Nobody likes to get bad news. It is particularly painful when an application is rejected – regardless of the reasons for the rejection. After all, you have invested a lot of time and effort in your application and raised your hopes for the dream job. And then that: rejection. Out. Annoying, that. The disillusionment is often followed by anger, then frustration: What did you do wrong? Why another rejection? What are the reasons? In fact, most of the reasons for rejection have nothing to do with you at all. You are not to blame, nor have you made a mistake. And that is exactly what you should be aware of at this point. Out of 10 typical reasons for rejection that we have identified, you cannot do anything for 7.
The reasons for rejection make a difference
Admittedly, rejection is a rejection and remains a rejection. Even if you know the reasons for rejection, this is sometimes only little consolation. This dream job is gone and won’t be back. But – and you should also be aware of this: there are always alternatives. They don’t have to be worse either. On the contrary: the advantages may only be revealed at a second glance. And sometimes a door closes so that a (better) one can open elsewhere. But we would have overlooked them beforehand…
The second point is even more important. By making yourself aware of the reasons for rejection (through no fault of your own), you will improve your chances of applying next time. Anyone who has the feeling, despite their best efforts, to receive one rejection after another, is quickly discouraged. Sooner or later this will be reflected in the application or interview.
With every rejection for which you blame yourself, you fall more and more into the role of victim and supplicant. Indeed, there are actually application errors that drive candidates out. But there are just as many reasons for rejection through no fault of our own. Those who make this clear remain motivated and continue to give their best in their applications.
Reasons for rejection: These are the 10 most common
When going to the mailbox or e-mail box mutates into an emotional hurdle run, most candidates ask themselves: “What have I done wrong?” The answer can sometimes be nothing at all. You yourself are not to blame. Unfortunately, there are several reasons for rejection that are never communicated in the event of an application being rejected.
Top Secret: These reasons for rejection are never mentioned
- Your application was qualitatively below average.
- You are looking for younger/older, male/female employees.
- One is afraid of a baby break and parental leave.
- They are too expensive.
- You have insufficient professional experience.
- The references are too bad.
- The rejection is simply due to a lack of sympathy.
Even if employers cover up the true statements about the rejection decision, don’t let them discourage you. Realize this: there could be many reasons, and it is not always up to you. Out of the following 10 reasons, 7 are not your fault!
None of these reasons for rejection is your fault
- The position was never really vacant.
In fact, some positions are only advertised “pro forma” publicly, because that has to be legal. In truth, they have long been staffed internally. That doesn’t change the fact that you are annoyed about application rejections. It’s definitely not your fault. A pro forma position can only rarely be identified. A good indication: the job description and the requirements are formulated so specifically that basically nobody can fit them – except for one person. And that has already been found internally. - You were a test subject.
That also happens: Some companies advertise a position for test purposes – motto: “Let’s see how attractive we are for applicants.” That is – no question – selfish. Nevertheless, some companies check their market value in this way and at the same time do a bit of advertising for themselves by demonstrating that they are a prosperous company that has vacancies. So you never stood a chance. Therefore: don’t get angry. Carry on! - You are overqualified for the job.
This can also be a reason for an application being rejected: Those who are overqualified also risk being rejected. HR professionals fear that they will be bored later at work or that they will quickly switch back when something better opens up. Here you have to address the problem specifically in the cover letter, justify the application well and dispel any doubts. Alternative: You are looking for (higher) positions that are more in line with your qualifications. - Other candidates were better.
It is not easy to admit this: In some jobs and positions, the competition on the labor market is simply too great. Then 3000 applicants meet for a job. The chances of winning the dream job look accordingly. Whoever presents themselves better, sells better, fits the company better – wins. But that should first and foremost arouse your ambition: Optimize your application further. Practice more job interviews. And gain experience. Sometimes patience and frustration tolerance are the best way to get a job. - They don’t fit the company.
This is a highly personal matter, but it cannot be changed: You may not really fit into the team. The proverbial “chemistry” is wrong. Your “type” does not arrive. It may be because of your nature – too introverted, too extroverted, poor manners. Or you are looking for a significantly older or younger person. Perhaps your interests and hobbies also feed doubts about your motivation (because you describe them much more passionately than your job). You will never be told that. You have to accept it anyway. They fit better elsewhere. - Your career does not suit the position.
Quite a few HR managers pay attention when selecting candidates to whether the current position fits their professional development. Headhunters do that anyway: every job change should also represent a career step. However, if you have the impression that you will not improve or develop further with your application, this can also lead to rejection. Heads up! The decision may save you later frustration. One wants better for you – and only suspects the wrong choice. - You were second best.
