Jones had it all—or so he thought. Years of hands-on experience, an impressive technical skill set, and a go-getter attitude. But despite being overqualified and consistently dependable, he kept getting overlooked for promotions at his current job. Tired of hitting the same ceiling, he made a bold move: It was time to find something better.
While scrolling through LinkedIn, a job post by Corporate Staffing Services (CSS) caught his eye: Software Engineering Manager—his dream role. It felt like a perfect match. The responsibilities mirrored his past experience, and the qualifications? He ticked every box.
He dove into interview prep, confident that his credentials would seal the deal. On interview day, he was sharply dressed, arrived ahead of schedule, and wore a confident smile as he entered the room. The panel nodded as he answered. Everything seemed to be going well.
But then… silence. No callback. No email. Just days of refreshing his inbox in vain.
Eventually, unable to stand the suspense, Jones dialed the number listed on the CSS website.
“Hello, my name is Jones. I recently interviewed for the Software Engineer Manager position. I was wondering if there’s any feedback available?”
He held his breath.
“The position has already been filled,” the caller replied, almost mechanically.
A sinking feeling gripped his chest. After weeks of waiting, the door had quietly closed.
Still, he mustered the courage to ask the golden question:
“Would you mind sharing why I wasn’t selected?”
The interviewer paused, flipping through her notes.
“Jones Kilonzo?” she asked. The hesitation in her voice stung more than the words. He felt invisible.
But the feedback that followed—though brutally honest—offered clarity. And that’s what changed everything.
🎯 What Went Wrong — And How You Can Avoid It
1. Giving Vague, Generic Answers
“You didn’t stand out. You rambled and gave vague responses.”
Despite having a strong background, Jones failed to communicate his value clearly. He overexplained, wandered off-topic, and gave broad responses that didn’t leave a lasting impression.
✅ Fix it:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Be specific. Focus on your unique achievements and show how they made a measurable impact.
2. Interrupting or Over-Talking the Interviewer
“You interrupted the panel twice. It came across as arrogant and dismissive.”
Jones had let his confidence morph into dominance. In an attempt to impress, he ended up overshadowing the very people he needed to win over.
✅ Fix it:
Listen actively. Let the interviewer finish their questions. Show respect by pausing before responding. Remember: being a good communicator also means being a good listener.
3. Sounding Rehearsed or Robotic
“You were well-prepared, but it felt like we were listening to a script.”
Preparation is key—but too much can make you sound unnatural. Jones had practiced so hard, he lost his authenticity. Instead of connecting with the panel, he sounded mechanical.
✅ Fix it:
Practice your answers, but don’t memorize them word-for-word. Know your talking points, but deliver them conversationally. Let your passion and personality shine through.
💡 Extra Pitfalls That Qualified Candidates Overlook
4. Failing to Match the Role’s Strategic Vision
Jones focused too much on what he had done—but not why it mattered. He missed the chance to show how his experience aligned with the company’s bigger goals.
✅ Fix it:
Tailor your answers to reflect the organization’s objectives. Research the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. Then frame your experience as a solution to their needs.
5. Not Asking Thoughtful Questions
At the end of his interview, Jones didn’t ask any questions. It gave the impression that he wasn’t genuinely curious about the role or the company culture.
✅ Fix it:
Always ask at least 2–3 thoughtful questions at the end. Example:
- “What does success look like in this role after six months?”
- “What are the current challenges the team is facing?”
6. Ignoring Non-Verbal Communication
Jones fidgeted, avoided eye contact, and leaned back too often—subtle cues that suggested nervousness and disinterest.
✅ Fix it:
Practice positive body language: Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, sit upright, and smile genuinely. These small cues help build rapport and trust.
7. Undervaluing Soft Skills
Jones emphasized his tech skills but failed to highlight leadership, team collaboration, and adaptability—skills vital for a managerial role.
✅ Fix it:
Balance hard skills with soft skills. Use examples where you led a team, resolved conflict, or adapted during change. These human elements matter—especially for leadership roles.
8. Not Following Up Properly
Jones waited in silence, assuming the company would get back to him if interested.
✅ Fix it:
Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express gratitude, reaffirm your interest, and briefly recap what excites you about the role.
🧭 The Turning Point
Crushed but not defeated, Jones took the feedback seriously. He visited the CSS website and scheduled a one-on-one with an interview coach.
This time, he didn’t memorize. He refined. He stayed relaxed, answered with clarity, and matched his skills with the company’s mission.
Later that day, his phone buzzed.
“Hi Jones, we were really impressed. We’d love to offer you the role.”
Just like that, the rejection narrative was rewritten.
🔁 Final Thoughts
Rejection doesn’t always mean you’re unqualified. Often, it’s about how you present your qualifications. Many capable candidates unknowingly sabotage interviews by being vague, overconfident, or misaligned with the role.
If this sounds like you—don’t panic. Rejection is feedback. And feedback is growth.
Here’s what you can do right now:
✔️ Review your past interviews
✔️ Practice targeted responses using the STAR method
✔️ Book a mock interview or coaching session
✔️ Go in calm, clear, and confident
Let rejection become redirection.
Need help preparing for your next interview?
Speak to our certified interview coaches today and walk into your next opportunity with confidence.
