The Top 10 Reasons: Why Am I Not Getting Hired

One of my greatest passions is meeting new people—learning about their experiences, skills, dreams and ambitions. Understanding what makes someone tick is not just fascinating; it’s crucial in the staffing industry.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing thousands of candidates for nearly every type of role—entry-level to senior positions, full-time, part-time, contract roles, internal hires and external placements. Each interview is unique, varying from formal to casual, and conducted both in person and over video. Through these countless conversations, I’ve learned a great deal about what works—and what doesn’t—in the hiring process.

If you’re struggling to get hired, you might wonder what’s going wrong. The truth is, it could be one or more factors. After meeting so many job seekers, I’ve identified common pitfalls that can stand in the way of landing that desired role. Here are the top 10 reasons you might not be getting hired, along with some actionable advice to help you overcome each challenge.

1. You Can’t Describe Your Work and Achievements

An interview is more than a formality—it’s a conversation. Like all good conversations, it needs to flow naturally, with both sides contributing meaningfully. One of the biggest interview killers is giving vague or overly brief responses.

When I hear “Yes/No” answers or general, non-specific replies, it’s hard to keep the conversation going or gauge the candidate’s true capabilities. How can I respond or dig deeper when the candidate offers so little?

What Can You Do?

The key is preparation. Before the interview, study your resume and compare it closely with the job description. Identify where you’re a strong match and be ready to explain those matches in detail. What specific achievements or successes have you had that align with the role’s requirements? Where you lack direct experience, consider similar skills or experiences you’ve gained in other contexts, and be prepared to discuss them.

Here’s how to craft more detailed, engaging answers:

Terrible Answer:

“I did a lot of things in my last job, like payroll.”

Average Answer:

“I had a wide range of responsibilities in my last position. I took care of payroll for 100 employees and handled some benefits as well.”

Terrific Answer:

“I spent two years managing all payroll functions for a 100-person consulting firm. This included bi-monthly payroll for both employees and contractors, ensuring everyone had signed employment agreements and understood our payroll process. I also handled onboarding, providing new hires with equipment, laptops and security credentials. My role involved issuing Records of Employment and T-4s, and responding to daily payroll-related questions.”

Notice how the terrific answer provides specific details about the candidate’s experience, the scope of their responsibilities and their achievements. This level of detail helps the interviewer understand not just what you did, but how well you did it, and how those experiences are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

2. You Appear Disinterested in the Role, the Company or the Interview Process

It’s hard to convince someone to hire you if you seem disengaged or uninterested. An interview is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company—not a time to be laid back or aloof.

I’ve interviewed candidates who seemed bored or detached from the entire process. Some hadn’t even read the job description, leading to confusion about the role they were applying for. Others hadn’t researched the company at all, making it impossible for them to express genuine interest in the organization or its industry.

What Can You Do?

Preparation is key to showing interest. Start by thoroughly understanding the role you’re applying for and the company you want to work for. Write down your answers to the following questions and practice delivering them with confidence:

• Why do you want this position?
• What excites you about the role?
• Why do you want to work for this organization?
• Does the industry interest you, and if so, why?
• What do you know about the interviewer (if applicable)?
• Do you have any objections or concerns about the role that you need to address?

Your body language is just as important as your verbal responses. Demonstrate your interest through eye contact, upright posture and an energetic, audible voice.

Nod your head as the interviewer speaks, take notes while maintaining eye contact and be fully engaged in the conversation. Avoid distractions like looking around the room, fidgeting or checking your phone. This is your moment to shine, so be present.

And speaking of phones, make sure yours is on silent mode or turned off. Don’t answer a call during your interview unless you’ve informed the interviewer in advance about a potential emergency. Even then, keep it brief and apologize for the interruption.

3. You Don’t Get Back to the Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Manager in a Timely Fashion

Now is not the time to play hard to get. If you’re interested in the job, show it. Keep in mind that for every role, you’ll be competing with other similarly qualified candidates. As the saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm.”

