Lessons from the job hunt

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Many job hunters still trying to land a job ask me where they are going wrong. Well, without meeting them it's hard to say but where a candidate falls off the list during the recruitment process can provide some valuable hints.
For instance, if you are not even getting to first base, then chances are you are either applying for jobs you are not qualified for or your cover letter and or resume needs work to link your skills and experience to what is being asked for in the job ad.

If you are getting to first interview but not second interview, then chances are your interview skills need work. Visit our section providing interview tips for more help with this.

However, the most frustrating place to drop out of the job race is after second interview. The good news is that probably everyone on the short list who interviewed a second time were highly thought of. If there were four people on the list, then three of those people are in the same boat as you. You obviously had a good cover letter and resume and wowed them in the first interview. Someone just pipped you at the post. Next time it could be you who lands the job.

Try to get some feedback from the potential employer, although this can be difficult.
Most companies are reluctant to provide such feedback in case a candidate uses that information to accuse them of some sort of discrimination.

It's a shame because most candidates are genuinely trying to gain valuable information to improve their chances of landing the next role they go for.

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au

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