-
Job interview woes
I've been trying to get a normal job to transition back into the real world. I don't know how many interviews I have done and left with the words ringing in my ears that basically say "you're fantastic, just what we want we just have to interview 2 more people will call you soon". Only to never hear from them again.
But this time, the last job I applied for has really upset me. It wasn't a great job, but with a huge company that I've been told "hires anyone" just to get myself started back into the workforce. I did an initial interview a month ago, signed forms for the appropriate checks, I have the right pieces of paper, all great. They ring me, all fantastic, they wanted me to go back for another interview with a practical test. The assessor said I went well shook my hand, said congratulations we'll call you about a starting date. Today I checked my e-mails and what's there? A "you were unsuccessful in your application". So I'm sitting here crying, my confidence is totally destroyed. I have no idea what I did wrong to suddenly go from a virtual you have the job to a no we don't want you, don't call.
How the fuck do I find out what I'm doing to make people suddenly decide I'm the devils spawn?
-
Re: Job interview woes
It's happening to everyone I know. I have tremendous experience in marketing and that's my minor (major is communications). I went for an interview last year with a pr firm near me and I was so sure I got it. I had all of the qualifications, and while I was overqualified, the job was 15 minutes from me (compared to my then job that was an hour and a half). I was even telling people how I was so sure I got it. The guy in the interview strongly implied he was interested. I even called them and the hr director specifically remembered me. About a month later I was browsing on ther website and they had a photo of the person who got the job. They didn't even have the decency to send/email me a rejection letter.
I have two degrees (MA and BA), lots of experience, computer skills, website design, and other skills. I've had many interviews, but no offers. I can't even get an interview for an office job. This is why I am going back to modeling, and private parties. It's either that or fast food or retail (the main reasons I went into modeling and dancing).
-
Re: Job interview woes
I actually LOST mine. Company downsized. Tat is why I am now dancing. With a house payment and a daughter and significantly younger competition at the club it is very tough. I agree that there are some very well educated and desperate people applying and now accepting for jobs that they would not have considered months ago. The fact that you were not selected is not personally meant. You probably did do very well and are probably great, but the realities are that this is the situation. Seriously, your confidence should not be shot, you are good. The economy is bad.
-
Re: Job interview woes
Sorry about your woes.
1) If you haven't already done it, go down to your local library and start reading the books they have on producing good CV's and developing good interview techniques.
2) Put together a basic CV. Tweak a copy for each job you apply for so that it checks the boxes they're looking for in their ad. Don't just send out a standard CV.
3) Make sure you have a good covering letter for the CV that explains why they should hire you.
4) Keep a list of questions you get asked in interviews. Note good answers to the standard questions. Practice the answers.
5) Make sure you've got a good interview outfit and that your personal presentation is always good.
6) Be confident when you walk into the interview. Most interviewers come to an initial yes/no within the first few minutes. The rest of the interview is spent confirming that impression. If you get them thinking yes at the start, all you've got to do is confirm the 'yes'. It's harder to change a 'no' to a 'yes'.
7) Remember they're not looking for the best candidate - they're looking for people who'll fit in with their current organization. Try and pick up on the vibes of what they want (e.g. small companies want flexibility, large companies people that will work within their systems.)
8.) Perseverance pays. Getting jobs in the present climate is not easy. Just keep applying and eventually you'll succeed.
Good luck.
Phil.
-
Re: Job interview woes
I'm currently in the same boat: I've filled out numerous applications, written so many tedious cover letters, and perfected my resume and still no dice. Yeah, it sucks but I guess it's happening to everyone so don't take it personally. :)