Get weekly-ish tips on interviews, resumes, networking, salary negotiation, and how to break through the noise in a market where everyone’s shouting. I’ve worked at Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce (to name a few). Hired for high-performing teams. Mentored hundreds of job seekers—many from underrepresented backgrounds—into life-changing roles. The problem? Most career advice out there is outdated and given by folks who’ve never hired, never survived an 11-round interview loop, and never worked in the roles you’re applying to. I write the kind of actionable advice I needed, but couldn’t find. 👉🏾 Not another boring newsletter. 1,800+ job seekers agree—subscribe now.
We've decided not to move forward with your application :(
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Wondering what you said (or didn't say) to make the hiring manager pass on you? (You probably know me from one of my freebies (resume templates, interview prep, questions to ask your interviewer), or maybe from social media. 👋🏾 Whether you're job searching, planning to start, or just want to stay on top of job market trends, thank you for being here! I recently interviewed 10 hiring managers and asked one simple question: "Why did you pass on candidates who were qualified?" Some answers made sense, and some surprised me. BUT... all of the issues they had are fixable. Here are their raw answers...1️⃣ Curiosity > Credentials 🧠 The takeaway: You can be the most impressive candidate on paper, but you'll fumble it if you don't show genuine interest. 2️⃣ Bad reputation 🧠 The takeaway: People talk. 3️⃣ Strong resume, no conviction 🧠 The takeaway: It's a tough market, and we're all struggling. But you still have to compartmentalize that and show genuine motivation for this role, at this company. 4️⃣ When ChatGPT is in the room 🧠 The takeaway: Please don't do this. 🙃 5️⃣ Lots of teamwork, not a lot of ownership 🧠 The takeaway: Own what you did and say it with your full chest. 6️⃣ Talked... but said nothing 🧠 The takeaway: Everything you say should connect back to the job. Don't just recite your resume, they can read that on their own. 7️⃣ Trashing previous employers 🧠 The takeaway: We all have horror stories, but those should be saved for therapists, friends and family... not for the hiring manager who just met you and doesn't know the full context. None of these candidates lacked experience. They all cleared the resume screen. They just needed a little help showing up more clearly, confidently and intentionally in the room. And that takes practice. Which one felt the most unfair? Reply and tell me! I read every email.
P.S. Not sure how your interview answers are landing? I offer 1-hour sessions to help you get clear, confident, and out of your own head.
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Ratna | @jobwhisperer
Get weekly-ish tips on interviews, resumes, networking, salary negotiation, and how to break through the noise in a market where everyone’s shouting. I’ve worked at Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce (to name a few). Hired for high-performing teams. Mentored hundreds of job seekers—many from underrepresented backgrounds—into life-changing roles. The problem? Most career advice out there is outdated and given by folks who’ve never hired, never survived an 11-round interview loop, and never worked in the roles you’re applying to. I write the kind of actionable advice I needed, but couldn’t find. 👉🏾 Not another boring newsletter. 1,800+ job seekers agree—subscribe now.