3 failed interviews in a week
Discussion
Just to make Toothbrush man feel a bit better. if he is still on dole!
It's not just you fella.
I had three in a week and was not successful in any of them, and that makes about 7 or 8 so far since last working in February.
Some of the roles were clearly not suitable, one or two were agencies leading me down a path of lies and finding out when I was there either about much lower pay or totally different skills needed.
The others were simply being pipped by better applicants.
It is utterly soul destroying, depressing and massively demotivating.
No idea what can be done, other than keep applying, freshen up my CV.
I do feel that my interviewing is not up to scratch, as getting this far should have got me something by now, especially as late last year I was offered 3 jobs in a couple of months.
But right now I feel like I must have very much trodden on someone in a past life as not getting any luck.
What is clear is that if you are not the PERFECT candidate and only tick 9/10 boxes, there will be always be some b
d who ticks 10. That is clear.
It's not just you fella.
I had three in a week and was not successful in any of them, and that makes about 7 or 8 so far since last working in February.
Some of the roles were clearly not suitable, one or two were agencies leading me down a path of lies and finding out when I was there either about much lower pay or totally different skills needed.
The others were simply being pipped by better applicants.
It is utterly soul destroying, depressing and massively demotivating.
No idea what can be done, other than keep applying, freshen up my CV.
I do feel that my interviewing is not up to scratch, as getting this far should have got me something by now, especially as late last year I was offered 3 jobs in a couple of months.
But right now I feel like I must have very much trodden on someone in a past life as not getting any luck.
What is clear is that if you are not the PERFECT candidate and only tick 9/10 boxes, there will be always be some b
d who ticks 10. That is clear.Firstly, stay positive.
Secondly, become that person who ticks those 10 boxes.
Have you asked for feedback on the interviews of the jobs you actually wanted? Have you looked into the various interview types (competency based, STARL answers etc) and geared your responses appropriately.
Lastly, stay positive.
ETA - I'm going to piggy back on this thread if you don't mind as I'm in the same position as you and we can support each other. My particulars are:
Last day of work 29 March
Numerous applications in, only one interview (for a job I really didn't fancy anyway) thus far. Have got three other applications in, waiting on updates from two.
Secondly, become that person who ticks those 10 boxes.
Have you asked for feedback on the interviews of the jobs you actually wanted? Have you looked into the various interview types (competency based, STARL answers etc) and geared your responses appropriately.
Lastly, stay positive.
ETA - I'm going to piggy back on this thread if you don't mind as I'm in the same position as you and we can support each other. My particulars are:
Last day of work 29 March
Numerous applications in, only one interview (for a job I really didn't fancy anyway) thus far. Have got three other applications in, waiting on updates from two.
Edited by p4cks on Tuesday 21st May 17:26
Notwithstanding that interviewing alone is a poor process of selection, some folk do naturally interview well, regardless of their competence, whilst others more competent interview poorly.
There are proven tools and techniques to improve your interview skills. Drop me a line if it’s something you want to look at.
There are proven tools and techniques to improve your interview skills. Drop me a line if it’s something you want to look at.
i was in the same boat, i offered advice on other thread but it was ignored.
get/take a job, anything really . the reason is many fold, it takes your mind of of failed interviews, you mix with other people, money, and soaks up time,. thinking about stuff is the killer you need to just move on, not try to reason, it is just numbers game. the longer you are out of any job the worse it is.
i remember the other thread telling him to hold out for the right job not jump at any job, in hindsight that was poor advice.
get/take a job, anything really . the reason is many fold, it takes your mind of of failed interviews, you mix with other people, money, and soaks up time,. thinking about stuff is the killer you need to just move on, not try to reason, it is just numbers game. the longer you are out of any job the worse it is.
i remember the other thread telling him to hold out for the right job not jump at any job, in hindsight that was poor advice.
Edited by Thesprucegoose on Tuesday 21st May 19:02
I am 47 so want the next job to be long term.
Have done lots of contract work in the past which most employers see as bad as they think I will quit as soon as something better comes along, not much I can do about that other than get across I do not want that and perm jobs have been redundancies etc which is true, then you have to work so will take short term stuff at times. Others see it as useful skills and experience.
I simply feel I am able to get interviews coz of this experience and a variety of manufacturing jobs I have done but a lot of the stuff I have done I have only dabbled in so can often get caught out in trade tests as employers often want very specific skills such as very specific type of crimping or assembly that I may have never done, and obviously the guy that got the job was able to nail it.
