Ever walked away from a job interview convinced you have the role in the bag – only to be shocked by a rejection?

It can be a real surprise when you have the qualifications, the experience and the background that align perfectly with the Job Description, yet you don’t manage to progress beyond the initial interview. And the only feedback you are given is that it just “wasn’t the right fit”.

Well sometimes the truth can be hard to deliver and it can be quite personal, so potential employers are hesitant to share the real reasons why a candidate isn’t right for the role. Here are some of the reasons they may just not be comfortable sharing with you:

Look like you Belong

Every group of people, regardless of whether it is in a workplace or outside, has a signature style or look. It could be that everyone is funky and a bit out there or it could be a very serious, buttoned-down style. It’s essential you dress to match that – if you are going for a role in a highly corporate environment take out the earring. If you’re interviewing at an advertising agency wear something contemporary and fashionable. Shallow as it may be, it’s a human instinct to judge people by their appearance and interviewers will be assessing whether you look like you belong. If you are working with a recruiter, ask them for a detailed briefing on the style and culture of the agency.

Stop that Negative Talk

It can be absolutely devastating if you’ve had a bad experience at your last workplace – but let it go. Chat about it with your friends, your partner, and your dog – just don’t chat about it at an interview. As recruiters we have seen fabulous candidates let themselves down by telling stories about unfair treatment, bad company practices and even dishing on particular individuals they have worked with. Disaster! Interviewers see this as a lack of loyalty, lack of professional integrity and a real personal weakness. If you have had a role that went pear-shaped, limit your discussion on this and keep it very broad, without naming specific individuals. It can be tempting to vent, but an interview is not the time.

Beware the Common Link

One of the first things a potential employer is going to do is check you out – online of course but also through common links. You need to beat them at this – immediately ascertain if you have any shared associations (LinkedIn is good for this), and get in touch with the other party. If appropriate talk them through your job search and ensure they have a good understanding of what you are looking for and what you’re key strengths are. If there are common links that may not be as positive as you would like, do your best to assuage any problems or misunderstandings. If this isn’t possible, be prepared for any questions around this –and of course develop a tight, concise story about why that relationship isn’t a great one, ensuring you don’t denigrate the other party in the process.



Most of all, if you have missed out on a role, learn from the interview experience – it’s an educational process that will improve with practice.