Feeling lost and unworthy

Question

I have been looking for work for a few months now, have been receiving calls for interviews but not landing the job. Each time I feel I am close I end up being eliminated. This whole process is so disheartening and really killing my self-esteem and soul! When will my breakthrough come?! :(

Beenthereb4 · Answer

Something will come your way. Life has a way of teaching us hard lessons. First and foremost, work on yourself. Personal development is powerful. When you do land a job, you will be the best since you have taken the time and effort to improve you from the inside out. Next interview, walk in and own it. :)

Ali K · Answer

Try to look back at your interviews and check for patterns, which might be the key to why you get eliminated as a candidate. I did this for myself and realized that I was too self-deprecating. I thought I was being blunt and honest, but really I was shooting myself in the foot. Now, I only mention weaknesses or failures if directly asked, and I always try to spin the positive of it (how I resolved the mistake or how I improved the weakness, etc.)  You might be doing or saying something in the interviews, without realizing it, that is squashing your chances.  Keep your chin up! I know the job hunt is awful (doing myself right now!) but keep plugging away. You will land something great! The universe has a way of delivering when the time is right.

Lorelei Yang · Answer

Hi, so sorry to hear that your job interview process has been tough! I've been through a few rough searches in my time, too, and the thing that I always do is remind myself that I only need one: which means you only need one company to say yes, and the rest won't matter down the line once something amazing comes through — which it will as long as you keep working at it!

Maggie B · Answer

That happens, and it's okay!  It's not you at all.  That company made a choice that likely had nothing to do with you and everything to do with another person being a better fit, and that has to be okay.  You want to work for people that want you above all others.
Have you been asking for feedback?  The worst they can do is not give you any.  Follow up with those rejection e-mails to ask why you were rejected.  If it's something you can fix (not enough experience, didn't ask enough questions) then that's something that can inform your next interview.  If it's not (you have red hair and we have enough red heads in the office) then move on.  
If nothing else, interviewing is a skill you'll need for your whole career, and you're putting in the hours on it right now.

Eva Jannotta (she/her) · Answer

Hi! Just wanted to say I hear you and feeling that way is hard and not fun (and I, personally, want everything to feel great and fun) but there is NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU.

Alison · Answer

I have been there before!  It's so frustrating and disheartening, and if that's not bad enough, you are figuring out how to pay the rent and buy groceries without income coming in.  This is definitely a difficult time in life.  :(

First of all, I do want to say congrats on getting multiple interviews!  That means your resume and experience are a strong fit for what you are applying for and companies see value in you right off the bat, which is fantastic.

Have you asked for candid feedback from the hiring managers?  Maybe there is something happening in the interview process that isn't connecting for them in wanting to make you an offer, and that information would be very valuable for you.

Also, try your network.  Some of the best jobs I've landed have been through an introduction from someone I knew.  That has been a game changer several times for me.

Most importantly, even though it's hard, keep positive.  When you land your next great job at an amazing company, you are going to look back on all of the companies that didn't hire you and laugh and think about how glad you are right where you are in that moment and how much they missed out by not hiring you.  :)   Good luck!  You will find something great!

Anonymous · Answer

I've been in the same boat and it can totally be discouraging, but stay motivated and hang in there! You'll get there!

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