If you get invited to a second interview and take days to respond, it might signal that you’re not very interested in the job or the company. While you’re delaying, another candidate could respond quickly, attend the interview and even secure the job offer.

Moreover, even if you don’t miss out on the job, think about what your slow response says to the hiring manager about how you handle deadlines and communication in the workplace.

What Can You Do?

Stay on top of your communication. Regularly check your email and voicemail, and if you’re interested in a role, be prompt with your replies. A quick response not only shows your enthusiasm but also sets a positive tone for your professional image.

4. You Share Semi-Truths about your Work History

Have you ever played the game “Two Truths and a Lie”? Well, an interview is not the time for games. Honesty is crucial. Even uncomfortable truths should be shared because they can often be explained in a reasonable way. Most people have something in their career history they’re less proud of—maybe you left a job early, were let go or didn’t perform at your best. It’s best to prepare answers for these questions, even if they make you uncomfortable.

What Can You Do?

When discussing a mistake or a challenging situation, focus on what you learned from the experience. If you take accountability and describe how you’ve grown from a negative situation, hiring managers are likely to view you more favourably. Accountability is a sign of maturity and growth, and it often resonates well with interviewers.

5. You’re “Not a Good Fit” for the Role

“Fit” is a complex and often misunderstood concept in hiring. It doesn’t mean you need to be just like everyone else at the company. Successful organizations hire skilled people from diverse backgrounds who bring different ideas and viewpoints to the table. These differences often lead to better team performance.

However, to excel in a role, candidates need to align not only with the required skills and experience but also with the company’s culture and values. This alignment—combining skills, experience, culture and values—is what we refer to as “fit.”

In an interview, you’ll be assessed on your fit for the role—whether you have the skills, education and experience to perform well. These questions are usually straightforward. But questions assessing your fit with the company culture can be trickier. For example, a sales organization might value outgoing, competitive employees—traits that might not align with a soft-spoken introvert who prefers a quieter work environment. Alternatively, a creative IT company might seek independent, out-of-the-box thinkers. If you thrive in a routine, predictable environment, you might not be the right fit for such a role.

Remember, if you’re not a good fit, it doesn’t mean you’re not talented. You can be an amazing professional and still not be the ideal match for a specific company, role, sector, leader, project or team.

What Can You Do?

Research the company’s culture and values before your interview. Think about how you align with them, and be honest about who you are. Don’t try to mould yourself into someone you’re not just to get a job—if you’re deemed not a fit, you likely wouldn’t enjoy or excel in the role anyway.

6. You’re Not Prepared for the Interview

Preparation is everything when it comes to interviews. If you’re invited to an interview, make it count by doing your homework. When I meet with a candidate who doesn’t know anything about my organization or the staffing industry, my first thought is, “Why are you even interested in this job?”

What Can You Do?

Invest time in learning about the industry, the company and the people who might be interviewing you. Visit the company’s website to learn about its values, recent news, ongoing projects and new hires. Check LinkedIn to get a sense of the team, the hiring manager and the senior leadership.

You never know when you’ll be asked a question related to people in the company. Glassdoor is another valuable resource, offering insights into company culture, salaries and interview experiences.

Keep notes on your findings and be ready to link what you’ve learned to your interview responses. Showing that you’ve done your research demonstrates that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.

7. You’re Overqualified for the Job

This can be a tough one. You might feel you’re perfect for a position because you have all the necessary skills and more. So, why didn’t you get the offer? Many organizations aim to hire people who can grow within the role, taking on new responsibilities over time. When you’re overqualified, a hiring manager might worry that you’ll get bored quickly, lose interest in learning new things or seek a promotion faster than they can offer it.

What Can You Do?

