Understanding Rejection: Factors Behind Rejections in Tech Interviews Despite Strong Performances

It is often disheartening to face rejection in a highly competitive field such as technology, especially when one believes they have performed well in both technical and HR rounds. One such instance occurred during the TCS NQT 2020, where a candidate, despite demonstrating a strong performance, ultimately received a rejection letter. This article explores various reasons for such rejections, drawing insights from both public examples like the ILP story of a friend and the general understanding of refusal processes.

Rejection Case Study: TCS NQT 2020

Let’s illustrate this through a real-life scenario. A friend of ours successfully cleared all rounds of TCS NQT 2020 and even submitted all necessary documents. However, in August 2020, during the Initial Learning Programme (ILP) due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an email was sent to him:

We regret to inform you that your application couldn’t be processed further and your last date for in TCS is 14th August 2020.

The reason given for this rejection was the ‘Extension of Education’. He had a back-subject to clear in his previous semester, which was not deemed acceptable by TCS. This instance highlights a specific requirement that candidates must meet, which is beyond technical and HR performance.

Common Rejection Reasons Beyond Technical Performance

While technical skills are crucial, there are several other reasons why candidates might be rejected despite performing well. Here are some of the common factors:

Biting Around the Bush

This is often flagged by interviewers as a sign of immaturity or lack of preparation. When a candidate tries to answer a question but doesn’t have a solid answer, they might ramble or speak loosely related thoughts repeatedly. Such behavior can irritate the interviewer and make the candidate seem unreceptive or unprepared.

Higher Education Plan Conflicts

If a candidate mentions a desire to pursue higher education within a year, it might signal to the interview panel that they are not fully committed to the current opportunity. Since TCS requires a full commitment, candidates who want to take up other academic pursuits might not align with their expectations.

Disagreement with Project and Work Hour Requirements

TCS offers a variety of projects and work timings. Sometimes, candidates might outright reject support projects or shifts and not align with the work environment. While these are common positions, not accepting them can result in a rejection.

Conclusion

Understanding the reasons behind rejection helps in improving future performance. It is crucial for candidates to align their aspirations with the company’s requirements. Additionally, thorough preparation and clear communication are key to success even in the technical and HR rounds.

Hope this insight helps you in your future endeavors in the tech field.