Interview fatigue

Northerness

I met up with my ex Managing Director yesterday for some beers, who I hadn't seen in a year or so. I was telling him about my interviews and then he said "well, when I interviewed you...". I was like "hallelujah!" as I'd completely forgotten that there are people who I've had a successful interview with who will give me honest feedback. And I didn't know him before he interviewed me, so yesterday he gave me an idea of how I came across back then and what the panel liked about me that led to them giving me the job. I can now use his advice and play on my strengths - it's probably a good idea to contact your old bosses and ask for feedback if you still get on with them, and think they'll be honest with you.

I have had a bit of a moan on here but I'm genuinely quite positive out in the 'real world' about all this. I've also just seen another two really suitable jobs that I'm going to apply for today, plus I have an interview lined up and another application pending - all for stuff in my field.

The people at the Job Centre are always very nice to me because I usually have an interview lined up, which obviously pleases them. I quite enjoy chatting to my advisor, and we usually talk about all sorts of stuff - not just jobs. Haven't got any issues with them at all, it's the government I'm mithered with for using a one size fits all policy for anyone over 24. They'll give themselves a nice pat on the back when we do finally find work and say "look what we did, the unemployment figures are down". At least it'll make a change for them fudging the figures! Anyone read the news today? Unemployment is down but there are more people claiming JSA. What?!?!

Northerness

Hi, I thought I'd let everyone know that I started this thread exactly a week ago -and securing a job (any job) seemed very difficult at the time. It was my first post on this forum and I hoped the MSE community could magically help me somehow....

I've now been offered (and accepted, of course!) a very good management position in my field. Well, what a difference a week makes! I'd been unemployed for over six months and turned down after so many interviews. It seems there are good organisations and good people out there that are willing to give an unemployed person a great opportunity (and after a robust interview procedure too)

Thanks for all your suggestions and advice, I really appreciate it - and it helped. I guess all the closed doors really are another step closer to the open door...with a great big YES behind it. I'm really excited about the future, starting now - so I hope that if you're unemployed and on the job hunt, you can maybe use this little story as a bit of inspiration to help you along.

Keep going! You'll get there

whitewing

That is excellent news. Very well done and all the best in your new role.

SneaksyWhippet

Hooray! That's brilliant news.

I've only just seen your thread and read through from the start, wondering what the outcome might be. I'm so pleased to see a happy ending; you deserve it

lilymay1

Congratulations. I hope it all works out for you.

cte1111

Well done and thanks for updating your thread, it's lovely to hear a story through to a happy ending like this. Good luck in your new job and hope the good vibes rub off on all of us who are still waiting for that successful interview!

Summerstage

Northerness, I have read all the way through this thread, I was rooting for you all the way. I was so happy to get to your post about securing employment.

A very big well done to you, very hard to stay focused when getting knock back after knock back, but good on you :j.

dizzyrascal

Lovely outcome. You deserve it.

inmypocketnottheirs

So glad it worked out for you. I only caught up with your thread today but followed it through for two reasons; 1) because your initial post was so well written, 2) I have been in exactly the same position in my late 40's.

I was about to say stay focused, only apply for jobs you really want that are in your area of speciality and stick with it. It worked for me and clearly for you too.

Good luck and enjoy your new job.

pixiechick_2

Congratulations on the job Northerness.

I've only just read your thread (in a break from filling in job applications) and identified with your situation - professional and from the North, albeit I'm old enough to be your Mum.

Unfortunately, I've had take a step back on the housing ladder and I've gone from owning my own house to renting.

I agree with your comments about the Jobcentre. My current advisor is very nice, sympathises with my situation but can't offer any help/advice/support to help me get back into work. Like you say, the courses all seem to be aimed at basic skills, not helping professionals. Perhaps they think we should be able to help ourselves?

I've tried diversifying and applying for other jobs but with no success at all. I've been applying for posts outside my profession because I really need to earn some money. Can you imagine how humiliating it is for me to have to borrow money from my Dad who's in his 80s. I know he doesn't begrudge it but I still don't like doing it. It's not as if I live the high life because I don't. I live very frugally. I can't remember the last time I bought new clothes or had a restaurant meal.

I know I'm not the only one. as shown in the BBC Panorama programme last year in the 'Finished at Fifty?'