My job was eliminated 4/7/23.

13 Comments

1. Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachAugust 6,2023 at 3:33PM UTC

   Sounds like a very frustration situation to be in, I’m sorry this is happening to you. There could be lots of reasons why you’re not advancing beyond the first interview.

   Are you applying for roles where you know you meet at least the minimum qualifications with some of the desired qualifications?

   Are you presenting yourself with confidence during the interview?

   Are you talking enough about your accomplishments as an EA?

   Are you doing your research on each potential employer and demonstrating that you’ve done so?

   Are you preparing excellent questions for your interviews?

   Does your professional story on your resume and LinkedIn tell them why they would be lucky to have you as their EA?

   If your answer is “yes” to all of these questions, then it could just be that you haven’t come across the role yet where you and the employer are the right match for each other.

   If the answer is “no,” then I encourage you to take a look at where you can find opportunities to really show them who you are and why you’re one of the best EAs out there :)

2. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 4:51PM UTC

   Excellent response for anyone job searching!

3. Gretchen SkalkaAugust 6,2023 at 3:34PM UTC

   Are you doing any networking for these roles? Connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn or others in the company to establish relationships there?

   Emailing and texting is good - but please don't overlook other methods of outreach (and opportunity) that might be more impactful for you.

4. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 4:48PM UTC

   Suggest you research the company you're applying to and share during the interview what about them aligns with why you think you're the best fit for the job and why you want to work there specifically.

   If you're not as qualified as other EAs as you mentioned, take the initiative and seek out classes to become more educated and valuable to potential employers.

   Appearance and demeanor also matter during interviews. Role play with a friend for feedback on how you come across in person.

   Best of luck to uou.

5. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 5:19PM UTC

   I suggest practicing with friends to get more comfortable. Also record yourself to improve your delivery. Can feedback from your interviewers so that you can understand your areas of improvement.

6. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 8:50PM UTC

   I got laid off at the end of this past May and I am experiencing a lot of ghosting by both companies who interviewed me as well as from various recruiters. I find this very rude and unprofessional. I have had first round of interviews as well and near the end, I often ask the interviewers if they have any feedback and concerns before the interview ends. This is helpful for me to ascertain my chances, gain the first impression I provided and the areas I need to improve on. Another action that many do not take is, have you sent a follow up thank you note emails to all the interviewers within 24 - 48 hours? This provides a good impression to the interviewers as well as allow them to assess your office etiquette and good writing skills.

   I feel ya....I absolutely hate being ghosted and being in limbo. I am currently in one for 2 positions now . Still waiting for them to make final decisions....

7. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 2:37AM UTC

   I suggest that you try to find a short course on interviewing/job search, so that you can rehearse and get some pointers. Community organizations hold such courses, many of them free.

   On the silence post-interview: that is par for the course these days— it is very frustrating for all job-seekers.

   Send a brief thank you email post- interview, expressing your continuing interest in the job. But if you don’t hear back, assume that the company has moved on and proceed to other opportunities.

8. Diane McDevittAugust 7,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

   I'm in the same position but I've been looking for 14 months. Very frustrating.

9. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 6:42PM UTC

   14 months....that is terrible! I am so sorry, I hope you find something soon!

10. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 4:09PM UTC

    It's a terrible market, perhaps you can get some of your past managers to endorse you and then create a portfolio with that that you can carry into an interview. You could ask for them to refer you and or write something on letter head this may seem a bit old fashioned but getting others to praise you when the loss of a role was not of your own doing is definitely going to help. Try temp work in the near term as in EA roles that is often the best way to try before you buy and to get in the door. Bigger companies often use this method to vet those who should or shouldn't be in their companies. It is taking upwards of 6 months for some positions to get found.

11. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 6:41PM UTC

    That is a great idea! I will have both of my Executives write a letter of recommendation. Also, I have turned down two temp jobs because I really want to find "the one" but didn't realize they can lead into getting my foot in the door! Thank you so much for your great knowledge and information!

12. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertAugust 9,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    Your experience is good enough, and your resume and applications are working for you--that's why you are getting interviewed repeatedly. And I doubt that you are totally blowing the interviews; it's just that someone else is connecting better with the hiring manager.

    Here are some quick tips: (1) Smile, be friendly, and use your sense of humor. Treat the interview like a professional first date where you want to be charming and learn about the other person too. (2) Ask if you can ask questions early on, and then ask questions that will help you get the job, like "What is the biggest challenge you'd like me to help you with in this role?" Then talk about how you will do that for them. (3) Be ready with a strong opening statement about three reasons they'd be glad they hired you, using keywords from the job posting. (4) Be ready to answer standard interview questions using keywords from the job posting. (5) Be ready with 4 or 5 stories where you are the hero, making something great happen at the organization. For an EA, that might be inventing a new way to support an executive to help them succeed on the job.

    Also consider professional interview prep. Most of the clients who get coached by me get the next job they interview for.

    If investing in that is not appealing, my next best advice would be to check out the video I have at my YESwriting website under Resources/Interviewing. It gives all my best interview strategies.

    Best wishes!

13. Joann S. LublinAugust 9,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

    Besides taking a temp job, you also could ask a potential employer about joining on a contract basis. In other words, they hire you to do a specific assignment -- and in effect, you get to show your stuff! Good luck.