I have been told I would be bored at one place, that I was too confident at another, been told I did not have a tool chest as that was needed! (presume guy that got it did), and often no feedback whatsoever, and to be honest often it is so vague it isn't worth asking for.
Have tried motorsport, as it is passion, but am clear now they only employ young to start fresh, they NEVER employ older if they don't have any experience regardless of skillset being similar likely due to pay, so am now not going to pursue that, despite the obvious motivations to work in something interesting.
Have done lots of contract work in the past which most employers see as bad as they think I will quit as soon as something better comes along, not much I can do about that other than get across I do not want that and perm jobs have been redundancies etc which is true, then you have to work so will take short term stuff at times. Others see it as useful skills and experience.
I simply feel I am able to get interviews coz of this experience and a variety of manufacturing jobs I have done but a lot of the stuff I have done I have only dabbled in so can often get caught out in trade tests as employers often want very specific skills such as very specific type of crimping or assembly that I may have never done, and obviously the guy that got the job was able to nail it.
I have been told I would be bored at one place, that I was too confident at another, been told I did not have a tool chest as that was needed! (presume guy that got it did), and often no feedback whatsoever, and to be honest often it is so vague it isn't worth asking for.
Have tried motorsport, as it is passion, but am clear now they only employ young to start fresh, they NEVER employ older if they don't have any experience regardless of skillset being similar likely due to pay, so am now not going to pursue that, despite the obvious motivations to work in something interesting.
chunder27 said:
I am 47 so want the next job to be long term.
Have done lots of contract work in the past which most employers see as bad as they think I will quit as soon as something better comes along, not much I can do about that other than get across I do not want that and perm jobs have been redundancies etc which is true, then you have to work so will take short term stuff at times. Others see it as useful skills and experience.
I simply feel I am able to get interviews coz of this experience and a variety of manufacturing jobs I have done but a lot of the stuff I have done I have only dabbled in so can often get caught out in trade tests as employers often want very specific skills such as very specific type of crimping or assembly that I may have never done, and obviously the guy that got the job was able to nail it.
I have been told I would be bored at one place, that I was too confident at another, been told I did not have a tool chest as that was needed! (presume guy that got it did), and often no feedback whatsoever, and to be honest often it is so vague it isn't worth asking for.
Have tried motorsport, as it is passion, but am clear now they only employ young to start fresh, they NEVER employ older if they don't have any experience regardless of skillset being similar likely due to pay, so am now not going to pursue that, despite the obvious motivations to work in something interesting.
If you like Motorsport and have a good level of manual dexterity, perhaps able to read some technical drawings, then you could quite easily retrain in composites. Have done lots of contract work in the past which most employers see as bad as they think I will quit as soon as something better comes along, not much I can do about that other than get across I do not want that and perm jobs have been redundancies etc which is true, then you have to work so will take short term stuff at times. Others see it as useful skills and experience.
I simply feel I am able to get interviews coz of this experience and a variety of manufacturing jobs I have done but a lot of the stuff I have done I have only dabbled in so can often get caught out in trade tests as employers often want very specific skills such as very specific type of crimping or assembly that I may have never done, and obviously the guy that got the job was able to nail it.
I have been told I would be bored at one place, that I was too confident at another, been told I did not have a tool chest as that was needed! (presume guy that got it did), and often no feedback whatsoever, and to be honest often it is so vague it isn't worth asking for.
Have tried motorsport, as it is passion, but am clear now they only employ young to start fresh, they NEVER employ older if they don't have any experience regardless of skillset being similar likely due to pay, so am now not going to pursue that, despite the obvious motivations to work in something interesting.
I’ve been in F1/Motorsport for about ten years now making carbon fibre stuff and the composite industry is stacked with work, including tons of trainee jobs. The money isn’t bad, when fully skilled it can be up to around £55,000, more for contract work in F1 or Aerospace.
They don’t always go for young people either, as long as you’re switched on and happy to get stuck in.
Feel free to PM me if it interests you, and I could suggest some companies to contact depending on where you are in the country.
Edited by CX53 on Wednesday 22 May 13:25
If you are getting interviews and not jobs, it isn't your CV that needs freshening up but your interview skills (provided your CV isn't massively over exaggerating your skills and/or experiences). Make sure you are properly prepared and well presented, and if you feel it would be useful find someone that can do mock interviews (who you ask will depend on what sorts of jobs you are applying to).
