Why Did You Lose the Offer?

I’ve talked to countless professional women who are frustrated that they aren’t getting ahead in their careers, despite feeling that they nailed their job interviews. They often reflect on what went wrong: "Why didn’t they call me back? What happened after the interview? What did I do wrong? I thought they liked me."

These questions are all too common among women striving for success, yet the lessons behind these experiences often go unnoticed. Let's delve into some crucial lessons that can help you better navigate job interviews and position yourself for success.

They Want You On Their Team.

When you are called in for an interview, it means you've already met the technical qualifications for the job. Employers have sifted through resumes and initial screenings to select you as a candidate worth considering. They don’t invite you in for fun; they invite you because they need someone to fill a role that’s vital to their team’s success. It’s critical to shift your mentality from desperation—focusing solely on making them like you—to confidence in assessing whether the job is right for you, too.

Avoid the Imposter Syndrome.

This isn't a medical condition as some might believe; it's about not fully acknowledging just how capable you are. You’re not an imposter; you’re a lioness. Failing to own your greatness means you flicker between confidence and doubt, which the interviewers can sense. They want someone who can set the tone in the room, not someone who destabilizes it with uncertainty. Authentic, confident articulation of your value will resonate far better than nervously downplaying your achievements.

Consider this: are you the same enthusiastic person in every interview, from the first one to the seventh? Top organizations may have several layers of interviewing to avoid costly hiring mistakes—one bad hire can cost up to 1.5 times their salary. Therefore, maintaining your energy and authentic self throughout the process is crucial. Show them that the enthusiasm, dedication, and confidence you bring are consistent.

Clearly Articulate the Value You Offer.

Sometimes women diminish their own achievements to avoid seeming boastful, thinking their resume speaks for itself. However, in the interview room, you must confidently state what you’ve accomplished and how it directly applies to the job at hand.

For example, “I developed a program that increased our department’s productivity by 40%,” carries far more impact than “I was responsible for some improvements in my department.” Own your successes boldly.

Additionally, realize that a job interview is not just about them liking you. It’s equally about you determining if you like them. Women often feel a sense of loyalty to one job prospect, while men “keep their options open” by pursuing multiple opportunities simultaneously. You should be evaluating potential employers with the same critical eye they cast on you. Ask yourself: Do I fit into this company’s culture? Will I thrive here?

Manage Multiple Interviews.

It's okay to have several irons in the fire. Companies are talking to multiple candidates; you should be exploring multiple opportunities. This approach not only improves your chances of landing a job but also gives you leverage to negotiate better terms when offers do start coming in.

Building on the topic of culture fit, it’s crucial to recognize when a culture mismatch is not a rejection but a redirection. If you’re told you’re overqualified, that’s not a cue to lower your standards—it’s a signal that you’re aiming too low. Aim higher. Find environments where your excellence is appreciated and not deemed excessive. Remember, a job should not diminish you but rather leverage your strengths.

Now, let’s address panel interviews. These can be daunting but think of them as conversations, not interrogations. Four people in a panel are there to collectively gauge your fit. Instead of seeing it as a performance where you need to impress each person, treat it as an opportunity to show your authentic self and discuss how your experiences align with their needs. Relax and engage with them as you would in a fruitful professional discussion.

Prepare Mentally and Emotionally Before Your Interview.

Confidence comes from awareness and acknowledgment of your accomplishments. Spend time reaffirming your worth and capabilities. Listen to your favorite empowering music, remind yourself of past successes, and walk into that room with the awareness that you belong there. The more you can embody your true, powerful self, the more likely you are to resonate with your interviewers and secure that job.

In summary, remember these key lessons: understand they want you, avoid imposter syndrome, articulate your value, assess them as much as they assess you, manage multiple opportunities, recognize cultural mismatches, and enter each interview prepared and confident. These strategies pave the way to securing job offers and ensuring they are the right opportunities for your career trajectory.

Do you have any personal strategies or experiences that helped you succeed in job interviews? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

Christy Rutherford is an executive leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and high-level business consultant. Her clients have received +$18 million in salary raises and small business revenue since 2020. A Harvard Business School Alumna and certified Executive Leadership Coach from Georgetown University. Find out more about Christy HERE

Watch Christy's Episode 86 of Christy's podcast The Pay Raise Playbook, where she expands this discussion on "Why Did You Lose the Offer" HERE