Had an in person screening interview.
I’m very qualified for the role and also had a reference from someone inside the company. At the end the recruiter asked if I was interviewing with anyone else. I was laid off at the end of July, so I thought that seemed like an odd question, but maybe a good sign. I answered honestly “yes” along with different things I was looking for in my next role. Then I was asked what I’ve been doing during this time. I was very caught off guard because I’ve never been asked that. What was she looking for with this question? I told her I was reading a lot, reconnecting with friends, listening to podcasts, and trying to learn something new every day, and networking 24/7. All of the above true. I could have also shared that I planned a fundraiser at the Highschool, learned to play Canasta, and taught myself to needlepoint. ( also true). I’m thinking the second answer would’ve been better. At the same time, I’m irritated by the question. I feel like that should not be a consideration but mad at myself that I wasn’t prepared for it. I was disappointed to get the email that my application is not going any further. Thoughts ?
Browse recent posts
Today is my first time to log in this website. I want to share a thing may be someone do not understand my feeling.
I am so happy to get a offer last week but I find I was pregant. I notice my new company but they do not hire me even though my experience was qualified this job.
Now I am sad because I do not have a job…
0 Likes • 0 Comments
Job reference question
I interviewed for a position today (it's a state job-Department of Revenue) and they emailed me asking me to complete a background check form and also asked for a 3rd reference. I really don't have another good reference. I could get great references at my current job but I am not…
0 Likes • 2 Comments
Leadership Role and Parenting Dilemma. Perspective Needed!
Hi everyone. I need some outside-the -box thinking. I have a demanding leadership role that means working 45-50 hours a week. I have a commute and two kids. I am divorced and have 50/50 custody. On my weeks with the kids, I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends. I try to get a…
1 Like • 3 Comments
I just received an email requesting for me to do an in person interview on the same day my Supervisor invited me to go to a stupid in person meeting. Ive been trying to get out of this job for several months now. What would you do to get out of going to the meeting??
I'm just trying to see if getting out of this in person meeting is even a possibility. I remember last year when my Director, Supervisor, & I worked for 3 days in a row at an outdoor event in the scorching heat & my director said we could use liberal leave the next day. Then, I requested to use it…
1 Like • 2 Comments
Job hunting in your 60s?
This isn't for me as my job is currently stable. But can anyone give me advice on job hunting in your 60s? My husband, who is 62, may be losing his job (lay off, not firing). He is diabetic and really needs health insurance. And we're just so terrified about the job market and his age. He's been an…
0 Likes • 0 Comments
Have you applied for a job with no hope?
My director resigned, kind of suddenly. If the leaders wanted me they would have come to me. They didn't. But I'm going to apply anyway.
There is no way I would be really considered but I am hoping even as I tell myself there is no hope. How do you keep…
1 Like • 6 Comments
Share your insight
Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.
Jessica Ferland
Some things you don't get to know, like whether the other answer would have made an impact. If you are comfortable, reach out to request feedback. That could be very insightful.
Anonymous
Please don't run yourself in circles trying to determine the what-if of a situation like this. As others have said, it's a hard job market right now, and their decision not to move forward with your application might not have anything to do with your answer or your application other than, for whatever reason, you were not as good a fit as someone else. If you were laid off in late in July, you actually haven't even been out of work that long, even though I'm sure it feels that way, especially considering how much interviewing and hiring slows down in December. There is something out there for you. I think you're doing a lot to advance yourself and your career (including the self-reflection), but you will not be well served in your search trying to figure out the answer to something unknowable.
Ellen Idler
Thanks so much for this helpful answer.