You Didn’t Lose the Job... It Was Never Yours to Win (The Hiring Truth No One Tells You)

Read time: 2.5 minutes

How to Prevent Squandering Time on Pre-Determined Positions?

1. Target Before You Apply
▸ Apply for jobs selectively.
▸ Inquire about internal candidates or interim managers early in the application process.
If so, consider whether or not time will be well spent.

2. Read the Signals Early
▸ Vague job descriptions suggest that the organization doesn't have the role well defined.
▸ Hastened recruitment practices tend to indicate that candidates' decisions have already been made.
▸ Expressions like "We're in a hurry" without accompanying details generate suspicions.

3. Turn the Urgency in Reverse
▸ Rather than simply displaying that you're the best candidate, create urgency for them to proceed with you as their choice.
▸ Ask about their timeline and decision factors.
▸ Get them to qualify you in order to proceed with you rather than just evaluating you.

4. Respect Your Time
▸ Do not expend time and energy prior to making any formal commitments.
▸ Set limits (e.g., do not perform take-home work until you meet with the hiring manager).
▸ Consider your time to be an asset from the moment you begin an application.

5. Concentrate on Opportunities without Internal Defaults
▸ Establish priorities within open positions that do not have internal candidates appointed.
▸ Focus upon areas such as new teams, new challenges or undefined account ownership.
▸ Target organizations that are still making decisions regarding their recruitment processes.



💡Key Takeaway: 

You have not been turned down for this role… it’s more likely you weren't considered at all. The true talent of an individual is determining if you are likely to be hired before you commit to an interview.