Reasons
for Candidate
Rejection
There are a number of reasons why
an applicant does not get invited for
a second interview and/or hired for a
particular position.
15. Did not prepare for interview by reading literature
such as company brochures or doing industry
research via the Internet/newspapers.
The following is a list of factors most commonly
cited by employers for not extending a job offer
and/or an invitation for a second interview.
17. Personality was arrogant, overly aggressive and /
or over-confident.
1. Poor communication skills, including:
• excessive talking
• no projection
• hand over mouth when talking
• poor poise/diction/grammar
• indistinctive speech
16. Immature and/or lacking in self-confidence.
18. Misrepresentation on résumé in regards to
education, G.P.A., depth of experience and/or
skills.
19. Candidate not competitive with applicant pool.
2. Not able to articulate clear goals or future career
direction; indecisive.
3. No match between skills or academic
background and the position.
4. Level of technical competency insufficient for
job.
5. Lacks general enthusiasm and energy
and appears unmotivated personally and
professionally.
6. Weak interpersonal skills.
20. Appearance lacking in professional or
appropriate presence (first impression);
appropriate dress, grooming habits and
confident/professional body language.
21. Unwilling to start at the bottom; expects too
much too soon.
22. Late to interview without good reason.
23. Asks no questions or asks very poor questions.
24. Overemphasis on money (salary, benefits and
vacation time).
25. Lack of tact, courtesy, social understanding and
appropriate manners.
26. Condemnation of past employers.
7. Failure to demonstrate leadership or
management potential.
27. Marked dislike for schoolwork.
8. Inadequate analytical or problem solving skills or
deficient in capacity to handle concepts.
28. Lack of vitality; limp handshake.
29. Fails to look interviewer in the eye.
9. No active participation in or contribution to
extracurricular activities.
30. Personality of the candidate mismatched that of
the corporate culture/environment.
10. No pattern or history of top performance or
success.
31. Loafed off during summer vacations and school
breaks (lack of initiative).
11. Unrealistic expectations of beginning salary and/
or position responsibilities.
32. Unhappy personal life.
12. Questionable work ethic.
34. Sloppy application form.
13. Interests of candidate are too narrow,
professionally and personally.
35. Merely shopping around or wants job for short
time only.
14. No relevant work experience – internships, coops, part time, summers, volunteer.
36. Little sense of humor.
Career Center
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UW-Platteville
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0200 Ullsvik Hall
33. Friction with parents.
37. Parents make decisions for him/her.
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608.342.1183
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www.uwplatt.edu/careercenter
38. Not a team player or lack of team player skills/
qualities; cynical.
39. Low moral standards.
40. Did not “sell theirsself” in the interview.
SKILLS
Employers Say New Graduates Lack:
• Communication skills (poor grammar and
writing skills; lack of presentation skills)
• Relevant work experience (internship, co-op,
volunteer)
• Work ethic and teamwork skills
• Not conducting themselves in a professional
manner
41. Intolerant; strong prejudices; radical ideas.
42. Poor handling of personal finances.
43. No interest in community activities.
44. Inability to accept constructive criticism or
feedback.
45. Lack of appreciation of the value of experience.
46. Unwilling to relocate or travel for work.
47. Never heard of employer.
TOP 10 Places Employers
Will Look for You
* The Placement Center at Northwestern University in
Evanston, Ill., conducted a study that investigated the
reasons surrounding an applicant’s rejection. The above list
was adapted from the results of their study.
1. On-campus interviews (see your college
Career Center for more information on campus
recruiting)
2. Organization’s internship and co-op programs
TOP FIVE
QUALITIES/SKILLS
EMPLOYERS WANT
3. Employee referrals
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Faculty contacts
4. Career/job fairs
5. Job postings available online through your
campus Career Center (online job posting/
résumé system)
Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)
Analytical Skills
Teamwork Skills
Technical Skills
Strong Work Ethic
Source: Job Outlook 2010, National Association of
Colleges and Employers
7. Job postings on the company website
8. Student organizations/clubs
9. Commercial job boards (ie: Monster, hotjobs, etc.)
10. Résumé searches/requests from Career Center
offices and online résumé data bases
(Updated 01/28/11)
Career Center
n
UW-Platteville
n
0200 Ullsvik Hall
n
608.342.1183
n
www.uwplatt.edu/careercenter