After an assessment test and four interviews, I didn't get the job.

21 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 14,2023 at 4:39AM UTC

   This may not be exactly what you are looking for, but hopefully will be of some encouragement.

   I was rejected several times for positions I felt were a good fit, and then a recruiter found me and I had a remote position for 14 months at almost double the salary of the ones I was rejected for. Also, it was a much better fit for my experience and future aspirations.

   You may want to post your resume on some of the usual places (Indeed, Careerbuilder, LinkedIn, etc.) if you haven't already and just be sure to check out any recruiters to see if they have a LinkedIn presence and if they have a connection to their purported employer, as there are scams. Having said that, all you need is one legitimate response that you can follow to the end.

   Also, if you haven't tried temporary positions, the need for the position in the company is obvious, so that may get around some of the reasons given for your rejections (at least the ones given). See if you can find some agencies or recruiters that specialize in your role. While this may not be a total solution for you, it may help bring in some income while you look for something that is a closer fit, and will also provide some recent experience for your next resume.

   Hope something here helps. You just need to find the right fit.

   Meanwhile, if you can volunteer in some capacity related to your role, that may help you to feel more hope and fulfillment while you are searching for the other aspects.

2. Elizabyth HarringtonNovember 14,2023 at 2:01PM UTC

   Chin up! This happened to me as well. I went through five rounds of interviews with a company that I was crazy excited about -- only to be told they needed to pull the position because of company restructuring. Eventually I ended up in a role (making just as much) that offers me a chance to really make a difference, and I couldn't be happier. Sometimes doors shut (or don't open) for a reason. Your dream job could be right around the corner. Don't let your grief over losing out on this job get in the way of landing the next one.

3. AnonymousNovember 14,2023 at 2:30PM UTC

   I can definitely relate to all that was said and shared.

   I thought I had found the perfect job and the company reached out to me requesting that I apply for the position. This was a medical device company. I had multiple interviews and a panel interview and was told if I pass the panel interview would be hired.

   They rejected me because I work as a consultant for the FDA. That’s what I was told by one of their recruiters and I did my own research and saw where they cut corners and are unethical in their practices. They already knew about my role with the government and was surprised they had an about face attitude . Good riddance to them.

   Recently, this week I had a major disappointment for a role that I believed was a perfect fit and interviewed well and received a nice rejection letter stating I would be a great fit for their company and if I saw another job of interest in their company let them know. They, decided to hire someone else whom had more tenure using their database.

   I believe it was probably an internal hire. They led me to believe via their actions and comments that I would be hired.

   This is what I have learned and may or may not be for all. I found a bridge job that I will work until I find what I am truly seeking. Meaning during the interim while seeking for something better and more in line with my career aspirations I will work it.

   i don’t like the role but the manager and staff are kind to me. I am not paid as much as I used to make and it’s difficult financially but am making it work.

   I show up and do the job effectively and go home . I hate the hours and pay but it’s paying my bills. It’s a stretch financially but some money is better than no money.

   There are contract firms such as Mindlance, Spectraforce and TalentBurst.

   Google them and I know for certain Mindlance and Spectraforce always have jobs.

4. AnonymousNovember 14,2023 at 5:12PM UTC

   I'm so sorry.

5. Voice ConnoisseurNovember 14,2023 at 11:20PM UTC

   Nope. Do not internalize..."Some of us are not good enough in the job Market!" Don't let anyone take away your self esteem. You made it to the final round. How about maybe, "You're too good for the job market." Get new skills, work on yourself, and never put all of your eggs in one basket. Don't give up and keep the faith! You are important in his world and just because you didn't get the job doesn't mean you don't have value. Go volunteer while your still applying. You have to build your self esteem not getting a job should not break you. It's okay to be disappointed but not okay to talk that way about your self. Imagine if you feel this way about yourself you can expect others will feel that way about you too.

6. AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 5:49AM UTC

   As many have said, you've got this!

   I am in your shoes right now, and just listening to you mirror my thoughts helped me. So while it's hard, know you're not alone, but also, that your vulnerability alone has helped me.

   My mantra is this: I just need one yes.

   Love & Light

7. Melissa Boillot, SHRM - SCPNovember 15,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

   Don’t be so hard on yourself or take it personally!! The labor market has flipped and a lot of people are looking with less companies hiring. Putting the power back into employers hands means that they get to be extra choosy and usually have multiple great candidates. Keep your head up and stay positive, that’s how you’ll land your next gig!! I recommend a book called Bliss List & to spend time recharging yourself after a crushing experience like this. You are awesome, you’ve got this!!

8. AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 2:24PM UTC

   The last time I worked for someone else I sent out over 300 job inquiries for 4 interviews and 2 offers. It sucks. Especially when you know people who just show up at networking events and get offered a gig on the spot. Some industries have better times of year to get hired than others. I was actually offered the two positions in the fall for a January start to work in education or higher education. Some people start hiring in January. Keep it up and something will come along but also maybe spread the criteria for jobs you are interested and see what pops up.

9. AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 4:12PM UTC

   I’m right with you! I have been looking since Feb and 4 times was in final rounds. This last time hit hard. I was like you, really connected and believed this was it! I spiraled into a deep depression. This market is awful and it’s so hard to keep pushing but we must. Take some time to sulk. It then dust yourself off and get back out there! Your job is coming.

10. AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 4:18PM UTC

    I am so sorry you're feeling this way. Rejection sucks and in my almost 60 years I haven't learned to truly let it go. I think about past situations and wonder what could have been. I hope you can find the grace to believe and feel, that you can't always get what you want, but you do get what you need. Hoping the next time will be the one that is truly right for you. Hugs!

11. Cindy GloverNovember 15,2023 at 10:37PM UTC

    I’ve not yet read the responses to your post but first thing, hugs to you for fighting one of the biggest battles I simply could only imagine.

