Is the third time a charm?

Is the third time a charm?

Yesterday, I scheduled what is my third first-round interview with an organization in roughly seven years. The first time I interviewed with them was in 2017. The second time was about a year ago, and now again in two weeks. I'm very interested in the organization, so I have applied every time they've posted something applicable. I seem to align well with their mission and values, as they keep interviewing me.

What can I do to make sure the third is the charm? Last year, the only feedback I received was even though they thought I could potentially fit two roles that were available, both positions went to people who were the proverbial 'better fit.'.

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25 Comments

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  1. Erin Vega

    You got this!! Sending positive vibes your way and can’t wait to hear an update!!

  2. Anonymous

    You might want to try some mock interviews, as well as ask or research what type of interviews the company does. Some companies utilize methods that require specific answers to specific questions. For example , if they use the star method, you must answer with all components of what they’re looking for.

    Have you ever received feedback from the other interviews?

  3. Anonymous

    When I met with them last year, I only received feedback that they had found a better fit regarding previous professional experiences. I honestly think that was true. While I did have related experience for the roles last year, there were certainly people I could name in the field who may have been a better fit.

  4. Robin W

    Make sure you're selling yourself throughout the interview. When they ask situational questions use the STAR method to respond, Situation Task Action Results, don't forget the results to me that's the most important part of the response. Have your answers prepared. Research the company, and the industry. Go through the job description and have an example of when you've done that task. Be confident you've got this! As someone else mentioned mock interviews may help.

  5. Anonymous

    The same thing happened to me. The first time, the only job available was part-time with no benefits, and I needed insurance. The second time I interviewed, the pay wasn't what I was looking for. The third time, a member of their board that I am acquainted with reached out to me to apply because they were expanding their operations. I was in a dead-end job at the time selling cars, and this was a non-profit with a mission at the center of my passions. I met with the ED and center director (both had interviewed me the other two times), and they were willing to combine two part-time jobs into one full-time job. I started the conversation by telling them what had changed since the last time we met and how I would be interested in a combination of two of the positions. I worked there for eight years, was promoted twice, and retired in 2022.

  6. Anonymous

    As others have said, use FMLA with STD and LTD and unpaid leave after per the ADA. If they end up firing you, apply for unemployment.

  7. Anonymous

    I'm sorry, what now?

  8. Anonymous

    I think you're on the wrong thread.

  9. Tammy Hager

    This is so disheartening! You are obviously qualified or they would not be interviewing you. I would have a conversation with the HR representative and ask why they are putting you through these hoops

  10. Anonymous

    Not the best advice here, HR deals with employees. Staffing or Talent Aquisition deals with candidates. She is being vetted against other candidates and while they like her skills she has competition for those roles. Clearly they do care enough about trying to find the right place for her within their team and that is good news not bad news (which is what you are suggesting) often larger companies do this because they are trying to really look longer term about fit and employee satisfaction. Oh and FYI the hiring managers make the decision in these situations Talent and HR are facilitators who interview per the HM instructives and also HR onboards based upon what gets set by the HM and team. Get it right if you are going to hand out advice please. Do no harm. Her current situation is completely positive NOT dire as you are thinking.

  11. Anonymous

    OP here. Thank you so much for this perspective. That's what I had imagined was going on, that they do like me but that they want to make sure they get the right person for each role, and I think that speaks well of the organization. I'm surprised that so many people have posted that something objectionable is happening here.

  12. Anonymous

    Play a bit of hard to get. Be clear to them that you are being wooed by others and that you are very aligned with them but are going to decide about the best place for you long term. Be sure to interview them and in the next interview say things that are presumptive that you are already in the job. For example: So when I come on board my experience in XYZ will allow me to immediately add $$ to the bottom line because I know how to JKL, etc. Go for it!

  13. Anonymous

    It's not a FAANG company (not everyone wants to work for those organizations), but it would be a 30k-50k salary increase. I keep applying because I like the organization and want to work there. Also, not everyone knows someone, and some of us have to go at least try to get in through the front door.

