Why not getting the job you want can be the best result

In the tough world of job hunting, it's only natural to feel down when you don’t land the job you were hoping for. But, sometimes not getting the job you want can be a blessing in disguise. It might save you from a role that sounded better on paper than in reality, cleverly positioned by hiring managers to appear more appealing than it truly is.

The reality of the interview process

Remember, the interview process is pretty artificial - purely designed as a screening tool, which often provides a very light picture of the job, the company and even the hiring manager. Before getting swept away by what appears to be the perfect job opportunity, take the time to understand if the role will genuinely progress your career and help you grow professionally. The ultimate goal is to find a position that meets your current needs and contributes to your longer-term career goals.

Look beyond the job title

A good tactic or place to start is by looking beyond what’s on the surface, titles and hiring managers can often be misleading. Their main goal is to do what it takes to just fill the position, which can result in an idealised version of what's truly on offer. So how do you get to the bottom of what’s really on the table?

Ask the tough questions

Ask the tough questions hiring managers aren't expecting. These help to unlock truths about the job, the company and its culture, which will help you decide if it’s the right fit or not. So here are some hard hitting questions to keep in your back pocket the next time you find yourself interviewing for that job you’re really keen on.  

• Why did you join this business?
  Flip the script to learn more about the hiring manager's motivations for joining the company. This can provide invaluable insight into the company's culture and values.

  
  

• How long have you been with the business?
  This can help you get a better indication of stability and satisfaction within the company. 

  
  

• Did you receive other offers before you joined the business? And if yes, why did you choose this one?
  This can reveal what sets the company apart from its competitors and could help to reveal some unique selling points that may not be publicly available on the website or social media channels.

  
  

• If I speak to your team, will they say you are a good manager?
  This is a great question to learn more about the manager’s leadership style and relationship with their team. It provides you with an opportunity to truly imagine if you could work with or alongside this manager.

  
  

• What does success in this role look like to you?
  This question can unlock expectations set by the company when it comes to how they position and measure success. It’s a great way to gauge whether the company’s expectations align with your career goals and working style.

  
  

• What is the general staff turnover rate? Or what were the reasons given by the last three people who left your team?
  High turnover can be a warning sign that there might be issues within the team or management. It gives you a good idea of what the work environment and culture is like, which is important, particularly for on-site and hybrid roles. 

  
  

• If I succeed in this role, what is the career progression and what will you do to retain me?
  This question helps to identify any opportunities for advancement and how the company values, invests in and supports employee growth.

  
  

• How many people have you interviewed for this role and how many offers have you extended?
  This can uncover the true intentionality behind filling the role, from how long the job has been vacant, to the volume of candidates that have been or are being interviewed for the position. Asking it can reveal red and/or green flags based on what you’re looking for. 

  
  

• Of the people who rejected your offer, what reasons did they give?
  Understanding why candidates decline offers can give you a better idea of the company's potential shortcomings.

Take a moment to reflect

So, the next time you don’t get the job you wanted, take a moment to reflect. It might just be a blessing in disguise, steering you away from a less-than-ideal situation, towards a role that truly aligns with your career aspirations and values.

Remember to take a moment to reflect and reassess post interview, don't let a flashy job title or a charming hiring manager fool you. Interviewing is a two way process, so take the opportunity to dig deeper and ask the right questions before deciding if a job is the right fit.