Not getting hired? 10 reasons why

To avoid all the job hunting bullshit after few years of trying I just started my own project, collected people based on their abilities, and I was lucky to land a good writer.
Now I am massing experience in all aspects of production studio with my team. I guess one day I'll join the ranks of some big studio to get more name internationally.

Originally Posted by Plaxico

For #10, network.

I can't emphasize this one enough. While i wouldn't quite so far as to say that it makes up for lack of experience (i.e., answers #10), it certainly significantly moves the odds in your favor.

Originally Posted by Happy

(CareerBuilder)[/B]You don't understand. You updated your résumé, you're applying to jobs every day, you've cleaned up your digital dirt and you network every day.

I think this article is somewhat dubious in premise just because most job-seekers aren't networking every day. From my experience in a college career center, job-seekers allocate the most time to what's easiest, not what's most effective.

Fine, so CB figures that you've read the million articles i'm sure are on there about networking. It seems a little odd to presume that you're up to speed on networking but you're still in need of advice like, "Don't lie," and "Don't use obscene language." Oh well, maybe they write about what's easiest, not what's most effective.

I'm an introvert, but i found my present internship purely through a chain of informational interviews.

Originally Posted by carson

I have list for employers and anyone else who hires. Having difficulty finding staff?

1/Wash. You expect your employees to, so why don't you?

2/Don't come onto your candidates.

3/Don't tell candidates where you want your career to go and spend the interview talking about that.

4/Never show fear, and definitely don't be a coward. You're the boss, the risk is ultimately yours, match your money.

5/Make sure you know what you're talking about. If your opinions are based on bollocks, expect lines of communication to go suddenly silent.

6/Never bad-mouth your existing employees.

7/Remember this: all the time you're examining the lazy scum across the desk from you, the candidate is examining the ignorant twat opposite them.

I would also add to #6 to not badmouth other job candidates. I had an interviewer do that once & it was a major turnoff. It showed me the kind of attitude he'd have as an employer. At that time I had another job opportunity in the wings, which ended up paying more.

Another thing employers should keep in mind: no matter how bad the economy, if you try your best to "scare" away job candidates, it will work, but you'll be left with the bottom barrel. I realize the motive is to scare away the unqualified, but more often than not it just makes employers look like jerks.

Originally Posted by Dear Sigmund

11. they googled your name and your alias's and discovered derogatory info.

Define 'they.' Future employers? Future family? Derogatory info is widespread because by definition, since something derogatory is whatever can be used as a weapon. Can weapons not be disarmed with truth? Weapons can be turned on the aggressor as easily. But the question is the motive, is it not? Boardrooms are the origin of derogatory aims.

Originally Posted by Jazzanova

[B]3.

10. You don't have enough experience: The dreaded paradox.

If you are the creative type, that's a bonus. Work it.

My mother owns a boutique that has prom,pageant,tuxedos, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and etc. I have been around the public ever since I was five years old. They key to our business is customer service. We have other stores around us within walking distance and our sales are up $90,000 this year because we have people travel for our customer service. The problem with today's people is that they want a job but don't want to do the work. The key to life and work is to be nice and treat others the way you want to be treated. People today are just down right lazy and just want to stand there like a tree and not move. People don'r realize sometimes that you have to open your mouth to talk. When our employees sale we make money and they make money so it is a win win for everyone. My advice to people is don't be afraid to talk and get yourself out there. So what if you have never had a job if you are a hard worker then put yourself out there and show the employer how bad you want it!

I interview people for jobs all the time.

I usually spend the first 5 minutes or so talking about the business and asking the person how their week has been etc. People are nervous when they come in for interviews and I try my best to put them at ease because I get more of an idea about that person when they are at ease and open up. Somebody who clams up and gives you as little information as possible makes it difficult to get an idea about that person.

The aim for me is to get to know that person and their experience so I can get a picture in my head of how that person would operate in the job I am interviewing for. Then I need to work out which person is most likely to fit into that role the best way that it is going to benefit the business.

Sometimes there are other factors to consider. If there is already a brilliant team of people working for the business, you would not want to upset that by throwing someone into the mix that is going to split the teamwork. You want someone who is going to add value to the team to get the best result.

#10 is a big one for me, too. But the economy does suck right now. There's just nothing worthwhile out there that I could see myself doing. No offense if there are any Fry Kids here from McDonaldland but I know I, personally, would 1) go stir-crazy with the same routine order-filling day in/day out, and 2) I don't do well under pressure (especially when having to do math or make change). All that's available these days are retail or fast-food jobs unless you have a family business or you're Paris Hilton (who doesn't have to work at the family business -- she just makes her business everyone else's...but I digress).

The other problem (two, I guess, and this ties in with the economy factor) is outsourcing and the IT phenomenon. You can't even get hired scrubbing the restroom unless you're proficient in M$ Word and PowerPoint (kind of an exaggeration, but still). Then all the jobs (including -- and especially -- tech support) get sent over to foreign countries with names no one has ever heard of. I don't "do" Facebook or Twitter and hardly even check my e-mail. Daveman, I hear you on the age-stereotype issue. I'm about 25 and people I know in general basically expect that I use these services (because I'm of Generation Twitbook) or that I care what they are doing every thirty seconds of their daily existence. And then I've been cautioned to avoid the networking sites or have two distinct "private" and "public" (i.e. business) profiles -- personally, I can't be bothered. I don't even use Google anymore because of privacy concerns. The last thing I'd want is Big Brother and everybody's father, mother, sister, fifteenth step-cousin and other brother Darryl intruding in on my private life. Plus Facebook is only useful if one has or had face-to-face friends to begin with...so if there's no "I" in "team," there is one in INFP, because I'm very much alone.

Number three fucking kills me. I'll be honest.

In five years, I plan on seeing myself somewhere far away from this town, having a job suitable with my new degree. I'm sorry, but I don't want to work in fast food or retail in a mall for the rest of my life...but apparently they want you to? Whatever.

If an employee expects to work in an ideal workplace, a place where there is job security (sustained revenue) and inspiring work (market recognition), then they should expect certain things in their interviews. For example, in a place with sustained revenue, you need to be able to show concrete ways you could participate in helping that process. That means homework to make sure you communicate you have the substance, and confidence to show that you have what it takes to execute it intelligently. Market recognition implies good customer service, and you need to understand the interviewer as you are speaking to them. Interviews are not easy, and attentiveness to the other person is key. Never believe you are not negotiating; you are always negotiating.

Critical thinking is important, and people have the misguided perception that means just being logical. No, it also means that you have done your due diligence, that includes obtaining references, networking and doing what it takes to understand the place you want to work. Critical thinking implies that you are not wasting your time nor the interviewer's time in applying. If you find yourself continuously judging whether it's worth it, then you are on a wrong path. Judgment is good but reserve it until the end; you have to commit.

Many people suggest that they need to lie in interviews to get the jobs. If you do, you're doing it all wrong and eventually you will be outcompeted by a person that is naturally fit for the job. Even keeping your job is not a given, especially in this economy. It's best to find the spirit of the interview/job and address it in the most enthusiastic way possible. If you have no passion in your life, you might as well quit.

All the superficial things mentioned earlier that affect the interview, do actually affect the selection process. Not necessarily because the interviewer is superficial, but because those superficial things, like a strong handshake, provide clues into the personality and commitment of the interviewee, which will get confirmed as the interview continues.

my 2 cents ... if it helps, great; if not, throw it out with the rest ...