Nothing can feel more perplexing than walking out of an interview feeling like the job is practically in your hands, only to have the hiring manager go dark on you. You were sure you nailed it, and all the positive signals were there, so what happened? There are a few possibilities here. Some you have no control over. Others are a direct result of what you did or, more importantly, did not do.
Circumstances out of your control could include hiring freezes, budget cuts, end-of-year quarter or year deadlines, and urgent matters that affect the hiring manager’s current business. These situations can and do put a fast hold on any hiring activities. Assuming your interview went as well as you perceived it to, an email or call to inquire about the opportunity status will often produce an explanation.
If these situations are ruled out, it’s time to get introspective. Rewind the events and determine if you did check all the boxes. Consider the following points at the top of a hiring manager’s list in selecting the right person for the role.
Initial Follow Up
Once contacted about a role, did you follow up with the hiring manager to express your interest and ask for the opportunity to interview? Many managers I know will reach out to candidates and then sit back to see who takes the initiative to follow through to express interest and set a meeting. Don’t assume companies will hunt you down.
Company Research
Did you do your homework on a company’s products and services? Did you investigate the role you interviewed for? Any hiring manager will expect you to have done this prior. Don’t use the interview itself to gather such intel. It demonstrates a lack of preparation and motivation.
Professionalism
Corporate culture and a relaxed work environment can give the illusion that a casual presentation is acceptable in all facets of the role. Never is this more apparent than in the interview itself. First impressions leave a lasting impact and speak volumes about how seriously you take the role and opportunity to interview. Be polished. Wear business-appropriate attire. Be punctual. Speak with clarity and be mindful of your body language. Conducting yourself in a professional manner demonstrates respect for the interviewer and the company you hope to join. Remember, employees are representatives of a company. They are looking for those who will wear the badge well.
Follow Through
What action did you take after the interview was concluded? Did you ask for feedback? Did you send a thank you email? Or did you assume you would be contacted if selected for the role? Did you reach out if you were ghosted? Like the initial contact, managers frequently wait to see how you follow up on an interview. What may seem like an outdated tradition in sending a thank you note is alive and well as a key indicator of how much a candidate wants the position and will be motivated if chosen for a role.
If you were lacking in these steps, view the experience through the hiring manager’s lens. Now compare that to a candidate who did check all the boxes. If you were ghosted after an interview, it quickly becomes apparent why. The good news is that a few simple changes can make all the difference in ensuring you stand out next time.
