Getting interviews,not getting job offers

DKLS

I went for a interview last week, and was advised by the recruitment dude to focus on the 'I did' rather than the 'we did' as the first 3 candidates had blown it by answering questions with "we as a team delivered the project" this particular blue chip isn't interested in what you did as a team they want to know what you did.

Have just been invited for 2nd interview so I must have done ok.

Affynity

Once all candidates meet the mandatory requirements, the number of and usefulness of any additional abilities/experience comes into play.
It's not helpful to notify any applicants in a manner that implies they lack a non-essential skill/experience though.
It's more of an error in judgement from the employer than a fault of the OP for lacking anything. They should have told you that another candidate was better suited to the role and left it at that.

noelphobic

Affynity wrote: »

Once all candidates meet the mandatory requirements, the number of and usefulness of any additional abilities/experience comes into play.
It's not helpful to notify any applicants in a manner that implies they lack a non-essential skill/experience though.
It's more of an error in judgement from the employer than a fault of the OP for lacking anything. They should have told you that another candidate was better suited to the role and left it at that.

It can be helpful in some instances. I had an interview a few weeks ago for a charity I'm volunteering for. They said that I lacked experience in part of the role so I have now asked if I can shadow a paid member of staff when they perform that role. I'm waiting to hear back from them as it's not something they usually do with volunteers but if any more jobs come up with them again then I will have gained more experience if they allow me to do it. Even if they don't it shows that I took the initiative and reacted positively to the feedback.

BillJones

noelphobic wrote: »

I had an interview this morning and have just had a call to say that I didn't get the job. They said it was mainly down to the fact that I wasn't experienced in one area of the work. This wasn't listed as a requirement and I hadn't stated I had this skill but why did they interview me if it was so crucial? I did ask if there was anything that I could have improved on but they said there wasn't.

It was not necessarily crucial, but I'd imagine that they would favour someone with that experience if they were available.

A job advert is not ever going to list every requirement of the ideal candidate, and the interview is not just to check that the application form was filled out correctly; it's to get more information, and see how the candidate is overall.

noelphobic

Just got a letter to say I didn't get a job I was interviewed for last week. This is especially frustrating because I was interviewed for a job with the same organisation a couple of months ago. It was for 6 months to cover maternity leave. I didn't get that job but they said if anything came up within the next 6 months I would be offered it without having to have another interview.

The job I was interviewed for last week was for relief work covering holidays and sickness. I had applied for that role when I applied for the temporary position and was told I would be accepted for that. Then I didn't hear anything from them and couldn't get hold of anyone. It was easier in the end to just re-submit my application and I had hoped it might just be a formality. Obviously not! The letter did give me a contact name to ring for feedback, which I will do next week.

I've only been job hunting for a short time but feel incredibly discouraged. I really feel for anyone who's been on this merry go round for a long time!

MissX

Ahhh I know this feeling. It's even worse when they say they feel you're too experienced, what a cop out. Why interview me when u can see the experience clearly listed on my CV. Agree with above post it's very disheartening. I'm at the point now where the rejection is making me question my skills and ability.

noelphobic

MissX wrote: »

Ahhh I know this feeling. It's even worse when they say they feel you're too experienced, what a cop out. Why interview me when u can see the experience clearly listed on my CV. Agree with above post it's very disheartening. I'm at the point now where the rejection is making me question my skills and ability.

I've got the opposite problem at the moment, as they are saying that I lack experience. At the interview for the job I've just been turned down for they did actually say that a lot of people take the job to gain experience to help them into full time permanent work. Yes, that was the idea but you've denied me that opportunity because I'm not experienced enough to get a job to gain experience!

I am beginning to wonder whether ageism is rearing its ugly head but I have not way of proving that. For the type of work I'm looking for I would have thought maturity would be seen as an asset but I'm beginning to doubt that.

J_i_m

I think it just boils down to that the job market is incredibly competitive.

I try to learn from each interview, rejection and feedback I receive. But at the same time it's no good second guessing yourself on things you can't influence or change.

Starbrite

So glad I'm not to only one to get interviews yet no offers! I've had 4 interviews this month and had 4 in March... Been looking for a year today.

Last interview I had on Thursday for a temp to perm role I didn't get offered as I live to far away... Yet at telephone interview I was asked where I live and again at the face to face the following day... 17 miles is what stopped me getting the job

Thank you for the "Do you have any doubts about my suitability for this position that I can clear up for you?" I'm going to "steal" that

Good luck everyone