I've been looking for a position for four months and feeling pretty defeated.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 4:28PM UTC

   It’s not you.

2. Cecilia HolmesJune 1,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

   Thank you. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.

3. AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 5:01PM UTC

   They're looking for the non-existent perfect employee. When they realize it doesn't exist, they'll have exhausted all funding + that they set aside for the search and will now start over and offer less for the same job.

4. AnonymousJune 1,2023 at 5:03PM UTC

   The market in some cases is really tough now with tons especially in tech being decimated with tons of layoffs. Keep the faith and keep applying it's taking much longer in some situations but keep going!

5. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 1:30PM UTC

   Keep going! You have wonderful experience and there are people looking for you. You just haven't found each other yet, but it WILL happen.

6. Cecilia HolmesJune 2,2023 at 3:03PM UTC

   Thanks for your kind words -- patience is not one of my virtues!

7. AnonymousJune 2,2023 at 1:57PM UTC

   It’s not you it’s the market unfortunately. So many employers are looking for unicorns or afraid there is someone better out there. I had a few interviews where I was asked if I do XYZ and none of those things were in the job description but were deal breakers for them if I couldn’t do them when they should have just been a bonus if I could. I know it’s not easy when you have been at it for months but I have to believe our jobs are out there. I have been searching for the same amount of time and in the last two weeks have been contacted for interviews for several roles I applied to 4-7 weeks ago…

8. Cecilia HolmesJune 2,2023 at 6:46PM UTC

   I’m so glad to hear you are finally having some success!! The job numbers just came out and they are good. I’m hoping that helps some employers open their pocketbooks. I am keeping my chin up but I feel like that confidence changes day to day. Crossing fingers for you. It’s time for the search to be over. You ARE the unicorn!!

9. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 12:09AM UTC

   Thank you. I am hoping something amazing comes your way soon.

10. sand_buddhaJune 3,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

    I was interviewing for 4 months this year as well. It’s a head trip - a big emotional roller coaster. For me, prayer and exercise helped, as did networking, widening the location of my job hunt & being willing to relocate.

11. AnonymousJune 3,2023 at 2:22PM UTC

    noted your are a Miami U grad --same here ...I'm sorry you are going thru this. the world is spinning sideways these days, and the employment scene isn't good at all. I am % sure you are not doing anything wrong. But I also know that if we appear too "desperate" on interviews, it might not bode well.... Take a deep breath, because you ARE a star, a good person, and able to gain good work. I've had some interviews for extra contract-type work lately-- in healthcare-- and discovered the process extremely rigorous, even a bit "skeptical" in tone, as compared to years past. I have a stellar resume and tons of great contacts to recommend me...but I honestly think employers are getting so ruthless these days.... And, these three or more interview rounds...who has time for this?? Again, ruthless... You get tired and I get it...truly. One thing i've done is to start volunteering at something i believe in...only 4 hours/week but its important work--and this has boosted my assurance, my confidence, as I'm meeting new and nice people, making connections, doing volunteer work that is helping and productive--this also speaks well on my interviews...I had an interview this week and they were like "Wow, you volunteer at this too?"...but, I also got an employment offer at the place i volunteer...it's not really in my line o work, but it was a real morale booster. So, get outside of your head. Remember who you are, what you represent - your character qualities- help someone outside of yourself, volunteer, serve humanity.....a good employment contract will arrive when you least expect it. Good luck and keep us posted. sorry my advice is not the usual advice, but i've truly discovered that serving others releases my own anxiety and worry, and this comes thru on interviews.

12. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertJune 6,2023 at 12:41PM UTC

    Sorry to hear you are going through this, Cecilia! It's tough out there for job seekers now. A recent Wall Street journal talked about this: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-its-harder-than-ever-to-land-white-collar-job-978c7bc7 The reneging probably had nothing to do with you but rather with the company's financial health, although I don't know. Did they give you a reason?

    In terms of being passed over after three rounds of interviews, remember that your chances when you interview are only 13-25% on average. But most people are mediocre interviewers, so with top-flight interviewing skills, you can be the one who snags the offer the next time. My husband and I created Interview AikidoTM, a spiritual and interrogative approach to getting the offer. If you like, you can learn about it here: https://www.yeswriting.com/interviewing/ At that site, you can also book a free Career Success Consultation about getting interview coaching or any other job search assistance you may desire. Best wishes!