You’ve been there – sitting at your kitchen table, staring at another polite-but-vague rejection email.

The interview felt good. You clicked with the panel. You thought: “That’s mine.”

And yet... another “thanks but no thanks.”

No real feedback, no clear next steps, and you're left wondering:

What actually went wrong?

At Poole Together, we work with employers across Dorset - from Bournemouth startups to Wareham manufacturers - and here’s the truth: sometimes the reasons people don’t get the job are never openly shared.

So, let’s break down the REAL reasons you might not have landed that role - and what you can actually do about it.

1. 💬 You Didn’t “Fit” the Team

Dorset businesses – especially smaller local teams – often have tight-knit cultures. Sometimes, you could have all the skills on paper, but something about the team dynamic tipped the balance toward another candidate.

Advice:

Be your genuine self. Don't fake a persona to “blend in” – it’s exhausting and unsustainable. If they don’t vibe with your personality, it’s probably not the right workplace for you. The right team will value who you actually are.

2. 👀 Appearance (Yes, Still a Thing)

It’s 2025, and while it shouldn’t matter, first impressions still count. Not in a “model-level looks” way, but in terms of effort, presence, and how you present yourself.

In Dorset’s professional scene – from hotel front desks in Bournemouth to offices in Dorchester – looking put-together helps reinforce your credibility.

Advice:

Dress for the job and the company. Show you’ve made an effort and take pride in your appearance. If you think you were judged harshly based on looks or age – walk away. That's not a culture worth being part of.

3. 🧲 You Were “Too Much”

Sometimes, ironically, being highly confident, accomplished, or even very polished can make you seem overqualified or intimidating – especially in smaller Dorset companies where the focus is on team balance over flash.

Advice:

If you suspect you didn’t get the job because you were seen as “too senior” or “too strong,” consider tailoring your tone. Emphasise your collaboration skills, humility, and desire to grow with the team, not just your capabilities.

4. 🤝 They Chose Someone They Already Knew

Yes – this one stings. Maybe an ex-colleague applied. Maybe someone on the inside gave a quiet recommendation. And suddenly, you never really had a shot.

Advice:

Don’t take it personally. Relationships matter – and one day, your name might be the one someone puts forward. Keep building your own network in the Dorset job market. You never know when it’ll pay off.

5. 🔄 They Promoted Internally

It’s frustrating – especially if the job ad looked made for you. But promoting from within is often quicker, cheaper and keeps morale high.

You were a Plan B. They just didn’t say it.

Advice:

It’s nothing to do with your quality. Keep applying. The fact they interviewed external candidates means they’re growing – and there’ll likely be more roles in future.

6. 💸 They Found Someone Cheaper

Blunt, but true. Sometimes, an equally capable candidate with a lower salary expectation walks through the door. Or, the company realises they can pay less for similar experience.

This happens especially in entry-level or freelance roles across Dorset.

Advice:

Know your worth – and be willing to walk away if the offer doesn’t respect your value. Dorset has many ethical, forward-thinking employers who understand the difference between value and cost.

✨ Final Word from Poole Together

Sometimes it’s not about you. Sometimes it is.

But every rejection is a redirection. Towards a better team, a more supportive culture, or an opportunity that truly sees your potential.

Stay prepared. Stay curious. Stay you.

📍 Looking for a company in Dorset that values what you bring to the table?

 👉 Check out Companies in Dorset