You’ve made it past the application stage and landed an interview—an exciting step! But what happens when candidates don’t progress beyond that first conversation? The initial interview is a critical moment, and certain missteps can keep even strong candidates from moving forward.
So, what are the most common reasons people don’t make it past that first round? We asked four hiring experts to share the top reasons candidates don’t progress after the initial interview. Their insights will help you sharpen your approach and make a lasting impression. Read on to discover what you need to know to succeed.
What are the most common reasons candidates do not progress past the initial interview round?
1. Salary expectations
“Candidates might not progress past the initial interview round for a variety of reasons. Some include lack of required skills or experience for the job they are interviewing for. Salary expectations can be a factor as well if what the candidate is searching for does not align with what the company is offering. There are multiple questions asked in the initial interview process to be proactive in helping the candidate improve the chances of advancing through the interview process.” –Isabel Glantz, HR Generalist, Seven Seas Water Group
2. Values
"At HOLT Group the most common reason a candidate does not move forward in the process is if they are not in alignment with the company Values, even if they are technically qualified." –Cindy Stein, Vice President HR, Strategic Ventures, HOLT Group
3. Not meeting minimum qualifications
“Typically, the primary reason that candidates do not progress is because they do not meet the minimum essential qualifications of the position.” –Valerie Rector, VP, Human Resources, Ping Identity Corporation
4. A focus on internal mobility
“We value internal talent development and promotion at our company, so typically, that’s much of the reason why external candidates may not progress past the initial interview. Other times, candidates do not meet the state-specific guidelines.” —Angela Simmons, Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner, KinderCare Learning Companies
