Job Interview help

thereaper101

yep, don’t give up, but I know exactly how you feel. Like you, I have just had the bad news (about 5 mins ago) from a job that would have been perfect [IT support - server end]. I was up against internal candidates, looks like it was a no win situation.

Having the dreaded news is very disappointing, however, how many times have you thought, "this is the perfect job!" ????

If you didn’t get this one, then I believe there is a reason for it, another one with your name on it will find you.


Nick

nemo183

raeble wrote:

Well I haven't got the second job either. I never get the jobs I really want. I've been thinking about it and applying for it for the best part of three years - that's not really as bad as it sounds - It takes about four months to go through the application process (form, test, interview) and it wasn't advertised for a year. I don't know whether I can bear listening to the feedback, there is obviously something seriously wrong with my interview skills. Maybe its time to give up.

Hi Raeble, sorry to hear it didn't work out.

At the risk of making you throw up, I really do think you need to think carefully about the language you are using. You say, "I never get the jobs I really want". If you are prepared to write that in this forum, you must be thinking and believing it. If you carry on like this, writing these words, and thinking these thoughts, you will almost certainly fulfil your own prediction.

The actual fact is you have not YET got the job you really want - probably because a lot of other people also really want it. Often the final decision in these situations is really hard for those making the appointment, because they may have to decide between, say, 3 people who they feel confident could all do the job - and then the final decision can be almost random. The kinds of things that swing it are often the personal prejudices of the main decision maker. I have known these to include (and you may wish to not read this) - are you black or white? Are you young or old? Are you male or female?

In each situation, any of these factors can sway the actual appointment. A department of white, middle class, middle aged males may be desperate to appoint a young black woman - hence, if one of the candidates fits the bill, that's the one that's going to get the job.

If you are to get the job you want, I'd suggest three practical tips.

1) Think very carefully about the internal and external dialogue you allow your self to use. I really can understand how this seem to be irrelevant !!!!!! - however time and time again I've seen people achieve exactly what their thought process believed.

2) More practically, if you attend an interview and don't get the job, write back as soon as possible and say how much you enjoyed meeting everyone, what a great opportunity it sounded, and you'd love to hear if they have a similar/related position in the future - either in their department, or maybe a related one.

3) Rack your brains to think of any organisation/person that might have the job you really want. Write to them, explaining how passionately you wish to be a xxxxx-xxxxx, and ask them if they know anyone who might be able to help you. Don't write and ask if they have a job - just if they know anyone who might be able to help. Obviously, if they do have a position, they will tell you - otherwise, they may just spend a few moments thinking if they can help. You might also include a stamped return address envelope - people hate throwing money away!

Anyway, hope you don't feel the above is pedantic twaddle - I can honestly say that these 3 points are the most important ones that got results when I was coaching people for interviews.

best of luck!

BenefitMaster

nemo183 wrote:

More practically, if you attend an interview and don't get the job, write back as soon as possible and say how much you enjoyed meeting everyone, what a great opportunity it sounded, and you'd love to hear if they have a similar/related position in the future - either in their department, or maybe a related one.

Also... when you get the letter inviting you to Interview, write back confirming the interview.

When you get home from the interview, write to the interviewer, just thanking them for their time and courtesy - not mentioning your hopes for the role, merely appreciating the time they spent with you.

Finally, if you get a rejection, write and ask for feedback. The fact you have been courteous in the past means you are more likely to get some, and still keeps you in mid in case the appointee doesn't start or rejects the offer.

And always remember - Each rejection is one step closer to a job offer.

nemo183

BenefitMaster wrote:

And always remember - Each rejection is one step closer to a job offer.

This is so true, although it often doesn't feel like it at the time. It is hard to pick out the positive aspects of how things went, and this might better be done with a friend who can be more objective.

Problem is, after you've just missed out, these comments can feel just like platitudes.

However, having spent 20 years sending people on interviews, it's still true. The worst thing you can do is get discouraged, and end up doing nothing. If you do nothing, nothing will happen. However, if you stick at it, it's been my almost 100% experience that something good will come of it. Oddly enough, this does not mean you'll get the job you apply for - but in the process of going to interviews, you'll meet people who can and will help you.

Good luck - if you need a hand constructing a follow up letter if you don't get the job, please feel free to PM me, and we'll craft something good between us. When we feel we've done it, I suggest we post our final effort here for the benefit of others.

aliasojo

nemo.......please check your pm's.