The interview is over. You are told to expect the results in two weeks. A letter arrives two weeks later and you open it and read the following.

We regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you a position at this time. Although your background is impressive, your skill set is not compatible with our requirements, and we have identified another candidate who is a better fit for our opening. We will keep your resume on file and contact you in the event a more appropriate position becomes available. We enjoyed meeting you and wish you well.

The dreaded “Dear, John” letter!

You are disappointed and confused.

You thought the interview had gone well and you would like to know what went wrong. 

Well, start with the language in the letter: “Your skill set is not compatible with our requirements.” That must be the reason, correct?

Probably not.

Among the reasons for leaving the service, military personnel most often cite “Quality of Life.” If this applies to you, it would be prudent to use it as one of your evaluation points as you seek out a civilian career and evaluate job offers.

Although you probably hear and use the phrase Quality of Life (QOL) often, have you ever stopped to consider what it actually means? Let’s start by distinguishing it from its sister phrase, Quality of Work (QOW).

QOW deals with the internal elements of the job. Consider these: working conditions and environment, job satisfaction, corporate culture, co-worker relationships, and advancement opportunity. QOL addresses issues beyond the workplace. Where you live, your commute, personal time for family, hobbies, interests or community service, and compensation are among those elements that impact most people’s QOL.