  14. Anonymous

    The phrasing of your statement-I don’t know why she keeps applying, honestly—is pretty dismissive of someone who is looking for help. Maybe you should try being nicer. Also, maybe don’t try and diagnose someone with a whole personally disorder from a single social media post.

  15. Anonymous

    Since you're unsure where you are lacking the skills and/or experience, I would network to see if you can find out more detail about what the other candidates had that you do not. Otherwise is just another interview where you hope you are reading the room correctly.

  16. Barbara

    Just go for it and show your enthusiasm. The fact that they continue to want to interview you is good. It’s never personal it’s just fining the right chemistry and fit for bother company and you. I like your attitude and that you don’t give up.

  17. Anonymous

    Thank you for that. That's very kind of you.

  18. Gini Beasley

    In 2020 I landed a job at a Fortune 500 company I'd been actively pursuing employment. I had applied numerous times, and finally got an interview. Podcasts are 1 of my tools for development. "Find your Dream Job" & "7 minute Job Interview" on Apple Pods gave me some GREAT tips, and I got the job! Check out these shows - I got some valuable insights that I was able to apply & nail the interview process.

  19. Anonymous

    Thank you for this.

  20. Gini Beasley

    A lot of it is confidence, and coming into the interview to connect to the panel. If you approach it like a conversation where you are interviewing them as well - to see if this role is the right fit for you - demonstrates self awareness & professionalism.

  21. Anonymous

    Try to match specifics in the job description to specifics in your past jobs. Be easy going and whatever you do don't mention this is your third visit. It might prompt them to check with the people/team that passed you over in the past and they might provide tainted information on why you are not quite right.

  22. Anonymous

    you received an interview so something in your resume stands out. Be sure to match their lingo with yours in the resume. However, if this go round doesn’t pan out perhaps consider pivoting your focus on other companies.

  23. Anonymous

    It turns out a former co-worker from a previous job used to work at this organization. We're having a Zoom coffee to talk about her experiences working there. She said her friend still works there!

  24. OLIVIA JOHNSON

    Hi there!

    Hope all is well. Congrats to you as you are consistently being selected as a potential candidate.

    Just based on the feedback, it sounds like there may be more opportunities for you to relate your interview responses to the role. Interviewers need to be able to see you in the role. The easier you make this the better. A few ways you can do this:

    Practice your Elevator Pitch https://www.themuse.com/advice/perfect-pitch-how-to-nail-your-elevator-speech. In doing so, always start out with your first and last name, declare your brand/areas of expertise, include the skills that you possess that align with the role and be confident.

    When sharing examples of your experience, make sure it relates to what is being required for the role. For example, if going for a Project Management role and asked about teamwork, yes you could provide the most awesome response of a time you led a team for a community service event BUT it would be great to take the opportunity to share about a teamwork experience when leading a team of cross-functional members for a Finance/IT system integration project. Make it apples to apples for the interviewer.

    At this stage, I think you can go with a power question. You have been in this spot before and this may be a go hard or go home moment. If it flows with the interview and you are confident in asking I would ask "Thank you so much for the opportunity to discuss this role with you. Would really love to hear, based on my resume and conversation so far, what your thoughts are on my alignment with this role?" Follow up question if not shared, "Do you see any hindrances or what would be any hesitation in selecting me as your top candidate?" Again, this has to be delivered confidently. But being your 3rd attempt, what do you have to lose. Get to the bottom of it before you leave the call/room. This also gives you an opportunity to clear up any discrepancies, misunderstandings or omitted information from your resume or interview. Also shows that you are not afraid of healthy confrontation and discussions. You MUST be prepared to respond to the response, share additional information, provide examples if possible and if it is something that is a gap in your skillset be transparent and acknowledge it but share if you have done anything similar, or your soft skills that allow you to take on new challenges and get up to speed quickly or if/what you are prepared to do about it practically, i.e. training, etc.

    Lastly, I would recommend taking a look at the candidates that were hired previously. Go into LinkedIn and look up the company and job title and see if you can find the individuals that did get the job or previously in the current role they are looking to fill. There may be some insights there in their experience or background.

    Hope this helps! Would love to see an update on how things go!

    Coach Olivia

  25. Anonymous

    Thank you, this is fabulous advice!

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