Lost the will to live...

scottishgirl87

Well I have just had my 3rd interview in as many weeks where I've been told how amazing I was at interview, they really liked me, etc. etc. but I've just been pipped to the post and a clear second choice (usually by someone with more experience).

As background my fixed term contract ended in August after 2 years. Shortly after I managed to get a temping contract which will see me through to the beginning of next year, however, have hated it from day one and can't wait to leave so continued my jobhunting as normal.

I'm now completely broken after several interviews over the last couple of months and especially the 3 (probably the 3 jobs I wanted most!) where I have been told after interview that I was a clear second choice.

Really don't know what more I can do and I have now lost all motivation for jobhunting.

enjoyyourshoes

You have to see job hunting as a numbers game, the more applications you make, the more interviews you get, the closer you are to getting that job.

Just think of each unsuccessful interview as 1 step closer to getting that job.

The Companies don't necessarily see you as an individual more as a 'number in their process'.

My friend was an actress and she had a fantastic view of auditions because she never took the decision as personal.

Widen your job search, save previous application answers, target new answers on application to what Job spec/person spec requires, and keep firing them off.

getmore4less

scottishgirl87 wrote: »

I'm now completely broken after several interviews over the last couple of months and especially the 3 (probably the 3 jobs I wanted most!) where I have been told after interview that I was a clear second choice.

I would see this as a positive sign, it means you are targeting the right jobs.

They are jobs you think you will like
you are getting the interviews(major plus)
you are getting positive feedback.


Be positive, thanks please keep me in mind for future vacanies or any temporary positions etc.

Then hope the first choice does not work out(that can take a couple of month if thye have notice).

scottishgirl87

enjoyyourshoes wrote: »

You have to see job hunting as a numbers game, the more applications you make, the more interviews you get, the closer you are to getting that job.

Just think of each unsuccessful interview as 1 step closer to getting that job.

The Companies don't necessarily see you as an individual more as a 'number in their process'.

My friend was an actress and she had a fantastic view of auditions because she never took the decision as personal.

Widen your job search, save previous application answers, target new answers on application to what Job spec/person spec requires, and keep firing them off.

getmore4less wrote: »

I would see this as a positive sign, it means you are targeting the right jobs.

They are jobs you think you will like
you are getting the interviews(major plus)
you are getting positive feedback.


Be positive, thanks please keep me in mind for future vacanies or any temporary positions etc.

Then hope the first choice does not work out(that can take a couple of month if thye have notice).

Thanks both, after having several knockbacks in the last 3 months I'm just fed up and miserable. If I'd came second once it'd be fine but 3 times now and I don't see how I can do anymore. I'm basically being told I've aced the interview but someone has beat me to it Doesn't help that I really hate where I'm temping and this time of year there's not much about. I just don't have any energy left anymore for all the time and energy it takes for applications and interviews to get nowhere.

Paully232000

scottishgirl87 wrote: »

Thanks both, after having several knockbacks in the last 3 months I'm just fed up and miserable. If I'd came second once it'd be fine but 3 times now and I don't see how I can do anymore. I'm basically being told I've aced the interview but someone has beat me to it Doesn't help that I really hate where I'm temping and this time of year there's not much about. I just don't have any energy left anymore for all the time and energy it takes for applications and interviews to get nowhere.

I would second what people have said above, you are obviously good at applications which is a positive, and well suited for the roles that you are applying for, which again is a positive.
Keep going along the same vein and you will get something soon. A few years ago after I had done a uni course I applied for many a job and got interviews but not the job. I kept on applying using the same information/style as applications that had got me interviews and then eventually i was successful. I now am in a career that I am happy with and enjoy going to work each morning, which is something that i would not have said in some jobs I have had in the past.

scottishgirl87

Paully232000 wrote: »

I would second what people have said above, you are obviously good at applications which is a positive, and well suited for the roles that you are applying for, which again is a positive.
Keep going along the same vein and you will get something soon. A few years ago after I had done a uni course I applied for many a job and got interviews but not the job. I kept on applying using the same information/style as applications that had got me interviews and then eventually i was successful. I now am in a career that I am happy with and enjoy going to work each morning, which is something that i would not have said in some jobs I have had in the past.

Thank you. Unfortunately as I have bills to pay I have to keep applying but heart is just not in it at the moment. Not much going at this time of year anyway so might just have to take a break from it all and try again in the New Year.

Gavin83

I think the chances of "coming second to someone with more experience" being the real reason you aren't getting the job is practically zero. It's the stock safe response for a company that doesn't want to give the real reason and lets be honest, who can blame them for not giving factual feedback.

Have a real hard think. Can you think of anything your doing during the interview that might be putting them off?

Paully232000

just a thought, depending on the jobs you are applying for i found this helpful. Has specific info and more general interview tips.
I am sure you have read up on interview tips but might be helpful

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips

getmore4less

I think the take a rest might be a good idea

keep looking but only process any really good ones the rest can wait till Janif still available.

Maybe swap to looking for a better temp job.

GothicStirling

I went through this for six months before getting my current job. I was getting 2-3 interviews a week, and kept getting the same reply as you. I was starting to think 'I'm 32, a graduate and I'm going to be long-term unemployed' before I was offered this job. It was only meant to be until November, and I'm still here.


A few weeks ago my manager commented 'when I interviewed you, I wasn't sure that you would fit in, but you've turned out to be a star find' and now being given more responsibilities in the company. So things are looking good. Though I'm curious to why he would think that I wouldn't fit into the team (I've worked in this industry for 14 years).

DKLS

Gavin83 wrote: »

I think the chances of "coming second to someone with more experience" being the real reason you aren't getting the job is practically zero. It's the stock safe response for a company that doesn't want to give the real reason and lets be honest, who can blame them for not giving factual feedback.

Have a real hard think. Can you think of anything your doing during the interview that might be putting them off?

I would second this, and thats one of my stock answers and is rarely the real reason.

When I interview I look for 3 things:

1. Do they have skills and Experience to do the job (or trainable if some skills lacking)
2. Will they stick around for a while (enjoy the job)
3. Do they fit the current team dynamic

Its easy to get 1 & 2, finding all three isn't so easy.

OP it really is a numbers game, stick at it and you will land that job.