CX
Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
chunder27 said:
CX
Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
Just a few little "tricks" might be all it takes. When they offer you drink at the start of the interview (or when you arrive), ask for a glass of water. Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
When you are asked a question
1) Pick up the drink and take a sip
2) Repeat the question back in your own words
3) Then answer it (by this point you have had acres of thinking time)
It's corny and a crutch, but it may be all you need to stop yourself from being flustered.
chunder27 said:
CX
Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
Is it competency questions you are being asked? 'Describe a time you had to overcome a difficult situation?' etc.? If so, use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write out multiple answers to all the common questions before you go into the interview, and make sure you are very well drilled in the answers. Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
I am usually pretty good at those type of questions, been asked them enough times to detail an answer, am aware of STAR.
I think being honest I have just been a little unlucky, minor things out of my control are getting in the way, a lack of experience in one specific area, or a better candidate who can tick all the boxes maybe.
Plus it is always frustrating to attend interviews where the agency have clearly dressed up a sows ear to be a silk purse. That happens a hello of a lot!
I think being honest I have just been a little unlucky, minor things out of my control are getting in the way, a lack of experience in one specific area, or a better candidate who can tick all the boxes maybe.
Plus it is always frustrating to attend interviews where the agency have clearly dressed up a sows ear to be a silk purse. That happens a hello of a lot!
It helps to have some examples of things you have done based on the STAR technique that you can refer to in the interview.
I always take some paperwork with me i.e. job spec, notes, etc as it shows you have prepared as first impressions are important.
Also helps to have some questions to ask them at the end again as it shows you have taken the interview seriously.
I am going through interviews at the moment and it is hard work, especially the 2+ hour technical ones...
I always take some paperwork with me i.e. job spec, notes, etc as it shows you have prepared as first impressions are important.
Also helps to have some questions to ask them at the end again as it shows you have taken the interview seriously.
I am going through interviews at the moment and it is hard work, especially the 2+ hour technical ones...
gottans said:
It helps to have some examples of things you have done based on the STAR technique that you can refer to in the interview.
I always take some paperwork with me i.e. job spec, notes, etc as it shows you have prepared as first impressions are important.
Also helps to have some questions to ask them at the end again as it shows you have taken the interview seriously.
I am going through interviews at the moment and it is hard work, especially the 2+ hour technical ones...
So I have been an agency recruiter in Exec Search for 15 years and an in house recruiter for a global firm for 10 more, so I have *some* experience in interviews. I always take some paperwork with me i.e. job spec, notes, etc as it shows you have prepared as first impressions are important.
Also helps to have some questions to ask them at the end again as it shows you have taken the interview seriously.
I am going through interviews at the moment and it is hard work, especially the 2+ hour technical ones...
People/Candidates that ask me to look at papers or docs they have with them always make me feel a little uncomfortable. It is like I am being asked to do the work.
My advice is, have your story straight
1. Why did you make the career/role moves you did. What were your motivations?
2. Why do you want this particular job now?
3. What do you really want ?
Rehearse you career story so far, be concise, 3-4 minutes. Don’t digress and do use it to highlight relevant skills/competancies.
EG I moved to that role in order to train with composite materials, and spent the next five years mastering the art of laying up specialist components (or whatever)
Easy to get beaten down, we all imagine and project ourselves into the roles we interview for, what will life be like etc - so it is very natural to be disappointed when the doors close on that possibility, don’t be too hard on yourself
chunder27 said:
Just to make Toothbrush man feel a bit better. if he is still on dole!
It's not just you fella.
I had three in a week and was not successful in any of them, and that makes about 7 or 8 so far since last working in February.
Some of the roles were clearly not suitable, one or two were agencies leading me down a path of lies and finding out when I was there either about much lower pay or totally different skills needed.
The others were simply being pipped by better applicants.
It is utterly soul destroying, depressing and massively demotivating.
No idea what can be done, other than keep applying, freshen up my CV.
I do feel that my interviewing is not up to scratch, as getting this far should have got me something by now, especially as late last year I was offered 3 jobs in a couple of months.
But right now I feel like I must have very much trodden on someone in a past life as not getting any luck.
What is clear is that if you are not the PERFECT candidate and only tick 9/10 boxes, there will be always be some bd who ticks 10. That is clear.
I have had many crappy and more not so crappy interviews and all I can say is the following It's not just you fella.
I had three in a week and was not successful in any of them, and that makes about 7 or 8 so far since last working in February.
Some of the roles were clearly not suitable, one or two were agencies leading me down a path of lies and finding out when I was there either about much lower pay or totally different skills needed.
The others were simply being pipped by better applicants.
