Rebecca Kluberdanz, Head Editor, INALJ New York State

Why Didn’t I Get the Job and What Should I Do Next?

For me, and I am sure many others, the most frustrating thing about the job search is not hearing why I didn’t get the job or even an interview! Is it my experience level? Is it my education? Did they not like the clothes I wore to the interview? Did they just not like me as a person?

I recently read an article on Mashable.com entitled “5 Reasons Why Employers Don’t Respond After a Job Interview” and the whole thing just made me even more upset. Although sometimes it may hurt, I would always like to know the reason I don’t get a job or even an interview for a job! If I knew then there’s a possibility that I can change something I’m doing or, in some cases, not doing. In some cases I am well aware that there are large numbers of applicants but I still wish it was commonplace that employers tell every applicant either why they didn’t get an interview or, if they did, exactly why they didn’t get the job. Some of the reasons the Mashable article gave made sense but I would gladly sign some sort of document promising not to take any legal action if it meant I could have access to all that information.

In response to this article I came up with four things to do while waiting to hear back:

1. Keep looking!

The worst mistake job searchers can make is to not constantly look for a job. Even if you have already gone on an interview for a dream job you need to continue to look because you never know if another dream job may pop up while you are waiting! There are no guarantees in the job search world so never stop looking!

2. Relax and stop over thinking.

After interviews, and even after sending off job applications, I have made myself sick worrying about what has already been done. Once an interview is done, it is done. You send off your thank you and then you have to wait. There is absolutely nothing you can do to change what you already said in the interview so it is better to just relax. Do some yoga, get some recreational reading done but stop obsessing! It just stresses you out more!

3. Treat yourself.

Make sure you are doing things for yourself during the job search process! If you are not relaxed and happy and confident it will be reflected in everything that you do. You need to be your best self if you want to put your best self forward so make sure you always make times for breaks and things you love to do.

4. Open yourself to new opportunities.

Maybe if the job search thing is frustrating you look for places to volunteer! Volunteering is great way to learn about the library world and pad your resume without having to go through the same crazy application process for a full-time or part-time job.

As I mentioned before, not hearing back from job applications is one of the most frustrating things in the world but by keeping calm, staying happy and opening yourself to new opportunities you can get through this and get a job that is the perfect fit for you!

Source: http://mashable.com/2014/05/05/job-interview-silence/