Plenty of interviews but still no job offer

BDDazza

IceCold wrote: »

Altogether I've had 13 job interviews. Not one of them lead to a job offer. Some of them phoned me or e-mailed me afterwards to tell me I hadn't been successful, the rest just didn't bother contacting me afterwards.

I always prepare for the interviews. I go in dressed smartly. I always research the company and the role so I'm armed with information about it and can answer any question the person interviewing me has. I am always polite, friendly and enthusiastic. I am always on time and ask the person interviewing me questions afterwards.

After 13 interviews however I can't put it down to bad luck, I know it must be something I'm doing wrong but I can't figure out what it is. Whenever I've had feedback afterwards they always tell me the same thing - they liked me but they went for the person who had more experience.

I've never come across anyone who has had as many failed interviews as I've had however but I just can't work out what I'm doing wrong.

Is there something obvious that I'm missing? Is there anyone who is good at interviews or who interviews people for jobs who can give me some tips?

I do have a job but it's the only job I've had and I've worked there for seven years now. So I know I am capable of passing an interview and getting a job I just can't seem to manage it this time .

Hi. More than likely you are stumbling on basic questions.


Here are some videos which have helped me answer tough interview questions in the past.

What is your biggest weakness?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPT2HuvzXKU

What are your strengths?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH1lTFj0fiM

Why do you want to work here?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu1ndYgXBUc

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVItStzop6M

Have you ever worked as a Project Manager at a Digital Agency?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6VAXPGYKEI

Why are you leaving your job?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ExDaTGJgA4

What are you looking for in a job?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsCAQlH9aGs

What is your favourite project management methodology?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjvbhtJ2fnQ

Download your job interview study guide here

xapprenticex

BK123 wrote: »

@bigaunty- it was. For a role within a prison

prisoner roles are easy to get though?


sorry couldn't help it

shortcrust

Samsonite1 wrote: »

The biggest thing that made interviews less stressful and more successful for me was to change the perspective of the interview. I decided after many horrible interviews that I was interviewing "them". I would think about questions I want to know about the job and the company and when you ask some questions, you realise that they get a bit flustered and almost go out of their way to sell you the job!

One good question to ask is "could you describe what a typical day might be for this role". This firstly tells you if you even want the job, but it often puts them on the back foot as they may realise the job sounds dull so they try and convince you and almost beg you to take the job! You can then follow up on their responses to find out more and keep them under pressure - they will more likely leave the interview thinking you are serious and that may swing the balance in your favour.

Keeping them under pressure and putting them on the back foot is risky. I've interviewed loads of people and a big part of it for me is whether I think they'll be a nice person to work with. The slightest whiff of being 'played' and a candidate would be sifted out. If they're trying to make the interviewer uncomfortable, what are they going to be like when they're not trying their hardest to make a good impression?

daytona0

It is funny but I had an interview recently for a similar type of job that I'm currently doing (slightly more money, slightly less hours, more distance to travel and a sector I would have benefited from gaining experience in).

Got to the final 'face to face' interview and they practically said that each candidate (9 women and 1 man - me) had a job as long as they were up to the "benchmark" level. The company, I believe, is mass hiring entry level positions.

Interview went well... I fluffed one of the competency questions (did answer it fine after a bit of a think) but the others were solid. They also did a roleplay exercise which I was absolutely fine with. The maths test was also fine (I solved one of the hard 'example questions' despite them forgetting to hand out calculators!) and so was the English test. I also made them aware (on my CV prior to applying) that I was a member of a professional body and studying towards a higher qualification, self funded. I also had 3+ years of relevant experience.

They actually rejected me. They did provide feedback but it was basically saying that I didn't go into enough detail for the competency questions and also I didn't do one or two things on the role play. It was funny but the interviewer was struggling to keep up with me in the competency questions so I HAD TO go into less detail. Also, the role play was absolutely fine and the issues raised were merely points which could be developed within the 4 week training course. Frankly, they just didn't like me! Either my face didn't fit, or I came across as too qualified for the position.

I actually found out that one of my ex colleagues, whom I coached (the same person who was failing data protection big time and would have been sacked within 2 months), was offered the job over me!! Absolutely insane!

I found my current employer through just plugging away with job applications but I will tell you right now; some places just aren't good fits for you. Keep trying to find somewhere and try to value your skills as much as possible. Also, sometimes I think that it is more about whether your face fits in the place - consider looking at how you project your personality and skills to potential employers. Don't be put off by rejection.... so long as you are trying your best then you will eventually find a position for you.

Polarbeary

Not every job is going to be for everybody. I've had 9 interviews over the last two week for PA jobs. Some of them went really well, others quite well.

One of the interviews was for a large insurance company. It lasted a total of 10 minutes and was at 8am! No competency based questions. I asked a couple of questions and they answered briefly and seemed to be keen to get rid of me - I have no idea why but it was a complete waste of time.

In the past, I've had conflicting feedback from interviewers. In the same week I was told by one interviewer that I came across as "timid" (which I am not!) another said I was a little over confident in my abilities and the job that accepted me said I was evidently a quietly confident person! Make of all that what you will. I think it's about personality and team fit. The interview might go well but the interviewer queries the above and isn't quite sure you are a good fit.

Just keep on ploughing away until you get an offer but be sure the company is a good fit for you too! It's a two way process.

jimmy2times

IceCold wrote: »

I've never come across anyone who has had as many failed interviews as I've had .