Apply for roles where you’re confident you have most of the required skills, but also have room to learn and grow. During the interview, highlight your enthusiasm for learning and discuss any steps you’ve already taken to develop new skills. For instance, you might say, “I’ve taken an SEO basics course and am eager to apply what I’ve learned in this role.” This demonstrates that you’re not just overqualified but also willing to expand your expertise.

If you’re at a stage in your career where growth isn’t your primary goal, address this directly in your cover letter. Explain that you’re looking for a stable role where you can apply your experience without necessarily seeking a promotion. Emphasize that you’re excited about the work itself and ready to contribute immediately.

This approach helps reassure employers that you won’t be seeking to move up or out too quickly, and that you’re bringing valuable experience that will benefit the team.

8. You Provide Weak References

I’m often asked whether references still matter in today’s hiring process. The answer is yes—references carry significant weight. They offer insight into your strengths, weaknesses and overall work ethic.

However, not all references are created equal. If your references are overly enthusiastic or guarded, it can raise red flags for hiring managers.

What Can You Do?

Choose references who can provide meaningful, balanced feedback on your abilities. Ideally, they should be direct managers, colleagues or direct reports who can speak to different aspects of your work. Before providing their contact information, talk to your references about the role you’re applying for.

Share the job description and discuss how your skills align with what the employer is looking for. This preparation helps your references provide relevant and compelling endorsements.

Make sure your references know what to expect, including any difficult questions they might be asked. This way, they won’t be caught off guard and can give more thoughtful responses.

9. Your Salary Expectations Are Mismatched

The dreaded question: “What are your salary expectations?” It’s a tricky one, especially if you’re just starting your career or transitioning into a new field. You might be willing to take a job regardless of the pay, but it’s important to approach this question strategically. Asking for too little could leave you feeling undervalued, while asking for too much might disqualify you from consideration.

What Can You Do?

Do your homework. Research salary trends for similar roles in your industry and geographic area. Talk to people in your network who are in comparable positions and ask what they earn. Websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn often list salary ranges for similar jobs, which can provide a useful benchmark.

When asked about your salary expectations, provide a range based on your research, but remain flexible. For example, you could say, “Based on my skills and experience, I’m looking for a salary between $XX,000 and $XX,000, but I’m open to discussing a reasonable offer.” This shows that you’ve done your research but are also willing to negotiate.

If you’re working with a recruitment firm like Altis, we can help negotiate the best offer on your behalf. Remember, your goal is to find a fair salary that reflects your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.

Quick Tip: What Not to Say About Salary

When asked about salary expectations, avoid saying, “I don’t know.” Every job seeker should have a clear idea of what salary range is acceptable to them. Also, avoid basing your salary request on personal expenses. The employer is hiring based on the value you can bring to the role, not your financial obligations.

10. You Lost the Job to an Internal Hire

It’s frustrating to lose out on a job because it went to an internal candidate. This happens often, so don’t take it personally. Internal hires have the advantage of already being familiar with the company’s culture, systems and processes. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost for you.

What Can You Do?

Consider this an opportunity to make a lasting connection with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team. If you find out you didn't get the job, send a thank-you note. Say you appreciate the chance and are still interested in future jobs. Stay connected with the company via LinkedIn and keep an eye out for other positions that might be a better fit.

If you’ve made a good impression, the hiring team might keep you in mind for future roles. And who knows—sometimes internal hires don’t work out, and the role could become available again.

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Get Hired

In today’s competitive job market, you may need to apply for dozens of roles before landing an interview or a job offer. The process can be tough, but persistence is key. Keep refining your approach, learning from each experience and staying optimistic.

Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated:

• Lean on your support network. Friends and family can offer encouragement and remind you of your strengths.
• Play the numbers game. The more applications you submit and the more interviews you attend, the better your chances of success.
• Seek feedback. If you don’t advance in the interview process, ask why. Understanding what held you back can help you address those issues in future interviews.

Remember, every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Altis is here to support you in all things hiring. Whether you’re seeking your next role or looking to hire top talent, we’re here to help you succeed.