably write down 2-3 sentences about you. You should control the narrative about what they write because this is what will help them remember you later when they are finished talking to the other 10 individuals.
You’re too honest in interviews
You should never lie on a resume or in an interview, but no one says you have to tell every little detail. The employer isn’t going to lay it all out the table either. A good employer will want you to have a good picture of their company, their challenges, and what they require from you. But most will hold back some things out of fear of scaring you off. And they aren’t being deceptive by doing so. A new relationship is forming. It’s fragile. Treat it as such.
Sometimes, honesty is not the best policy – at least regarding interviews. Many job seekers make the mistake of being too forthright and honest during the interview process, thinking that they will impress the interviewer with their candor. However, this can often backfire, as employers are looking for candidates who are a good fit for the position and the company. It is important to balance being honest and selling yourself as the ideal candidate for the job. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid disclosing any information that could potentially damage your chances of landing the job. Avoiding disclosure is not being dishonest.
You wouldn’t air all your dirty laundry on a first date, would you? So why do it in an interview? We all have some things that will not be attractive to others. Employers have things that aren’t attractive. We, as job seekers, have things that aren’t attractive. It’s simply impossible to go through life without bumps, bruises, and mistakes. Don’t call attention to the less attractive things.
You’re preparing the wrong way for interviews
This is a losing strategy if you’re trying to memorize questions and answers. You have to do your homework on the company, the job, the interviewer, and the salary. And the best way to do this is still the same as it was 20 years ago - talk to people. Nothing beats conversations with others in similar roles at similar companies or even better, at the company you are interviewing with.
If you're only memorizing questions and answers, you're not adequately preparing for your interviews. Yes, being familiar with the company, the job, the interviewer, and the salary is important. However, the best way to gain this knowledge is by talking to people who are already in similar roles at similar companies. You need to be able to relate to the interviewer and show that you understand their problems. Instead of memorizing sound bites, try to focus on 6 root questions. This will help you understand your past experiences and how they relate to the job you're interviewing for.
You need to be able to talk shop. You need to understand their problems. Prep for those problems and how you’ve solved them. Preparing this way becomes more of an exercise in understanding your past and how it relates to this particular job rather than memorizing sound bites. This allows you to free your mind during the interview to listen better and think about what the other person is after instead of thinking about what you’re going to say next.
You’re not gathering information during the interview
Most people go into an interview ready to sell themselves. The problem is they sell the wrong pieces of their qualifications because they skipped the first step of every interview, gathering information. You could spend days researching the company and the job. You could have the best interview prep from the recruiter. And then you could find yourself in front of the other person with all the wrong information wondering why they are not interested in what you’re selling. It happens often.
The interview is an important step in the hiring process. It allows you to learn more about the manager, the team, and the employer. It also allows you the opportunity to ask questions and better understand the job. You will want to gather as much information as possible during the interview. This includes asking questions about the department’s goals, challenges, and how they see themselves meeting their objectives.
You may also want to ask about the manager’s background, communication style, and their team dynamics. This can help you determine if they would be a good fit for you. By gathering information during the interview, you can make sure it is somewhere you want to work, and then and only then, use that information to advocate for yourself.
Gathering information lets you know what the other person values and finds relevant. It helps you uncover their pains and problems. Skip this step, and you’ll require twice as many interviews and some luck before you land a job offer. Gathering information early on in an interview is critical, but you should gather information throughout the entire interview. One way to do this is by using our 5-part interview answer framework and asking buy-in questions.
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You’re not listening during the interview
The interview is one of the most important steps in getting a job. This is your chance to make a good impression and show the employer that you are the best candidate for the position. One of the most important things you can do during the interview is to listen carefully. Pay attention to the questions that are being asked and try to answer them directly. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. This will only serve to confuse the interviewer and make it difficult for them to assess your skills and qualifications. If you listen carefully, you can give clear and concise answers demonstrating your suitability for the job.
Many of us are so consumed with what we’re going to say next that we don’t listen and think critically about what the interviewer is asking. This is primarily a problem with how you prepare for the interview. You have to free your brain calories so that you have the capacity to listen, be present, and think critically about what the interviewer is asking you. Many questions shouldn’t be taken at the surface level. There is a reason the question is being asked and there is an underlying concern the employer has driving the question. Identifying the concern and addressing that rather than the literal question will lead to success.
