Sneakers wanted.
Required:
👟 Soles
👟 Tongues
👟 Flexible outsoles
👟 Eyestays
Nice to have:
👟Wide toe box
👟 Flair
That’s how the job description reads.
You think, “of course I can do this, and I meet all the requirements.”
So you apply.
Maybe you get an interview.
Maybe you don’t.
When you get the rejection letter, it reads something like this.
“Thank you for your interest in our sneaker position.
Ultimately we selected a candidate whose qualifications more closely aligned with the role.”
What you didn’t see in the job description was some of the “hidden” look fors.
Meet the team.
Which one doesn’t belong?
👟 They said they were looking for a team player, but the team only contains left shoes.
👟 They said there is room for growth, but the sneakers are all the same size.
👟 They said they were open to faux leather, but they really prefer leather, cotton, canvas or suede.
👟 They said they want extra ankle support, but the majority are low tops, not high tops.
👟 They said they were open to sneakers without laces, but most of their sneaker team has laces.
👟 They said they operate in a fast paced environment, but most of them are not suitable for running.
👟 They said they value accessibility, but only two of the pairs have a zipper entry. Those pairs have laces too, so they look the same as the other lace up sneakers.
👟 They say they value creativity, but all the laces are tied the same.
👟 They say they are open to recent graduates, but all the shoes are from established brands.
If you flip them over, which pairs show the most wear?
Which are the high performers?
You will never truly know the “why” behind a rejection, but you probably aren’t a fit.
Maybe you’re a sandal, but you applied anyway.
Maybe you’re a slip on.
Maybe your sole leaves streaks or it squeaks.
Maybe you’re not broken in yet, and so you rub the wrong way.
Maybe your laces are tied too tightly, or too loosely.
Whatever the reason, keep on moving that right foot forward.
Soon enough, you’ll find your mate.