    You’re being terribly hard on yourself yet there are many more opportunities for you to seek.

    What you could do?

    Send an email to the hiring manager stating as disappointing as the outcome was, thank them for their time and consideration. and if possible, ask, if they would provide recommendations or suggestions that would help enhance your your interview skills.

    I hate this saying but it’s one that holds so very true - There’s something better waiting for you ❤️

12. AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 1:29PM UTC

    Condolences

    can you read between the lines? Do you know what they meant by “better fit”? You could try to improve in this area

13. AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    This. Have you reached out to the interview team and asked for feedback? It's simple. Just say, "I understand and respect your decision. However, I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow as a person and a professional. Is there anything I could have done better to improve my chances? Your feedback is greatly appreciated." Then you know what to work on for next time. Of course, you might disagree with their feedback, but asking for insight doesn't hurt. Good luck, and my condolences!

14. AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 7:25PM UTC

    After 4 rounds of intensive interview that takes a toll on a person, I think they should at least owe you a feedback. Just telling you “not a fit” isn’t right. There has to be something more to this than just being completely arbitrary. Although the interviews are over but you did your part. They owe you this.

15. AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 2:19PM UTC

    Here's what you said: """The rejection for this one hits deep. As I'm faced with continuing the job hunt, my enthusiasm and optimism have deflated. This rejection makes me feel like I don't fit in anywhere. I'm not sure how to keep going on the job hunt journey. My tank is empty. My confidence is damaged."""

    Yep. You're emotionally and physically exhausted. Those of us who have been downsized, layed off, terminated....have been there/done that. It's a completely dehumanizing process. JUST KNOW THIS PLEASE.

    I'm sorry that this employer wasted your time. Had you go thru FOUR INTERVIEWS, testing....a nice outfit each time, fresh makeup and hair, new answers, new people...Gas and time spent getting there (and back)...Lost sleep and more lost sleep. Anxiety and hopefulness. And to have it all dashed because you werent the "best fit". Yeah, many of us have been there too. and Ofcourse, you're deflated.

    But might I suggest that you no longer personalize this? Really. Unless you were interviewing for VP of Global affairs or something, this process sounds terrible for you (and me too). I'm not sure about you, but I've got a stellar CV, stellar references, and I'm mature and I'm nice. I work hard, don't you? I guess what I'm trying to say is that if we have to SELL OURSELVES, so much, during the interview process....is this really where your dream job was going to be??? REALLY??

    Please...give yourself a pat on the back. You're a winner, obviously. Don't take some other person's calculated opinion to heart. Dig deep, friend. You are loved and you are astonishing. This was NOT the job for you....but you worked hard to make it work, and you get A++ for that!!! I wish you nothing but the best, and just remember that "maybe" the dream job isn't out there, but a dreamy perspective on all of this is the end goal. It's a new day in the world of work, and we're all seeing it. God bless!!!

16. AnonymousNovember 19,2023 at 10:24PM UTC

    I agree with this post so much. My last job, I had 6 weeks filled with multiple hours-long interviews (probably about 12 hours total), personality assessments, 4 pages of written case studies that I sent a 15-page response to, and I don’t even remember what else. I got the job, received barely a few hours of training before the departing employee left for good, had almost no manual or anyone to consult with questions, was given tasks well outside my job description and wheelhouse, covered for another employee who went on maternity leave a week after I started, and then when I asked for help, was written off as “not able to do the job” and my boss secretly started searching for someone else. He let me go after 1 year, 9 months, having never let on that he was unhappy with me (he later said he thought I was great at what I did but that he needed other skill sets that I didn’t possess). Oh, and he locked me out of my accounts while I was still working and then told me I was terminated. So I feel the rejection, I feel the despair, and I’m currently in a job interview process where I have had 3 interviews including a 2+ hour one with the CEO, done 3 online assessments plus a 2-hour professional assessment with a psychologist. And it’s not a given that I’ll get this job. If I don’t, I’ll be bummed, but ya know what? I’m super capable, dedicated, smart, and kind. If they don’t hire me, it’s not because I’m not awesome. And the same goes for the OP and anyone else trying to find a job in this grueling, dehumanizing market. Hang in there, and if you start really feeling down, please take a short break from your job search to speak to loved ones or even a professional, to help put things in perspective so you can return to the job search fresh. Good luck!

17. AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 3:13PM UTC

    I did 5 interviews--and LONG ones with one place and they did not hire me. At some point the interviewing process becomes excessive.

18. Marcia SmithNovember 16,2023 at 3:32PM UTC

    Unfortunately this is becoming more and more commonplace as often, there are over 500 people applying for a single position. I would remain upbeat but cautious whenever moving through the interview stage - and make decisions about how much you are willing to put into the process BEFORE you get started. I have even known of employers that require an on-site interview for a REMOTE job - I would decline that as the risk-reward returns are just not worth it.

19. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMENovember 16,2023 at 3:58PM UTC

    Looking for a new job is a full-time job and can test anyone's resolve. However, are you aware that you attitude comes across as negative? Have you considered counseling? Talking with a counselor may help address the pain and disappointment you feel. Personally, I'm a fan of positive affirmations. (e.g., I love and approve of myself.)

20. AnonymousNovember 17,2023 at 4:02AM UTC

    I couldn’t relate more to this post. I’ve been feeling the same. The rejection emails are starting to eat away at my confidence and making me feel like “am I even any good at what I do?”

    Its disappointing ! You are not alone !

21. Crystal HowellNovember 20,2023 at 1:31AM UTC

    Rejection is Redirection, something better is out there, I've been through it. Talk to your old job competitors, get hired.

    Be smart, think outside of the box. Inflate yourself you have skills, call resume coach