For example, if an employer asks you about your commute, the commute isn’t the problem so answering with, “I live 30 minutes away,” is not doing you justice. Rather, they are most likely concerned about whether you will be on time to work or whether you will stay with them long-term.
You later choose to work closer to home because you’ll burn out on the drive. You’re best served then using our 5-part framework to let them know you’ve been commuting an hour round trip for 10 years, that it doesn’t bother you a bit, that you’ve never been late because you always build in extra time, and then ask a buy-in question about if there is anyone else who commutes 30 minutes to the office. Or ask what their experience has been with hiring people who commute 30 minutes to work each day.
You’re taking too much during the interview
Many of us struggle with silence. It’s awkward, and we don’t like it. We get nervous and so we keep talking because we don’t know what else to do. And the result is we end up giving too much information which leads to more uncomfortable questions. It’s best to keep your talking to time under 2 minutes each time it is your turn to speak.
Many job seekers believe that the best way to impress an interviewer is to talk incessantly about their qualifications and accomplishments. However, this is often not the case. In fact, it is often better to talk less during an interview and let the interviewer do half of the talking. This allows you to listen carefully to the questions being asked and formulate thoughtful well-informed answers.
Additionally, it allows the interviewer to understand your personality and how you interact with others. So, if you are hoping to make a good impression in your next job interview, resist the urge to fill every moment with chatter and instead focus on listening and responding thoughtfully to the interviewer’s questions.
An interview is a conversation between two people, but it's also an opportunity for a prospective employer to assess your qualifications for the job. As such, it's important to strike a balance between talking too much and too little. On the one hand, you don't want to monopolize the conversation or ramble on topics that are not relevant to the job.
You’re taking too little during the interview
Great! Too much and now too little. Yes, it’s possible, and when you don’t speak long enough, it can come across as if you’re arrogant or don’t really care about the job. And you don’t want that either. It’s a good rule of thumb to speak for at least 20 seconds each time it is your turn. I call this my 20 to 2 rule. Speak for 20 seconds to 2 minutes. No more, no less. Don’t worry about timing yourself, but be aware of it.
When you're in an interview, it's important to find a balance between talking too much and too little. If you talk too little, the interviewer may think you're not interested in the job or that you don't have anything valuable to contribute.
On the other hand, you also don't want to come across as reticent or unwilling to discuss your qualifications. The key is to prepare in advance and practice answering common interview questions. This will help you to feel more confident and make it easier to find a balance between talking too much and too little. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your next interview is successful.
The key is to find a happy medium: answer each question thoughtfully and concisely, without going on too long. This shows that you're both engaged and respectful of the interviewer's time. It also demonstrates that you have the ability to communicate effectively, which is an important skill in any job. So next time you're in an interview, remember to strike the right balance between talking and listening. It just might be the key to landing the job.
They don’t believe your experiences and skills in the interview
To make someone believe your experiences and skills in an interview, you must be able to communicate your qualifications effectively. This means being able to articulate your accomplishments in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, you need to be able to back up your claims with concrete examples. If you can do this, you will likely convince the interviewer that you have the skills and experience needed for the job. Finally, it is also important to be confident in your delivery. It will be difficult to convince the interviewer of your abilities if you come across as nervous or uncertain. However, if you are confident and enthusiastic about your qualifications, you will likely make a strong impression.
You’re making too many statements with no proof or evidence. We live in a very untrusting world today. Whether it’s a marketing commercial or your interview, our general disposition is not one of trust. It’s not enough to tell someone you are a self-starter or that you possess the technical expertise they need. You need to back it up with evidence.
Be specific with examples from your past to prove that you can do what you say or that you are who you say you are. Use quantifiable evidence whenever possible. Don’t tell them that you processed manual journal entries; tell them you processed 2,000 manual journal entries each month. Don’t tell them you reduced DSO. Tell them you changed procedures and trained the staff to implement them. Be detailed and specific. And don’t forget your transferable skills are fair game too!
You didn’t show your soft skills in the interview
Similar to the previous reason, it’s not enough to state that you have a particular skill. Don’t tell someone you have great communication abilities, that you can build relationships quickly, or that you can persuade others and obtain buy-in. Instead, tell them how you collected $2M in outstanding receivables that were aged over 2 years. Or tell them how you make 100 outbound calls daily to assist borrowers with rate locks and 65% of them lock in the same day. Now I trust you. Now I believe that you have solid communication abilities.
