It is sometimes difficult to assess why you have not made the cut to the second round of interviewing, particularly if you thought things went well.  Before your next interview, review these common problems to identify areas that you might be able to improve upon the next time.

1. Your personal presentation was not impressive.  First impressions count.  Whether or not you think this is shallow, the fact remains that people who make hiring decisions are subjective, and continue to be influenced by image and presentation.    Attire, posture/body language, eye contact, handshake, grooming, and a total professional demeanor are imperative to make that positive first impression.  This is also true for courtesy or informational interviews.
2. You talked too much.  The objective for the interview is to get as much qualitative information as possible in a brief period of time.  Some candidates, due to their inherent personality, or perhaps because of some excitement or nervousness, ramble on without realizing it.  This is a turn-off to any interviewer, who will conclude that you can’t focus your thoughts or communicate succinctly to others.
3. Conversely: You didn’t talk enough.  Equally as frustrating is the candidate who speaks too little.  Regardless of whether the source is your introverted personality or your philosophy, (“My accomplishments speak for themselves,”) your minimalist style won’t be impressive.  Interviewers do not like to feel that they are “pulling hen’s teeth” to get the information they need from you.
4. You didn’t know enough about the company in advance.  Doing some research on a company before you interview is necessary and expected.  The higher the level of position, the more comprehensive your research needs to be.  Beyond the company’s marketing materials, the Internet is a valuable and easy way to source information.  Almost every company has a web presence.
5. You offered overly rehearsed responses to anticipated interview questions.  There are always the classic questions which experts suggest you prepare for.  However, overly practiced, rote answers to these questions are easily detected as scripted, which gives at worst, a phony impression.  At best they will be seen as unoriginal.  While you do need to think though your anticipated questions and responses, you also need to allow for your natural style and ideas to come through.
6. You did not sufficiently articulate your career accomplishments.  It is not uncommon to take many of the contributions you made for granted.  They might be implied by items on your resume, but be aware that the person interviewing you has minimal information about how you did what you did, any why.  Be prepared to offer a variety of specific anecdotes and examples.  They will add interest and credibility to your responses.
7. You still have career “scars” from your past and they showed.  It can be difficult coming to terms with job loss, particularly if you feel that the termination was unjustified or unfair.  If not in words, sometimes your tone or an attitude such as defensiveness will emerge.  Healthy career recovery is predicated on coming to terms with those circumstances over which you may or may not have had control.  Work at projecting a sense of maturity, recovery and a positive attitude.  Resiliency in overcoming obstacles is very attractive to employers.
8. You did not exhibit sense of enthusiasm that you wanted to be invited back. If you are aloof, timid, or lacking assertiveness (or are perceived to be), you will not be invited for the second interview.  Even if you are not sure that you would take the job if offered, you must show the employer sufficient interest for them to, in turn, be interested in you. Remember, for both parties, every step in the process is only exploratory until an offer is made.
9. You did not follow-up effectively.  This requires two steps.  Immediately following the first interview it is imperative that you send the hiring manager a thank you note or email restating your strengths and expressing that you are looking forward to a next meeting.  Copy this letter to the Human Resources contact, if you have one.  The second step to follow-up is to telephone the hiring manager in a week to ten days (unless another time frame was indicated to you) to restate you interest and inquire as to the status of your candidacy.
10. The chemistry wasn’t right with the hiring manager.  Sometimes this just happens.  Let it go and move on.