How do you stay positive through the interview process?

8 Comments

1. Arika LawrenceMarch 17,2022 at 10:41PM UTC

   Please be kind to yourself! You're doing great and the way I see it, if you got a rejection, it probably wasn't the best fit for you. I take the rejection as a positive in a sense that maybe you're being protected from something. Remember, what's meant for you will NOT pass you by. The right fit is coming for you soon! Don't give up. Speak positive affirmations over yourself: "You're wonderful, you're amazing, you're talented, you're exactly where you need to be, you've got this!" Take breaks, if you have too! The entire interview process can do a mental number on us all and we never realize how much we deprive ourselves of good fun and rest. I say: Spoil yourself by doing something nice for yourself. It can be as simple as having a dance party at home, rest, or cooking you're favorite meal. YOU'VE EARNED IT! Your new job is on theeee wayyyyy!

2. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 7:27PM UTC

   You're right about the mental toll - I need to do some of these things. Thank you!

3. Marie-Annick YagapenMarch 17,2022 at 10:55PM UTC

   I saw those 2 posts today that gave me a pep. Hope it’s helpful. You’re not alone! Going through this right now. Take care

   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/laurenaburke_connections-nepotism-interviewing-activity-6909905229387816960-IzEn?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=ios_app

   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dilanfaith_rejectionisredirection-activity-6909443438824349696-xijo?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=ios_app

4. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 7:28PM UTC

   Very helpful - thanks!

5. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 5:24AM UTC

   If you are getting 3 rounds of interviews, you are an *excellent candidate who interviews well.* Celebrate that!

   You can’t manage the X factors for each job, but you can be realistic and set yourself up for success:

   -Recognize that the number of highly qualified candidates exceeds the number of opportunities, especially as you advance up the career ladder. In these circumstances, being a third-round interviewee is in fact a success.

   -Keep applying for all jobs that interest you. There is a numbers game element at play here. If you continue searching you will be successful.

   -Don’t hesitate to invest in yourself if you feel you need a boost. Find a friend or hire a coach to polish your interviewing technique, if you feel the need. (But if you’re getting to the third round, your interview skills are likely very solid!)

   -Do you need an image boost? Hire an image consultant to polish your look if you should feel the need. (Again, you are impressing employers favorably if you are getting to Round 3.)

   -Enlist the managers whom you’ve met in your job hunting efforts to direct you to other opportunities, whether in the same firm or outside it. (Follow-up note can include: It was terrific to be a finalist for the role of ____. While I’m disappointed that I was not the successful candidate, I’m impressed by you and your company, and would like to stay in touch for the future. Please let me know how I can be helpful to you. In addition, whom would you suggest I contact to pursue my interest in ____, whether inside or outside your organization?)

6. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 7:26PM UTC

   These are great tips - thank you!

7. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

   Cheer up. I just went through the same exact thing. One company even asked for references, then nothing. They didn't even call them. It's hard to understand what's going on without taking it personally and blaming ourselves when things don't work out in our favor when it could actually be a wide variety of completely unrelated issues. One thing I have come to understand, sometimes it's a blessing in disguise and the perfect job is still out there. I know it's hard, believe me. But don't give up. It took a minute but I finally got the right offer and accepted. You will too.

8. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 7:26PM UTC

   You're right - thank you!