Missing out on a job you seemed to be the perfect fit for? Yep, been there, done that.

The unfortunate reality of today’s highly competitive job market is that you aren’t always going to get the job you applied for, even if you were a great fit for the role.

There may have been someone who had slightly more relevant experience than you, or maybe the candidate who was offered the position had a contact within the company that gave them a leg up. 

But sometimes you ARE the reason why you missed out on that job offer. 

If you’ve been applying to hundreds of jobs and still haven’t scored anything, there’s a chance you might be doing something wrong.

Apply for a career in real estate at RECON Jobs

Director of Resolver Recruitment, Virginia Brookes, provides some expert insight into why you missed out on being offered the job.

1. You haven’t done your research

There is a lot more to interview preparation than simply presenting well - it should go without saying, but Brookes told WILLIAMS MEDIA a surprisingly large number of candidates often don’t even bother to do their basic research.

“Interviewers like to know you have bothered to research them and can demonstrate that you know their background and history,” she said.

Related reading: What does it take to be a great agent?

If you're applying for a real estate role, do your basic research on the agency first. Keep up with the news about what is being written about the agency, in both industry and mainstream publications.

Read their annual reports, press releases, and the biographers of your interviewers if these are available.

Is there a sector of the market the agency specialises in? Perhaps they only sell high-end real estate, or maybe they're a commercial agency.

It might be time consuming, but it's important to thoroughly research the company, and find out all these answers before your interview.

2. You have bad references

As tempting as it might be to unleash hell on a bad boss by quitting without so much as a backwards glance (or giving the required minimum two weeks notice), doing so is basically the kiss of death for any future career opportunities you might have.

Related reading: How to stand out in the job application process

“Bad references cost people all the time,” Brookes told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

“Reference checks are always done with previous employers, so make sure they are good. Don’t ever leave a role on bad terms, behave badly or neglect to give the required notice period,” she said.

3. You can talk the talk, but can’t walk the walk

If you’re going to pump up your experience, make sure you can actually back it up, says Brookes.

“Overselling yourself can cost you a job too,” says Brookes.

“Most employers will ask you technical questions or put scenarios on you to test your knowledge. If you’ve pumped up your experience and then falter when you’ve been asked to demonstrate it, you can pretty much kiss the job goodbye immediately,” she said.

Related reading: The top 10 questions recruiters ask when interviewing real estate agents

If you're applying for a real estate agent position, you'll need to demonstrate what your marketing plan is like when selling properties. You might be asked how you would manage selling a property in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, or how you would approach finding properties for different types of buyers. 

4. You’re too cocky

Confidence is good in an interview- however arrogance isn't, and it’s crucial you know how to walk that very fine line.

“Potential employers are not just judging you on your skills, but also on your ability to fit into their team. Someone who is overly confident can prove to be very difficult to manage,” Brookes told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

5. You’re unrealistic about salary expectations

While knowing your worth (and not being afraid to ask for what you deserve to be paid) is an admirable skill, there is a difference between being assertive and overly unrealistic.

“Asking for a salary that is way above the market value, or that is way too high for your level of experience, is likely to cost you the role immediately,” says Brookes.

Begin your real estate career at RECON Jobs

Again, it all comes back to doing your research. Before you begin salary negotiations, know exactly what the standard salary is for your job and industry.

A real estate agents salary in Australia typically begins at around $47,000 and dramatically rises, depending upon the amount of experience.

6. You have inappropriate information on your social media

It should go without saying, but you shouldn't have anything up on your social media profiles that you wouldn't want a potential employer to see. Be aware of what goes out on the web about you, and ensure you always show yourself in a positive state.

"We have had a couple of candidates over the years miss out on roles because of open and inappropriate social media accounts," Brookes told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

Visit RECON Jobs here.

Related reading:

How to overcome being considered overqualified for a job

Three must-do's before every interview

Real estate agents should include these three things in their resume