*Raises hand*

If it makes you feel any better, I don't think i've EVER 'passed' a job interview!
I'm AWFUL! My mind goes blank and I just mumble a load of nonsense. Huge parts of my interviews are filled with silence where the interviewer is expecting me to carry on talking, whereas I have nothing left to say.
So fear not, I thrash you in the failed interview contest!:rotfl:

Super_Whiskey

I've been interviewing for roles in a particular industry over the last 8 months or so. Through out the process I have gotten to the second stages of interviews to be told I didn't score highly enough on competency questions or based on my ambitions they thought I wouldn't last long in the role. I even had one where I was told I didn't meet the criteria for the role even though it was an entry level role and I met what limited criteria they specified in the job advertisement (that one I'm pretty sure was ear-marked for someone else and my interview was just a formality). Then in the last few weeks, I went through a two-stage process where I attended an assessment centre and based on how they day panned out, I was unsure whether I passed or not as I felt some of the other candidates there were a lot more confident than I was. Yet a few days after that I got invited to the second stage and I had a horrible flu when I went in for that. Again I was unsure how I did because even though I felt like I answered their questions confidently, it only lasted for about 20 minutes or so. Luckily, not long afterwards I received a job offer from them!

So basically, it's not going to be an easy process. You're getting interviews which is the main thing so employers obviously want to see what you're about. Take on board what feedback you've received and use that to develop. When going to an interview, find reasons WHY you want to work for that particular employer. We all know it's usually for more money but if they offer excellent training prospects, reputation for good work environment etc then use that. If you can convince yourself you want to work for someone then it's a lot easier to convince others. If you are asked for an interview, ask them what you can expect from it and if you know they'll ask competency questions, go back to the job listing and prepare scenarios based on what qualities they're looking for. Take notes in with you to help youas not only will it help you but it will show the interviewer you've prepared and that you're serious about working for them.

Stay positive and you'll get your break soon!

P0123

Hi IceCold

First of all, please don't give up!!

Having discovered the last few years of job hunting a lot harder than previous occasions, which is mainly due to the large numbers of applicants to the fewer amount of vacancies, I have found that NOT ONE of the employers have given feedback. This also includes those that voluntary say they will give feedback, and those that I ask when they will letting someone know, if they will inform those that are unsuccessful and would they be willing to give feedback, (and they say YES!)!
Believe me, it is good that you have got as far as 13 interviews, because it takes some doing these days to actually get to interview stage. That said, don't feel bad that you haven't had a job offer out of those 13 interviews, I have lost count of how many job applications, interviews and assessment I have sent or attended!
It DOES get extremely demoralising and does knock your confidence, (not least with the extra kick that you receive from DWP when you are down,) but you have to also remember that many Employers or Recruiters don't actually know how to interview. After a lot of experience, you can tell. I once went for an interview that took 15 mins from going in and being introduced to leaving the room. I was so dumbfounded, especially since much of the relevant information wasn't covered that I was very tempted to go back in - however, probably for the wrong reasons!
Also, bear in mind that, (although this shouldn't happen,) in real life companies DO actually interview and appoint staff before the closing date, (without stating this in the application information,) and have someone in mind, but advertise purely "for legal reasons".
So don't think it is just you that isn't up to par!
If you get the opportunity, go on one of the many Employability courses being offered by various local centres.
Also, make a CV template, then adapt each CV to link to each job that you apply for.
Register with websites such as "Reed", "TotalJobs", etc. They often have a selection of tips from "specialists" in their e-mail alerts or newsletters.
If you register with an Agency, a good Agency will offer you feedback before and after interview, (from them and from the Employer).

Have a break! (I find that when you end up writing letters and applications day after day, with no joy, it can get "robotic" and all applications and jobs start to fuse into one!)

Start again, afterwards, refreshed!

Good luck.

AJXX

I think they key is not to be put off and keep your head up.

I'm job hunting myself and the entire experience is torturous;

Trolling through various job postings to find the best one, making your way through the slush, poorly detailed, unspecific rubbish that 80% of job postings seem to be these days.

God awful job application forms which insist on previous job history and qualifications being entered box by box - meaning it takes around an hour to fill everything in which is already on your CV anyway.

Companies demanding 5-10 thousand word cover letters on why you want the job (er... cos you have a job opening that I'm more than qualified to do and in return I need money?), of course instead you spend an hour transforming the above line into

I'd love to work for your delightful company, I adore your business goals and how you conduct yourselves, I'm bound by your companies infinite wisdom and I would feel so proud to work for your establishment... I feel that I was brought into this world to [STRIKE]stack shelves for minimum wage in your supermarket full of local degenerates with questionable morals[/STRIKE] organise shelves within your fine establishment whilst greeting the local clientele whom I have come to know and love.

Then you go through an interview and play along to some HR twits idea of "sourcing the correct candidate" through "competency based questions" - Am I the only one who just makes up any old rubbish on the spot and tells them what they want to hear? For someone who has anxiety these questions are a bloody nightmare.

It's all about who can pass the interview the best these days rather than who is suited for the job...

Dizzy_Ditzy

OP please don't give up heart. I'm in a similar position - I'm interviewing fir jobs that I can do with my eyes closed and hands tied behind my back yet I'm not getting anywhere further than interview it is incredibly demoralising and I feel for you because I know how it feels

Thank you to those who've replied to this post - I'm taking some tips from them and hope to report back soon with better news