Interview fatigue

Northerness

pixiechick wrote: »

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?'

Hi Pixiechick,

I also tried diversifying, just to get a job that paid money. Yet I genuinely didn't get a single interview or morsel of interest from any of these admin/shop/assistant positions. It was the higher paying jobs in my field, which required experience, for which I had interest from recruiters.

When I look back on this, I can see that 80 people may be chasing every unskilled job. Yet, there are probably less than 15 people well qualified and experienced for jobs available in a skilled profession - or one that requires significant experience.

For this reason, if I had to do it again I would concentrate on my profession, as the odds were really stacked in my favour - I just didn't realise it. Yet I'd still keep my eye on any obvious lower-skilled opportunities if they present themselves (i.e don't look for them, but don't ignore them either). Go with what you're good at, this will be your strength.

I hope it works out for you Pixiechick, I'm sure it well - things do always work out eventually. Keep the faith

pixiechick_2

Northerness wrote: »

When I look back on this, I can see that 80 people may be chasing every unskilled job. Yet, there are probably less than 15 people well qualified and experienced for jobs available in a skilled profession - or one that requires significant experience.

Thanks for the reply Northerness.

In my profession (teaching) and in my area there are approximately 200 people applying for each position so the odds aren't all that good!

I was working as a supply teacher and am still registered with the agencies but there is very little work out there due to budget cuts and schools using teaching assistants to cover classes.

I'm applying for jobs both in and out of teaching in the hope that I will get something.

psychopathbabble

Well done to northerness.... I was reading your thread with interest. I am technically not unemployed, but have been signed off work for over 4 months so far. I am having problems with my ears which means I can't do my current job (flying).. apart from that I am perfectly fit and healthy.

I've applied for lots and lots of jobs, and have had a couple of interviews but mostly rejections along the lines of 'better qualified candidates'... better qualified for filing? Seriously...

I think part of the trouble is that I don't actually know what I want to do or what interests me. I have no idea where to start figuring it all out. My OH is also getting on my case about finding a job, even if it's just temping, but I am reluctant to quit a permanent contract (over 5 years employed by them) just for temping work. It's a silly thing to do in my opinion.

Anyway... congratulations again

Northerness

psychopathbabble wrote: »

I've applied for lots and lots of jobs, and have had a couple of interviews but mostly rejections along the lines of 'better qualified candidates'... better qualified for filing? Seriously...

I honestly think that sometimes people on interview panels see qualified, dynamic and experienced candidates as a threat - particularly if they're going to be your line manager. They don't want a go-getter staff member who may know more than they do. It's a shame, because these people aren't putting the company first.

Luckily there is none of this is my new organisation and the decision-maker who appointed me is actually retiring - but also incredibly passionate about the organisation's future success.

Even if you're going for admin roles it could be worth looking at family businesses or applying to owner Managing Directors etc - they're always going to want the best people and they'll care about the success of their company, rather than their individual role in it.

wantsajob

Now you've secured a position, it doesn't seem unfair to suggest one possible cause of the feedback is being a woman of a certain age. Businesses will want someone who sticks to the job, rather than going off on maternity leave in a few years time. Also I perceive these professions as still somewhat male dominated. No matter what people might say about equality, and the laws introduced which outlaw discrimination on such bases, things are still as unequal as ever - and the law can't do a thing about it.

Northerness

That could be a point. I actually think one of my problems though was almost the opposite in that I look far younger than my years. At 29 most people think I'm around 18-22 and I'm also quite girlie - so although my CV experience looks good, sometimes I think they met me and though I was less experienced from my appearance. In my new job it's quite advantageous that I look young though as it's a youth brand.

You're right though, there's a lot of discrimination towards women in general in the generic workplace. They needn't worry about me having kids just yet though as I'm very much single and not at all broody, haha

KayJay

That is fabulous news. I am so pleased for you!

gwinnie

Another factor is that there may be internal candidates for jobs, which would explain the comments about size of budgets handled previously, hands-on experience. etc Those are the specific pieces of experience that somebody who might be being redeployed would have that differentiates them from external candidates like you were..

londoner1998

Northerness wrote: »

I honestly think that sometimes people on interview panels see qualified, dynamic and experienced candidates as a threat - particularly if they're going to be your line manager. They don't want a go-getter staff member who may know more than they do. It's a shame, because these people aren't putting the company first.

Luckily there is none of this is my new organisation and the decision-maker who appointed me is actually retiring - but also incredibly passionate about the organisation's future success.

Even if you're going for admin roles it could be worth looking at family businesses or applying to owner Managing Directors etc - they're always going to want the best people and they'll care about the success of their company, rather than their individual role in it.

Hey NOrtherness

congratulations on your new job! That is such good news, and really inspiring for the rest of us still doing through the mill.
It is funny you mention interview panels viewing experienced and confident candidates as a threat: as part of my redundancy package I had coaching sessions and interview techniques workshops and I was told by a coach that I came across as so supremely confident and powerful that it was very likely that some people (especially women) might be just too wary of hiring me. I was baffled when she said that, but then she pointed out that I probably wouldn't want to work for people like that, would I ? I know it has happened in at least two ocassions in my last company, as when they gave me the feedback they couldn't say what was wrong with my interview.

My interview last week went very well, I think: I ended up rejected an offer I was made for the first job I interviewed for, as the money was no just pitiful, it was insulting. After a lot of soul-searching I came to the conclusion that if I accepted it, it would have been MY decision to lower my market value, especially when I exceeded all the essential and desirable requirements (and it is a media company, so I know how much they pay in my line of work). Now I am waiting to hear from the latest one with a University (longer hot, but well worth the try) and yesterday I was called for another interview next week with a company I interviewed with in February but that didn't hire me for that particular role.

I also agree with you that it might be better to focus on where our area of expertise and strengths are: it will improve the chances.
Again, congratulations on your success, it is really good to know you got rewarded for your efforts.
You can now enjoy until you start!

Northerness

Hi Londoner1998

I found out yesterday who got one of the jobs I was rejected for due to "lack of management experience". I actually know the successful candidate's boyfriend - and her experience and work history can be found online. She has far less experience than me (by several years) and doesn't have any management experience whatsoever - where as I've ran a department. Think this goes to prove our point!

However, as you say - we probably wouldn't want to work for people who 1.don't give constructive feedback and 2. employ people for reasons other than ability to do a good job. Everyone needs to work somewhere where the ground is fertile....and where your employers are rooting for you (and the company) to be successful. I also think this applies for ANY level of job.

Londoner1998 - you WILL get there eventually. One interview panel will appreciate your skills and experience, it's just finding the right match. With some interviews, I felt the panel weren't that interested in me from the moment I walked through the door, where by this one - where I came out on top - it felt as if they wanted me to do well from the outset.

Thanks for everyone's comments on this thread, it was really great to have a moan and mull it over with you all... and it kept me going.