Helping you keep pace in industries moving at the speed of light

Ever wondered why you didn’t land that job you were so excited about? Here’s a hard truth: most of the time, it’s not about you.
In the competitive world of job hunting, especially at senior levels, the decision often comes down to factors beyond your control. The reality is that someone else might have:

• A Critical Technical Skill: The hiring manager may have found another candidate who possesses a specific technical expertise crucial to the role, something you might not have had the opportunity to develop.
• More Relevant Leadership Experience: Perhaps the selected candidate had more experience leading teams in a way that directly aligns with the company’s needs, giving them a slight edge in the decision-making process.
• A Personality That Aligns Better with the Team: Team dynamics are crucial. The chosen candidate might have simply clicked better with the team’s culture and working style, making them the more natural fit.

Of course, there are outliers. We’ve all seen them:

• The Candidate Reading a Script on a Teams Call: Nothing kills a first impression like sounding robotic and unengaged. (Pro tip: don’t be this person.)
• The Nervous Pacer on Video: Movement can be distracting, especially on video calls. Remember, we can see you!

But these cases are rare. Most candidates, especially at senior levels, know better and present themselves well. So, why didn’t you get the job?
Here’s the kicker: The feedback we receive from hiring managers rarely points to something you can easily change. More often than not, someone else was simply a better fit for the position.
If you ask me for feedback, I’ll be honest with you. However, it’s important to remember that the decision has already been made. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, feedback can sting, and I’ve seen senior executives get combative when they hear the reasons they weren’t selected.
So, here’s what to keep in mind:

• The Decision is Final: Once a hiring decision is made, it’s typically because the hiring team felt the other candidate was the best choice for their needs at that moment.
• If It Was Fixable, We Would Have Addressed It Earlier: Trust that if there was something easily adjustable, it likely would have been discussed during the process.

Job searching is tough, and rejection is never easy. But understanding that it’s often not about what you did wrong, but rather what someone else did right, can help you move forward with confidence and focus on finding the role that’s truly the best fit for you. Keep honing your skills, learning from each experience, and remember that the right opportunity is out there.