By Ousman Seckan
In the Gambia, the general perception that if your job application is rejected after supposedly meeting the required qualifications, there is no doubt the job is given to a relative, friend or a loved one. While I cannot refute this possibility in its entirety; I’m with the conviction not all positions can be given to relatives, especially those that require specific skills. The job applications of presumed qualified candidates can be rejected due to other factors. In this article, I have explained four main factors that can lead to the rejection of your job application after meeting the qualifications.
1. Probably there is someone more qualified than you are
Recruiters always search for the best candidates, among a pool of candidates, who perhaps are all qualified for the job being advertised. This means, while you may be qualified for the job, there are chances someone may be someone may be more qualified than you are. This doesn’t in anyway connote that you aren’t good enough or have what it takes to get the job, but it means that someone has an edge over you in one or two things that make his/her application to standout. The fact that you are called for interview shows that you are qualified for the job because only qualified candidates are usually called by hiring managers for interview, and the best hired amongst them.
2. When internal candidates are preferred
In many job openings, both internal and external candidates do apply. Where this happens, internal candidates seem to have an edge, since they already have knowledge and experience working for the company. Besides, by law, public institutions are required to advertise job vacancies even though sometimes a post maybe earmarked for an internal staff. This means that the advisement for the post is a formality, but the job will be actually given to an employee within the company or organization who is sometimes in the midst of the called candidates for interview, and subsequent recruitment processes. In this situation, you need not to be disappointed because calling you for interview alone demonstrates that you are qualified for the job as only the better candidates are shortlisted and the best one hired.
3. When you lack specific personality traits that are significant to the job
Remember it takes more than technical skills to qualify for a job. Nowadays, hiring managers are increasingly concerned about soft skills that enhance staff performance, it is possible for hiring managers to detect during interview that you lack specific soft skills they are looking for and can rate you less than other candidates even though you have stronger technical qualification. The assumption will be that you are not fit for the post. As a candidate, proving your worth for the suitability of a job during interview is vital given that this will result in either the consideration or rejection of your application. This explains that it is not only about having the job qualification and experience.
4. When your salary expectation is higher than employer can afford
Many Gambian job seekers do not pay attention to this, but sometimes your job application is turned down not because you are not qualified, but because you are over qualified. Imagine a recruiter is advertising a position that requires the job applicants to have a diploma, and you as bachelor’s or master’s degree holder apply for the same position. Be that as it may, the reason for the rejection of your application will be the recruiter does not have the financial muscle to pay you a salary that commiserates with your qualification and experience. Therefore, the rejection of your application would be for being over qualified for the job, nothing else!
About the author
Ousman Seckan is a freelance journalist and blogger. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Journalism and Communication.
You can follow him on https://www.facebook.com/ousman.seckan.9678 or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ousman-seckan-a0122319a/ or send an email to ousman.seckan@gamjobs.com