When you’re looking for a job, unfortunately it is inevitable that you could be turned down from a position you applied for.

The worst part of a recruiter’s job is having to tell someone like you that, even though you could have an amazing CV and nailed your interview, you have not got the position. 

At GetMyFirstJob, when we get you an interview, but you aren’t right for the opportunity, we'll make sure we talk to our clients and do our best to know why this was the case. It’s a lot easier for us to help explain it to you, and to also help you in the future when going into interviews for similar (or very different) roles.

It’s really important for us that you listen so we can help you get the job that you really want. Every cloud has a rainbow! 

There are lots of reasons that you may not get that sought-after apprenticeship or job, including many things that you may not have even thought about at the time of interview. And sometimes, you couldn’t have done anything differently – it’s just that the opportunity may not be 100% suited to you!

Below is an example of some client comments regarding a candidate that recently went for a customer service apprentice role. We’ve changed the name of the person for the purpose of anonymity.

“Sylvie had some great ideas and was certainly vocal, but she wasn’t very joyful or happy and we really need someone who will take on everything we throw at them with a smile as we felt she could potentially be quite negative. 

However, she certainly thought very carefully about the briefs and she definitely knew the theory of customer service.’’

This feedback put simply means that Sylvie just needed to smile more and come across in a happier and more joyful manner during interview. But this could be because it was Sylvie’s first interview, and so she thought that she needed to be quite serious!

Sylvie was pipped at the post by another candidate who had these qualities.

When fed back to the candidate she was totally unaware that she was not smiling and commented that she would work on that for future interviews. And now she’s flourishing and feels a lot more confident going into interviews!

When criticism is delivered in the right way, you can take these feedback tips on board and use them as a tool to help you gain the apprenticeship or graduate job role that you have applied for and hope to get!

Written by Kim Francis, Talent Manager at GetMyFirstJob

Apprenticeships