And don’t forget the characteristics you exude during the interview process as well. You can’t tell someone that you’re punctual and never miss a day of work when you arrive 10 minutes late for your interview. You can’t tell someone you have an executive presence and can hold yourself in a board room presentation when you can’t even hold your own in the interview. Take control when needed and show off your skills.
In any job interview, you must demonstrate your hard skills - the specific abilities and knowledge required for the position. But soft skills are just as important in making a good impression on potential employers. After all, soft skills are what make you a good team player, a clear communicator, and a well-rounded individual.
Some of the most important soft skills to highlight in an interview include:
teamwork - the ability to work well with others towards a common goal;
communication - being able to express yourself clearly and listen to others;
flexibility - being open to change and able to adapt to new situations;
intrinsic motivation - being able to maintain motivation regardless of external factors;
problem-solving - being able to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively; and,
time management - being able to prioritize and manage your time wisely.
If you can demonstrate that you have these soft skills, you'll be sure to impress potential employers in your next job interview.
You’re talking about all the wrong things in the interview
As you gain more experience in your career, the challenge many professionals face is they have more to talk about, which may not all be relevant. Most likely, the interviewer is only interested in some of your skills, not all of them. Talking about the wrong skills may even make you appear overqualified or that you don’t understand the role. When my clients make this mistake, it isn’t usually a prep issue but a problem with gathering information and asking for buy-in after their turn to speak. The trick is to talk about the relevant pieces of your past and skills and pivot as needed. You have to be able to pivot.
Job interviews can be daunting experiences, and it can be difficult to know what to say to make a good impression. However, certain topics are best avoided during an interview. For example, it is generally advisable to avoid discussing politics or religion, as these topics can be polarizing and may cause tension between interviewee and interviewer.
Additionally, avoiding negative comments about past employers or colleagues is important. Even if you have legitimate grievances, these should be kept to yourself to maintain a positive attitude. By choosing the right topics to discuss during an interview, applicants can increase their chances of impressing potential employers and landing the job they want.
You don’t confirm buy-in during the interview
You wouldn’t give instructions to your team or rally them to a new idea without confirming you have their buy-in, so don’t forget to do it in your interview as well. This is one of the most important keys to a successful interview. If you don’t confirm buy-in, you can very easily say something that disturbs the interviewer, and you’ll never know it. Worse, you won’t have the opportunity to address it and pivot. Communication is essential to every job interview. Don’t let miscommunication get in between you and your future.
One of the most important aspects of any successful interview is confirming buy-in from both parties. By taking this time to confirm buy-in, you can help ensure everyone is on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings later on.
You leave the interview without addressing their concerns
Even if you’ve gathered information successfully and obtained buy-in with your statements and answers, it’s possible to miss a concern. Don’t leave the interview without asking what remaining concerns they have with you stepping into the role. And be prepared to address them. And if something pops into your mind after the interview, address it in your thank you letter. Most people don’t use thank you letters correctly. This is a great opportunity to state any final statements and put the other person at ease while also thanking them for their time.
It's important to remember that an interview is a two-way street. As much as you are evaluating the company, they are also evaluating you. If they have any reservations about your qualifications or fit for the position, it's important to address them before leaving the interview room. Leaving without addressing their concerns will only leave them with their own imaginations to draw conclusions. Instead, take the opportunity to quell their fears and build yourself up as the ideal candidate. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of getting the offer.
And sometimes it simply isn’t a fit, or your personalities don’t jive, which is OK. But it is still better to maintain control, be persuasive, and obtain the job offer if possible. Not only will it feel better being the one doing the rejecting, but things may change, and it’s always better to be in the driver’s seat. So do everything you can to win over everyone.
Conclusion- 12 Reasons Why Your Interviews Are Not Turning Into Job Offers
The best way to make a good impression in an interview is to come prepared and confident. This means researching the company, the position, and the industry. It also means knowing your own strengths and weaknesses. Arriving prepared shows that you are interested in the position and that you are taking the interview process seriously.
Confidence is just as important as preparation. If you don’t believe in yourself, it will be difficult to convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job. It is important to strike a balance between being confident and being arrogant. The key is to show that you are excited about the opportunity and that you have the skills and qualifications to back up your confidence.
Hiring a great resume writer and a career coach is the best way to ensure that you are ready to show up and win at your next interview. It will be the smartest investment you make!
Here’s who I recommend for career coaching.