By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
In case you haven’t noticed (I know I hadn’t), Hollywood is in the midst of awards season. Numerous award shows recognize the film and television industry’s top performers. Shows can receive an award, and multiple actors and performances are “nominated.”
Compared to the job interview process, there is only one position available, and multiple candidates are being considered – or nominated.
You’ll notice how inconsistent or subjective some of these shows can be if you watch them. On one show, a particular actor might be nominated and win. On another show, the same actor might not be nominated at all, and an entirely different actor will win the award in that category. (Perhaps unsurprisingly, as we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes.)
So how does this relate to your job interview process specifically?
First, decisions made (behind the scenes) in the job process and these award shows will always be somewhat subjective. A candidate will be deemed “the best fit” for a particular company. While employed by another company, the candidate will be considered neither a contender nor a winner.
This is not to say that the candidate is incompetent or the wrong person. This indicates that he or she was not a good fit for the position or that another candidate brought something more to the table.
There could be a variety of possible explanations for the decision made behind the scenes. Reasons for preference will vary, and whether we like it or not, overt prejudice will sometimes occur. It is unjust, but who said life was fair?
Even though hiring managers will never admit it, they may occasionally seek to hire only men (shame on them) or seek to hire only people under 30 at another company (big mistake). Allow yourself to move forward and let it go. It’s hard to prove.
The company with which your next interview is with may discover that you are their best choice. Not only do they believe you can do the job, but they also believe you are a good fit for the position.
Therefore, refrain from being excessively and unnecessarily critical of yourself. Consider yourself a contender and give yourself a high-five if you are invited to an interview! Consider yourself “nominated” if you are offered a second interview or are selected as a finalist for the job. Take pride in the fact that you have something to offer or a skill set that employers value.
While you may be disappointed to learn that they did not choose you, do not despair. While you may have missed out on the job this time, keep in mind that each job has a single winner or job offer made. For whatever reason, someone else possessed something that you lacked. What is the reason?
Don’t try to ascertain why. Rather than feeling trapped and abandoned, reclaim your power by remaining proactive. Reward yourself for being a nominee and anticipate the day when you will receive the job offer.
A Buddhist proverb says, “Keep in mind that sometimes not getting what you want is a marvelous stroke of luck.”zblo
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2021, 2026
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. His work involves career coaching, as well as executive job search coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the former host and producer of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with more than 3100 episodes.
Are you interested in 1:1 coaching, interview coaching, advice about networking more effectively, how to negotiate your offer or leadership coaching? Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
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