You go on an interview. You think it went well, but the employer doesn’t call you for a second interview.

What happened?

Truth #1: There are many things an employer thinks about when hiring a new employee. Most of them have nothing to do with you.

The ultimate reason why you do or do not get a job offer might be completely out of your control.

Truth #2: If you did do something wrong during the interview, an employer probably would not tell you. They would just send you a rejection letter.

So what are employers not telling you?

Here are a few things you might be doing that are turning away employers.

Employer Turn Offs

• You seem angry.
• You pronounced words incorrectly or use bad grammar.
• You seem arrogant or not interested in the job or company.
• You act too shy or nervous.
• You seem too eager or desperate for any job.

You smell bad.
Wearing cologne or perfume to a job interview might seem like a good idea, but it’s not. Fragrances can be overwhelming when you are in a small space, like an office. Plus, some people have allegories to fragrances – scents can cause headaches, nausea or an asthma attack.

An employer will not tell you that you smell bad; they might not even make a face. But the hiring manager is thinking that they do not want to hire someone with an offensive order, or whose scent might make their customers or coworkers sick.

Bathe before each meeting with an employer, and skip the perfumes and cologne. Also, don’t smoke before an interview or job fair. People who smoke often smell like cigarettes without knowing it.

You seem depressed.
It’s normal for an unemployed person to feel sad or anxious. However, you don’t want these feelings to affect your job interviews. Even the most sympathetic employer does not want to hire someone who is moody or has low energy.

If you are feeling unusually low, talk to your doctor or a counselor. They will have resources and tips to help you through your depression.

If you are not sure of what employers think of you, here are two things you can do.

1. Ask your career advisers or friends for honest feedback about your attitude, interview skills, and presentation. Use their comments to improve how you present yourself to employers.

2. Ask employers what they think of you. At the end of an interview, you can ask the hiring manager if they have any concerns about your qualifications. It’s a gutsy question to ask, but if the employer gives you an honest answer, you have the chance to discuss their concerns immediately.

Before you change your interview or job search strategies, talk with your career advisers. It’s better to get feedback from someone you know before you make another bad impression on an employer.

More Info

• 18 Good Reasons You’re Still Unemployed (Careerealism)
• It’s Not Your Fault You Don’t Have A Job Yet … Is It? (DeniseMpls)
• Why Job Interviews May NOT Turn into Job Offers (Work Coach Café)
• Q&A: Husband Depressed After Layoff (DeniseMpls)