Hiring manager with 10 years' experience reveals 4 things that can cost you a job

A hiring manager shared on Reddit why qualified applicants are often rejected even after strong applications or interviews. The post and ensuing comments underscored how tailoring, enthusiasm and clarity about past work can shape outcomes.Hiring manager with 10 years’ experience reveals 4 things that can cost you a jobA hiring manager with over a decade of experience revealed why qualified candidates often lose out on jobs, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after an application is submitted or an interview ends.A detailed post on Reddit’s r/interviews, titled “After 10+ years as a Hiring Manager, here is what actually happens behind closed doors when you don't get the job (and what to do instead)”, broke down some of the most common reasons candidates are rejected.The hiring manager said the first hurdle could be the recruiter or hiring manager themselves. With recruiters often handling several roles at once, delays did not always mean a candidate had been rejected.They advised applicants to reach out directly to the recruiter or hiring manager when possible, noting that some candidates who did so had ended up getting interviews. A CV that was not tailored to the role could also hurt a candidate's chances, particularly as application numbers had increased. The hiring manager advised highlighting relevant experience, measurable impact and keywords from the job description.Salary expectations and location could also become deciding factors, particularly when expectations fell outside the company's budget. Once candidates reached the interview stage, however, the hiring manager said enthusiasm could make a major difference. Two candidates could have similar qualifications, but the one who showed genuine interest in the specific team, product and role could stand out.Another common problem was candidates being unable to explain their own work in depth. If someone claimed to have led a project but struggled to discuss the decisions, challenges or technical details involved, it could raise doubts about their actual experience.Sometimes, there was simply another candidate who was a better fit. The hiring manager noted that a rejection did not necessarily mean someone had performed badly; another applicant could simply have had more of the experience the company needed at that point.Candidates could also be rejected for being overqualified or appearing unlikely to stay in the role. The advice was to explain clearly why the position made sense for their current career goals.Take a look at the post here:The post prompted several Reddit users to agree that enthusiasm was often underestimated during interviews. One commenter said technically strong candidates could still be passed over if they appeared to be applying indiscriminately.Another said genuine passion was usually visible through the questions candidates asked and their interest in the role, while a third highlighted how important it was for candidates to know their own past work thoroughly before walking into an interview.- EndsPublished By: Yashna TalwarPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 13:15 IST