Sure, you can’t buy any of this. And second place is already the first loser. But look at it from a different angle: You were neither unsuitable, nor unqualified, nor unsympathetic. Just maybe a little bit worse than your competitor (and even that can be a misjudgment). This time it didn’t work out. The good news: your fiercest competitor is now out of the market. Your chances have just increased by 100 percent!
You can do something about these reasons for rejection
- You lack the necessary qualifications.
The fact that you absolutely want a job does not mean that you are optimally qualified for it. The demands of companies are high. If you lack key skills that are essential for your job, application rejections are likely. If so, check to see if there are more suitable positions to apply for. Or take further training to acquire the missing qualifications. - Your salary expectations were too high.
The question of salary expectations usually only comes up during the interview. From time to time, however, they are required in the job advertisement or the application. If you overshoot here, you’re out. To rule out this reason, you should research well in advance: What do you pay employees in this profession and this position, in this industry, in this region, and this company size? Please use our free salary tables and our free paycheck. - You are too inflexible.
Hand on heart: How big is your search radius? Some applicants almost stick to the clod. Even university graduates often want to stay in the university town or return to their homeland. That is understandable, but not always effective. If you are looking for your dream job, for example, in a region in which your industry and suitable employers are underrepresented, then reduce your own application chances. It doesn’t help to reduce rejections: You have to become more flexible and mobile.
Reasons for rejection after the interview
- Occurrence: You were too nervous, insecure. The assumption: you cannot handle pressure and stress well in any other way either. After all: that can be practiced. And with every further job interview, you get more routine.
- Manners: Unfortunately, your manners leave a lot to be desired. Inappropriate clothing, lounging around, swear words, interrupting others, bringing you in a bad mood – all taboo. No wonder if the person you are speaking to does not like you. Good: That can be improved.
- Authenticity: There are over 100 questions that can be asked in an interview. Some can be prepared, others not. But it is crucial every time that you remain authentic. Do not play a (desired) role. Smile, be yourself.
- Questions: In every interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. Anyone who does not provide one now appears uninterested and poorly prepared. Always ask questions – clever ones that relate to the job.
- Desired salary: At the latest in the (second) interview, the question of the desired salary arises. As I said: if you overdraw, you risk refusal.
Tips: How-to-deal-correctly-with-application rejections at
Application rejections are not the end of the world. You scratch your ego. In the end, however, it depends on how you deal with the rejection and disappointment. The first step is the thorough (and honest) analysis of your own application documents mentioned at the beginning. Look very carefully:
- What can still be extracted and optimized?
- What mistakes can you learn from?
- Are there any other tips and tricks that you haven’t tested?
In addition, the following tips will help you make the most of your situation:
Don’t take it personally
Application rejections feel like a slap in the face. As you can see from the reasons above, these are seldom personal. As soon as you take rejections too personally, your self-esteem suffers. That is poison for any further application. At some point, you will only see yourself as a supplicant – and HR managers will feel that too. Be sure to keep a positive attitude. See application rejections as an opportunity for improvement and personal growth. With this setting, you can make significant progress.
Get feedback from the company
You do not have to accept a rejection of your application. Even if the chances are not particularly high and there is also no right to information for rejected applicants: Still investigate the cause and call the HR department. Yes, some will make you feel like you are a nuisance. Others wall the same way. So what?! What do you have to lose? You don’t have a job yet. You will not receive a written statement. On the phone (where there is a testimony against testimony afterward) HR managers are more likely to look at the cards. Be sure to stay professional and friendly. Whoever calls frustrated and annoyed will not receive any information.
Question your strategy
Many people choose the path of least resistance. The easiest thing to do is to blame others for the application rejections. The HR manager is incompetent, the application process is unorganized and the store is actually botched anyway… That makes the rejection more bearable, but it doesn’t help a bit.
It is wiser to reflect critically on whether your own application strategy urgently needs an update. Are you really exhausting all the possibilities and modern methods of job search? Application videos, passive applications, job searches – have you already tried it? Alternatives to entry can also be a temporary position or an internship. The broader you act, the more likely you will be successful.
Don’t give up
After umpteen application rejections, it is only human that your motivation suffers. It’s getting harder and harder to always go a step further and improve. Still, don’t let your head droop! There is always a tomorrow. Often it is only in retrospect that we realize that the many rejections ultimately brought us to a perfect job and out of a dangerous comfort zone.