You applied for a job after tailoring your resume and making sure your cover letter was just right. Maybe you got an interview and felt like you nailed it. And yet, you still received a rejection.
Getting rejected from a job can really sting and leave you wondering where things went wrong. While some hiring decisions are truly out of your control, there may be some mistakes you didn’t realize were hurting your chances.
We’ve put together a list of some of the possible reasons candidates aren’t selected, along with tips to help you in the future.
High Competition
In some cases, you may have been a great candidate for a job, but in the end, it came down to the other candidates in consideration. Someone else may have a bit more experience or a background that’s a better fit for what the library needs.
Tip: Don’t take it as a sign that you weren’t qualified. Sometimes another candidate was simply a stronger match.
Not Quite Meeting the Job Requirements
Not all job requirements are set in stone, but some are. For example, one library might be happy to consider someone who’s still in library school, while another may require candidates to already have their Master’s in Library and Information Science.
Tip: Take a close look at what’s listed as “required” versus “preferred” in a job posting. You don’t have to check every box on the preferred list to be a great match for a job.
Slow or Inconsistent Communication
The hiring process can move quickly, especially for temporary jobs. If you take too long to respond to an email, interview invitation, or job offer, you could miss out on an opportunity. How you communicate during the hiring process is also part of the first impression you make on an employer. Being hard to reach or not following through can leave them wondering what to expect if they hire you.
Tip: Make sure to check your inbox daily (and don’t forget your spam folder!) while you’re applying for jobs. If you need more time to respond or make a decision, let the employer know rather than leaving them waiting.
Hard to Reach References
You may have a perfectly polished resume and all the qualifications a position requires, but if an employer can’t reach your references, it could delay the hiring process or keep you from moving forward altogether.
Tip: Always ask before listing someone as a reference. Make sure their contact information is up to date and let them know when an employer may be reaching out.
Not Knowing Enough About the Job
You don’t want to be caught off guard during an interview when the library asks something like, “What interests you most about this position?” or asks you about a specific part of the job. If you haven’t taken the time to learn about the role, you might find yourself struggling to come up with an answer. Being unprepared can also lead to awkward moments, like finding out during the interview that the work schedule isn’t what you expected.
Tip: Before your interview, take another look at the job posting and spend some time exploring the library’s website. Make sure you understand what the job involves, know the schedule, and have a few questions ready to ask.
Nerves Made It Hard to Show Your Skills
Job interviews can be nerve-racking, even when you feel confident that you’re a great fit for the position. Sometimes those nerves can make it hard to think clearly and explain your experience. You might know you have what it takes to do the job, but struggle to show the interviewer why.
Tip: Practice will be your best friend! Rehearsing answers to common interview questions ahead of time can help you feel more confident going into the interview and ease some of those nerves. It’s also perfectly okay to take a moment to think before answering a question in an interview.
Struggling to Talk About Your Experience
Your resume is a chance to highlight your skills and experience, but make sure you’re prepared to talk about what’s on it. If you list certain skills or responsibilities but struggle to explain them when asked during an interview, an employer may be unsure how much experience you have.
Tip: Before your interview, take another look at your resume and think of specific examples that show the skills you’ve listed. Make sure you’re comfortable explaining what you’ve done in past roles.
Answers That Were Too Short or Too Long
During an interview, employers want to get to know you and learn about your skills and experience. If your answers are too short, they may not get a clear picture of what you can bring to the job. On the other hand, answers that are too long or go off topic can make it hard for the interviewer to follow what you’re saying.
Tip: Use examples from your past experience with enough detail to show off your skills, but remember to keep your answers concise. Our guide to the STAR method can help you organize your examples and stay on track.
Keep Moving Forward
We hope these tips give you a few things to keep in mind as you apply and interview for future opportunities. Just remember that one hiring decision doesn’t define your skills, experience, or what you have to offer.
We also encourage you to check out the Self-Care page on our Library Careers LibGuide for resources to help you take care of yourself throughout your job search.
We’re rooting for you!