By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
If you haven’t noticed (I know I haven’t), it’s awards season in Hollywood. Many award shows honor top performers in the film and television industries. Shows can win awards, with multiple actors and performances being “nominated”.
Contrast this with the job interview process, where there is only one job opening and multiple candidates are being considered or nominated.
If you watch these shows, you’ll see how inconsistent or subjective some of them are. On a show, a specific actor may be nominated and win. In another show, the same actor might not be nominated at all, and a completely different actor would win in that category. (Perhaps not surprising, since we don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.)
So how does this specifically relate to your job interview process?
First of all, the decisions that are made (behind the scenes) in the working process and at these awards shows are always somewhat subjective. Candidates will be considered the “best fit” for a particular company. Candidates will not be considered a competitor or winner while employed by another company.
This is not to say that the candidates are incompetent or the wrong people. This suggests that he or she is not a good fit for the position, or that other candidates bring something more to the table.
There may be several possible explanations for the decisions made behind the scenes. The reasons for preferences vary, and whether we like it or not, sometimes overt bias occurs. It’s unfair, but who says life is fair?
Although hiring managers will never admit it, they may sometimes seek to hire only men (shame on them), or seek to hire only people under the age of 30 at another company (big mistake). Allow yourself to move on and let go. It’s hard to prove.
The next company you interview with may find that you are their top choice. Not only do they believe you can do the job, but they believe you’re a perfect fit for the position.
Therefore, do not criticize yourself excessively and unnecessarily. If you are invited for an interview, consider yourself a contender and give yourself a high five! If you receive a second interview or are selected as a finalist for this position, please consider yourself “nominated.” Be proud of yourself for offering something or a skill that your employer values.
While you may be disappointed to find out they didn’t choose you, don’t despair. While you may have missed out on the job this time around, remember that every job has a winner or job offer. For whatever reason, someone else has what you lack. What’s the reason?
Don’t try to determine the cause. Instead of feeling trapped and abandoned, regain your strength by staying proactive. Reward yourself for being a nominee and look forward to the day when you receive a job offer.
A Buddhist proverb says, “Remember, sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” zblo
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2021, 2026
About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter is a coach who has been a recruiter for a hundred years. His work involves career coaching, executive job coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the former host and producer of No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 job search podcast on iTunes with over 3,100 episodes.
Are you interested in 1:1 coaching, interview coaching, advice on more effective networking, how to negotiate an offer, or leadership coaching? Schedule a discovery call on my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
Learn to interview like a pro. “The Ultimate Job Interview Framework” www.TheBigGameHunter.us/interviews Kindle and print versions are available on Amazon.
Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/thebiggamehunter Mention that you listen to the podcast or watch my YouTube channel.
Looking for a job with nowhere to go? Kindle version of “Diagnose Your Job Search Problem” on Amazon and get free Kindle versions of “No-BS Resume Advice” and “Interview Prep.”
If you want to start your search, order “Prepared for the Work Jungle” on Amazon
Watch my videos on YouTube at JobSearchTV.com,
Thinking of a career change and need some ideas that work for you. CareerFitter offers free testing, and you can upgrade to a paid version if you need more testing.
