By Lori Rubinger, Director, Training and Special Projects

So tell me if this has ever happened to you: you go for an interview, it goes really well! The employer really seems interested, and goes so far as to ask you “if we hired you, how soon could you start?” You go home and write your thank you note, (feeling a little like it’s already in the bag) and the unthinkable actually happens: you don’t get the job! How could you have been so wrong about the employer’s intentions? Could this lack of judgement be happening in other areas of your life? Well, believe it or not in this case, it may not be you, it is probably them.

The following reasons are not uncommon:

1. The company has decided to promote from within
2. The top decision maker, has changed her mind, and wants to wait until business is better
3. The project was cancelled or funding did not come through
4. The company really did like you, but met somebody who was an even better fit
5. The project was put on hold

Either way, this can feel like your heart has sunk to your toes!!!

Teachable moments for you:

• Unfortunately, one can never assume that it is “in the bag”
• Continue your job search, a job is not a job unless it has been offered to you
• You can ask the employer the reason you have not been hired
• You can ask the employer for referrals to someone else in their network
• Do NOT take it personally
• Carry on!!!

Please share your “it’s really not you, it’s them” stories with us!