Hearing a dream employer has chosen someone else for the job is never easy, no matter how gently the hiring manager breaks the news. Taking time to analyze why you didn’t get the job, however, is worthwhile. By considering the reasons you were passed over, you identify areas you can address in your next job application or interview—increasing your chances of landing the job.

Here’s how to analyze why you didn’t get the position—and what to do with the information you receive:

Ask for feedback.

Many job seekers hesitate to ask why they were turned down. If you don’t ask, you miss a valuable opportunity to prevent history from repeating itself. Ask the hiring manager for feedback in a way that helps focus their response, such as “What one thing would you recommend I work on before my next interview?”

Talk to your recruiter.

In addition to asking the hiring manager for feedback, talk to your recruiter about reasons you may have not gotten the job. Your recruiter can help you pinpoint and work on specific weaknesses.

In some situations, there was nothing you could have done differently; the other candidate was simply better in some way. Often, your recruiter will have the “inside knowledge” to provide perspective on the situation, which can help you overcome any lingering doubts and move forward with confidence.

Focus on improvement.

Some of the most common reasons candidates are turned down include:

• A lack of in-depth experience, especially in one of the job’s key demands
• A poor attitude: superiority, entitlement or a lack of passion
• Discussing group achievements while ignoring their personal contributions to that success
• Lack of focus on skills that will transfer well to the new employer’s context

Whether you’ve stumbled on one of these common mistakes or fallen behind due to a different cause, spend some time reviewing your application materials and practicing new, stronger interview answers. This will shore up weaknesses and help you build confidence.

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters can help you connect with employers that offer a better fit for your sales and marketing career goals, so you hear “When can you start?” instead of “We’re sorry.” We work with outstanding employers and candidates in the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Contact us today to learn more about our medical device sales and marketing job openings.