Recruiter explains why people get rejected even after multiple rounds of interviews

Conducting multiple rounds of job interviews serves as a valuable method to assess the skills and qualifications of candidates. This comprehensive evaluation enables companies to make well-informed decisions regarding the most suitable candidate for the position. However, this process can be time-consuming and exert additional mental and emotional pressure on applicants. It becomes even more disheartening when candidates are not ultimately selected for the job. This conversation was started by Mark Jannini—who goes by @markjannini on TikTok—who posted a video and said he received “a rejection email from a job after 4 rounds of interviews that lasted 6 weeks."

Sho Dewan—who goes by @workhap on TikTok—made a stitch with Jannini's video and offered an explanation for this scenario. “Those are the worst, but let me tell you the real reason you didn’t get the job,” he said. “It doesn’t have to do with your performance in interviews, not your skills, not your experience.”

He explains this happens when someone from within an organization gets the role. However, that is not the only reason. Sometimes, the hiring manager does not know what he wanted in the ideal candidate for the job prior to the interview process. “And while they’re going through interviews, they realize, ‘Oh, you know what? We’re actually looking for this kind of candidate instead,’” he suggested. “So that’s why you got positive reviews, but they just need somebody else.”

Many TikTok users agreed with Dewan and shared that they had lost jobs for one of these reasons. @alex1000018 commented, "Happened four times to me so far. Been looking for work about half a year now." @carsler commented, "Either an internal candidate or they already have someone in mind.. them being excessively positive is not a good sign. just wanna make u feel good." @kasdiel gave a suggestion of their own, "That’s why you ask your working friend to push your resume/CV into the same workplace."

@bj2459423556 commented, "Just happened to me! Made it to the final round and had nothing but positive feedback. Only for them to say they went a “different route”. Another person, @user917991882036 shared their experience, "Happened to me too after I got laid off after a 26-year tenure. Harsh times. Hang in there. I’ll do the same."

These insightful videos provide valuable guidance on how to cope with rejection and avoid taking it too personally. It is natural to feel disheartened after investing considerable time and effort into multiple rounds of interviews, but it is crucial to maintain a persistent mindset and view each experience as an opportunity for growth.

Actively seek feedback whenever possible, take time to reflect on areas that can be improved and continuously refine your skills and approach. It's important to keep in mind that rejection is a common aspect of the job search journey, and by persevering and learning from setbacks, you increase your chances of eventually securing the right opportunity.