How often has this happened to you? Whether you came in second, third or fourth, you did not get the offer!
But why? You were a great fit. Everyone (including the recruiter) told you that you were the favorite. Yet it did not happen.
You rewind the tape to try to find the reason(s).
There are many reasons that may contribute to not being selected. Qualifications, money or an answer to a specific question are generally not the reasons, especially late in the cycle. Politics can play a role if you are going head to head with an inside candidate. That is tough one to overcome but not insurmountable.
But the biggest reason you did not get the offer is that you failed to take it over the goal line. This means you were not able to convince the hiring team that your “total package” was of greater value than the other candidate. Value is best defined by what you can do for the organization, the team, your new boss….to help them achieve THEIR goals.
By understanding those goals you can then focus on the value to them. So do your research. Their goals may include revenue maximization, cost controls, shareholder value, market share, ROI or more.
Once you know that — know your value, and sell your value!