tcp | didn't get the job? it happens.
You made it through multiple rounds of interviewing and now the waiting game begins. This is an opportunity that you really want and as you reflect on your interview performance - you feel pretty confident you performed well and deserve genuine consideration for the role. What some might say in sports, you left it all out on the field, leaving no stone unturned. You dressed appropriately and gave so much energy during the interview that you had to take a nap when it was all said and done. You followed up with tailored thank you emails to each person you met (including the receptionist). You're feeling good ... until.
"After careful consideration, the team has decided to move forward with a different candidate, we truly appreciate blah, blah, blah."
You receive that call/email and the disappointment begins immediately with the devastation sinking in soon thereafter. "How could they not pick me?" you wonder. The truth of the matter is - the interview process is a highly subjective process with a multitude of mitigating factors that are beyond the control of the candidate. Think of it this way - Lebron James is arguably one the best players to ever play the game of basketball. His ability to completely dominate the game has simply been unmatched since he entered the NBA. Conventional wisdom would say that with his abilities - he should win every single game and outplay every opponent. We both know that's not the case. Even on his best days, winning a game or championship is not guaranteed for King James and the same holds true for anyone of us. There are just too many mitigating factors beyond our control on the employer side. We have heard many reasons why a manager didn't go with a qualified candidate:
Our budget won't allow us to pay someone with his/her skillset
Our bureaucratic culture wouldn't be able to keep him/her occupied and engaged
The commute from his/her home seems to be too far
We could go on but you get the idea. The purpose of this post is to remind you to stay encouraged and keep a rational perspective during your search. If you truly deserve a particular position - you will get it - when the time is right. What is meant to be will be. Just remember to always stay positive, continue to work hard, keep your foot on the gas and like King James - show up ready to play the next game.
- the career plug
