How did they know that?

You have been on job interviews and they seem really interested in you but you don't get the offer. Ask yourself why?  There could be a number reasons that you don't get an offer.  Perhaps, they found a better candidate or they cancelled the position or did they find something in your background? 

You need to be very proactive when addressing information that potential employers could obtain.  First, what are your references, former employers and co-workers saying about you.  Secondly what is on the Internet about you.  Third, what does your credit rating say.  Finally, address the negativity.

Always contact your references so that they know who will be calling and inform them about the position being sought.  Determine if there is number and/or time that would be more suitable for them to be contacted.  Remember, if your reference does not seem professional the value of their endorsement will be reduced.  Remind them of situations that they can use to emphasize your character.  Confirm the contact number for previous employers and verify the type of information that they will provide.  Most HR departments will only confirm dates and positions held at a company.  This will not support your claims of being an outstanding employee so be able to document any statements you make to your potential employer about yourself.  Offer to provide this documentation when you do your thank you letter.  Be prepared to demonstrate your work history with awards, newspaper announcements, performance appraisals even tax statements (ie documenting bonuses)  but have documentation. There is an old saying "put your money where your mouth is"   If your credit rating is poor, your may not qualify for certain positions.  Address this issue by telling the potential employers the truth, your credit rating is at an all time low, due to your prolonged unemployment or illness and that you are working with your creditors to correct this situation.  You want the employer to know that you are a financially responsible individual.  "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.' - if you had co-worker(s) that do not fall in the 'friend' category, you may want to know where they are currently working because they could be a source of negative information about you. Don't assume the supervisor or HR asked them for a reference because some haters just love to sling mud and will volunteer their opinion without solicitation.  Do everything possible to resolve your issues prior to the interview.  If this isn't possible then perhaps you might consider not working at that company. If you are a social butterfly, clean up your site(s), voice mail, and ask your friends to help you.  If there is something truly horrible about you on the Internet and you believe that it will be uncovered then you need to acknowledge it, confirm the validity of it, and notify potential employers of any legal action that you might be taking to correct the situation ie you were the victim of identity theft.  In the worst case scenario, blame it on the stupidity of being young but never blame your "friends" alcohol or drugs for poor judgement because this will say more about you than any picture.  Make sure that the interviewer knows that you have matured and you will enhance the company's image.

If you are positive that none these issues were factors, then request a post interview.  This should be done by your career coach or counselor from employment services not you.  The goal of this interview is to learn how to present yourself better for your next job interview.

If you would like help with your job seeking skills or need someone to make a post interview call for your, please call me for a free consultation.