I was once told by the hiring manager that I was perfect for the job that they gave to someone else.
Here is the story. In the past I had a computer consulting company where I helped people with computer issues. One day I help someone with issues he is having with his computer at home and he is just thrilled and surprised at what I accomplish.
In fact he tells me that he had another computer person help him and he didn’t fix the problems that I fixed for him. He then says this. I am on the board for the local school system and we looked for a long time for a new computer person for our district. If we had known about you, you would have been offered the job.
That was both exciting to hear and it hurt me. Hurt that I missed an opportunity at the time that would have transformed my life. Exciting that he believed in my abilities and that as the decision maker he just experienced the proof that I understood computers.
Why am I sharing this with you? I think we often feel sad when we don’t get jobs that we feel we are perfect for. The fact is that you can be the perfect one for the job, but there are so many reasons that you don’t get it. All of them have nothing to do with you.
It wasn’t my fault that I didn’t know about the search for the IT person. It wasn’t your fault that you didn’t know a specific software application or hardware that you could learn while working there. It was the fault of hiring managers who thought that was important, and because they made the decision they bear the responsibility.
Now I am not mad then or now that I didn’t get that job. I just smiled and said things work out for the best. I truly believe that. If I had gotten that job then I wouldn’t have the life that I have now, and which I love. It is ok if you struggle in life to find your place and people. You will eventually find them, and they will respect and be grateful for what you offer and who you are.