Is It Possible to Be "Too Professional"?

I used to work in HR.
They have nothing against you... it is just that, ANY company, looks for a good "fit" for their company.
That, is what companies try to do.
They chose the other person.
So be it.
It just means, that something better suited for you, will come up.
When one door closes, another opens.
I really believe that.

It is not just about how a person dresses, or their carriage.
It is, about the "fit." For any given company.
It does not mean, anything is "wrong" with you.
I have had to, personally tell candidates, if they were not hired etc.
And personnel firms, ALSO have to follow... their own company protocols AND of and for their Clients as well, as well as keeping privacy in line. And personnel firms, are NOT at liberty, to "speak" for the Company/their client... about the "whys" of why you were not hired. Personnel firms, CANNOT divulge things like that.

I wouldn't get upset about it.
Something else, will come up, that is just for you.

"Fit" is such a vague concept to nail down. Maybe the other candidate just "clicked" better with the decision maker.

When I was last looking for a job (12+ years ago) I worked with a recruiter and went on interview after interview after interview. There were some positions where I went back for as many as four interviews, took proficiency tests, etc. I didn't always get a clear answer as to why I was not chosen for various positions. Some feedback included things like "too nice," "too smart" and "over qualified." I really don't think that any 24 year old can be over qualified for anything but OK...

What I do know is that for every interview, I presented the best version of me, but I was "me." I am nice...and smart, polished and prepared. The right company valued those qualities. The right decision-makers liked what they saw and knew that what I would bring to the job was what they needed. There was another position that I thought I really wanted and in hindsight I was very glad that they passed me over. It was a very cutthroat field and they did need someone who had more of a tough edge than I have. Anyway...I have been with my company for almost 13 years. I've had 3 promotions and have survived 7 lay-offs. I got hired based on how I really am and it's served me well.

So...continue to be true to yourself. Always put for the best version of yourself, but trust that the right employer will come along. It's tough to keep the faith in this economy but unless you get this same kind of feedback over and over, I would just assume that it was more about the hiring manager and the other candidate clicking and not something that you should do differently.

I would recommend always wearing a suit to the first interview. For the second though, if the rest of the office is casual and everyone else is in jeans or really casual business wear, I would consider dressing down a bit for the second interview - perhaps a skirt or dress pants with a blouse or twin set but no jacket.

I think this is more a "chemistry" thing. Like J.B. and Dawn said, the way someone "fits" a role can factor in many intangibles.

Personally, I would rather be perceived as too professional rather than not professional enough...

I don't think it was a matter of attire or how you carry yourself. Generally it comes down to "vibes" which are generally driven by random things. Nothing you can guess or replicate.

I think the biggest thing to show you can adapt is to adapt. If you are in an interview that is professional go with that all the way but when you hit a second interview and it seems more laid back but you keep pushing professional you could be sending the message I can't adapt. I mean if you are not going to adapt there what is there to indicate you will if you get the job?

There is no nice way for your agency to tell you that the other person was "liked" more by the owner. I got a job offer years ago from someone because she played the flute in college and loved that I was a musician. The job had nothing to do with music. I'm sure that someone else was just as qualified as me for that job - she just liked me more.

Maybe this isn't about the clothes at all. Many people dress "up" for interviews, and then dress like everyone else once they start work and adapt to the workplace. I would just chalk it up to the other person's personality "clicking" more with that owner.

Keep your chin up - you will "click" with someone else, for sure!!

Dawn

Yes, I do think it's possible. I have a friend who is SO professional, that she comes across as wound up tight, and very cold. I don't think she has "fit" anywhere, becuase people can't connect with her, in any way. I don't think they can imagine working with her, and feeling comfortable. She even went to one of those places, that help with your resume and interviewing skills. They told her, that she needs to lighten up, there is no way for people to get a feel for HER. To remember, that the hiring employer is working with a person, not an image, and not a suit. They want to see what kind of person they will be around, and that was impossible with her.

With that said, it really probably came down to that feeling. A company knows when someone will click. I don't think clothes have much to do with it, unless one looks too casual. (A suit is always a good way to go, I think!)

The last time my company hired a person in our dept the main focus wasn't on skills or background, it was on how well management thought she would fit in with the other members of the dept. So yes, often it's just "culture".

Just because they hired someone else does not mean that they are better. Keep your head up.

I was privy to the interview process when we hired someone to work with our team. One lady was extremely bright, enthusiastic, and full of great ideas. She was a very high energy, blunt person with a legacy of sucess. I thought that she was great and could really help me do my job better. Another lady was sweet and friendly. She was a very co-operative person who brings people together. We had a group of very opinionated ladies who tended to vie for control over ant situation. With our group, the first lady would have ruffled feathers and probably caused an explosion. The second lady has been very well received. She spends a good chunk of her time being kind of a social director and building cohesion. Not exactly part of her job description, but perhaps it is what our department needs.

Each person has their own strengths. In the long run, it is better to go where your strengths are appreciated.

Yes. Overly professional can equal COLD. Unfortunately, you don't have much to judge by when you go to an interview, as to whether you should carry yourself in that polished, professional manner, or be more warm and friendly. I always opt to be myself, because that's when I'm most natural. And 'myself', is never cold and overly professional. I'm sure that has cost me jobs too.

Yes, it's very possible. My husband wore a tie to his job that was business casual.. and he always got flack about it. His boss actually told him he needed to stop wearing a tie at one of his reviews. He was later laid off for not "fitting in" with the 'good ole boy' mentality... so not just style of dress, but he was simply more professional than the guys who liked to cuss and tell racist, sexist jokes all day.

Don't beat yourself up over this. I have been reading that sometimes people are selected because they (the other) fits into the dynamics of the company better. You may have been the best qualified but her pesonality may have been the clencher and since it was the boss who did the final interview that's what goes.

Remember not every model gets the gig. Just keep your chin up and you will get the job that "fits" your qualifications and personality.

I recall interviewing for a job that I didn't get. I went to the office and personally asked them what I had done wrong to not get the job? I was told it was not my skills it was the person doing the interviewing. Another time I got the job because I had the better educational background over another person. When going to school in NYC a classmate went on an open call for an acting job and did not get it. So you just don't know the "what" they want.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you to get the next job.

The other S.

100%. When I'm hiring for my team, my biggest concern - honestly - is whether or not that person will fit in with the jive of our team and my management style.

I've had the "no so great fit", and it really does damage to morale, unity and team progression.
So yes, that could've ultimately been the deciding factor.

That said, I don't think I'd have done anything differently. You're right to wear a suit and send thank you's, etc...
Sometimes, it's just the different personalities that come across in the interview.
Sorry you didn't get it. :(

It's usually best to dress more formally than less formally. It may have been something you said vs something you wore. If the clients themselves didn't tell you what you did or didn't do, then it's still a theory. I worked with an engineering company where most people wore polos and jeans. I wore a suit to my interview, as did most of the engineers before they were hired. Since you were not privy to further information, I would just move on to the next interview and not try to be that guy, because if you are hired based on something you are not, it will backfire.