They told you no after the first interview. You thought it went well! Analyzing what went wrong and fixing it will get you to the second round in the future.
Poor Fit
Sometimes it’s just not the right job for you. If the first interview isn’t going well because you can’t answer the questions or your aren’t “connecting” with the people you are interviewing with, it probably is just the wrong job or the wrong company. Don’t beat yourself up over something that wasn’t right in the first place. Do a better assessment of fit next time around.
Unprepared
If you didn’t research the company and the people you are interviewing with before the first interview, shame on you. If you haven’t practiced your answers to the top 50 interview questions, not so you can memorize answers, but so you are prepared and can speak articulately, shame on you. If you haven’t prepared some good questions to ask at the end of the first interview, you won’t get asked back and it’s your fault.
Appearance
Yes, tattoos, nose rings, a day or two beard growth, heavy eye make-up and shaggy hair styles are “in”. They may serve you well on Saturday night but not in a first interview. Being well-groomed and dressed for success says you care about this position before you even open your mouth.
Enthusiasm
Shake hands like you mean it. Express interest through good eye contact. Sit up in your chair. No leaning back, in fact, lean forward. Smile when you can. You are the commodity, sell yourself. As recruiters, we constantly have to tell people to be enthusiastic about the position. If, ultimately, you don’t want the offer, you can turn it down, but if you don’t get it in the first place, that option isn’t open. Maybe you don’t click with the first person you meet, but everyone else is terrific. Lack of enthusiasm with that one person could keep you from getting the offer.