It is utterly soul destroying, depressing and massively demotivating.
No idea what can be done, other than keep applying, freshen up my CV.
I do feel that my interviewing is not up to scratch, as getting this far should have got me something by now, especially as late last year I was offered 3 jobs in a couple of months.
But right now I feel like I must have very much trodden on someone in a past life as not getting any luck.
What is clear is that if you are not the PERFECT candidate and only tick 9/10 boxes, there will be always be some b
d who ticks 10. That is clear.Know the role, company, JD, who you are meeting and turn up on time.. the basics
Dress sharp, not like a total idiot but a nice suit and tie
Be calm, take your time with talking and be composed
Finally, and most Important is hope and pray that you build a rapport with the people you meet.
There is no magic formula to this, it happens or it doesn't. You need to wait to meet the right people you click with.
Good luck!
Edited by ericmcn on Wednesday 22 May 23:46
Integroo said:
chunder27 said:
CX
Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
Is it competency questions you are being asked? 'Describe a time you had to overcome a difficult situation?' etc.? If so, use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write out multiple answers to all the common questions before you go into the interview, and make sure you are very well drilled in the answers. Always see composite stuff advertised, but always presume they will want experience!!
I think last poster is right, must be interview technique.
I am very honest, so find I will often get flustered as I try and think of a good answer to a tricky question, I have tried preparing better for that but still not been successful.
Think really it is so competitive, firms often use multiple agencies, and there is simply always someone better than me applying.
Korea - work compliance and regulatory work with KTC
Labview - mentoring a student to help him develop
Project A,B - projects you were involved in , building a team etc
You don't need to know everything but a few key words should be enough to jog the memory. But at the end of the day if the people interviewing you are idiots and you do not get along the job is crossed off, see above.
Gargamel said:
gottans said:
It helps to have some examples of things you have done based on the STAR technique that you can refer to in the interview.
I always take some paperwork with me i.e. job spec, notes, etc as it shows you have prepared as first impressions are important.
Also helps to have some questions to ask them at the end again as it shows you have taken the interview seriously.
I am going through interviews at the moment and it is hard work, especially the 2+ hour technical ones...
So I have been an agency recruiter in Exec Search for 15 years and an in house recruiter for a global firm for 10 more, so I have *some* experience in interviews. I always take some paperwork with me i.e. job spec, notes, etc as it shows you have prepared as first impressions are important.
Also helps to have some questions to ask them at the end again as it shows you have taken the interview seriously.
I am going through interviews at the moment and it is hard work, especially the 2+ hour technical ones...
People/Candidates that ask me to look at papers or docs they have with them always make me feel a little uncomfortable. It is like I am being asked to do the work.
My advice is, have your story straight
1. Why did you make the career/role moves you did. What were your motivations?
2. Why do you want this particular job now?
3. What do you really want ?
Rehearse you career story so far, be concise, 3-4 minutes. Don’t digress and do use it to highlight relevant skills/competancies.
EG I moved to that role in order to train with composite materials, and spent the next five years mastering the art of laying up specialist components (or whatever)
Easy to get beaten down, we all imagine and project ourselves into the roles we interview for, what will life be like etc - so it is very natural to be disappointed when the doors close on that possibility, don’t be too hard on yourself
gottans said:
I think you miss understood, the paperwork I take is there for me to refer to if needed, not to show to the interviewer. If the interviewer can't bring what they need with them I would worry.
Ah good, occasionally candidates would offer to show a PowerPoint of a piece of work, I usually declined, its a bit like other peoples holidays photos, there is 1% super interesting and there rest are as cure for insomniaBefore you interview, you need to study two job roles - the one you’re interviewing for and the one the interviewer has. You need to understand the objectives of the interviewers job to truly understand what he/her is looking for. Understand that and you’re at an advantage.
As an example, I always give a scenario that the interviewee is going to miss a deadline and ask what they’d do. Usually the answer is come in weekends and deliver it. They think that’s what I’m after but actually it tells me they’d hide the fact from me. What I read from that is that they are risk because they conceal. They just gave me the worst possible answer. That’s one example.
See it from the interviewers point of view and your half way there.
As an example, I always give a scenario that the interviewee is going to miss a deadline and ask what they’d do. Usually the answer is come in weekends and deliver it. They think that’s what I’m after but actually it tells me they’d hide the fact from me. What I read from that is that they are risk because they conceal. They just gave me the worst possible answer. That’s one example.
See it from the interviewers point of view and your half way there.
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