Not Getting a Second Interview? Try Doing This

Finding a job is a long, arduous process from start to finish. Polishing your resume (and updating it for every application), crafting a compelling cover letter, and following up to show interest in the position takes a lot of bandwidth to get that coveted interview. The interview process also takes time, with the possibility of 2 –3 (or more) rounds. Nathan from Chicago is looking for some job interview tips from the WorkInSports Podcast to get further along:

"Hey Brian, I've been trying really hard to leverage the Great Resignation and find myself a sports career I love. Per your recommendations, I've been applying for jobs I am qualified for, I've leaned into my network, I've tailored my resume for the specific job and to get through the Applicant Tracking System, and it's working – I've had four interviews for great roles over the last month! Yeah!

"Here's the problem – I haven't had ANY second interviews. I know you aren't witnessing my performance, but in your experience, what do you think I may be doing wrong?"

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Job Interview Tips

It's hard not to take it personally when you don't get a job, especially once you have reached the interview stage. While it may not take away the sting of rejection, contextualizing the reasons between factors you can’t control and ones that you can may be helpful. Some of the reasons you may be stalling after a first interview include:

•    The position was earmarked for an internal candidate
•    The needs or budget of the employer have changed since the interview
•    The employer hired a better fit in a competitive series of interviews

With those caveats in mind, taking care of the things in your control increases your chances of getting a job after a second interview. Those controllable things are:

•    How much effort you put into researching the company
•    How effectively you weave a personal narrative into your answers to make a lasting impression
•    How proactive you are at following up with the people you interviewed with

Beyond those three things, another easily overlooked factor that can eliminate you from consideration — even if you nail everything above — is your online presence. Over half of employers have decided not to hire a candidate based on something they found online, so make sure you do not have anything on social media that can come back to haunt you later.

Listen to the full episode of the WorkInSports Podcast as VP of Content and Engaged Learning Brian Clapp lays out the roadmap to moving on in the interview process. Also, subscribe to the podcast to catch all our sports career advice. Additional content is available on our YouTube channel!