Getting to final rounds but can't seal the deal; what am I doing wrong?

Anonymous

March 11,2023 at 7:10PM UTC

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Getting to final rounds but can't seal the deal; what am I doing wrong? I'd appreciate your advice as I'm not sure what else to do? I've practiced, researched the companies, created 90-day plans, campaigns etc. but when I review the person that's hired, I normally have more experience but a non-linear trajectory that this area favors. I've become certified in key skills but don't have hands-on experience as I've directed others rather than implemented. I'd appreciate your suggestions as I need to find a position!

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Crystal HowellMarch 11,2023 at 9:04PM UTC
Contact madelyn@madelynmackie.com for a great resume and advive
AnonymousMarch 12,2023 at 7:21PM UTC
Thank you, Crystal. I have a strong resume and I'm getting interviews and continuing until the final rounds. I haven't been able to generate an offer so that's more of the issue.
Mare LevineMarch 12,2023 at 5:04AM UTC
I am not sure what kind of implementation you are discussing, but I have a few ideas. Can you do an actual implementation for a not-for-profit organization looking for help? Many chambers of commerce have retired business persons who can mentor in various skills, so perhaps a place to look. The other might be to hire a mentor or do an internship with someone who can walk you through the implementation process. Then you can add that skill to your resume and discuss your approach to implementation. Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 12,2023 at 7:19PM UTC
HI Mare, I mean implementation in terms of hands-on work instead of directing the process. For the last 10 years, I've directed employees rather than doing the everyday work. That's where I'm running into issues to provide examples and my experience with the newer programs. Case in point, Tik Tok and Ista reels, I created the campaign but didn't execute. I'm well versed in other social programs from my past experience. Now when asked about my video production background, I haven't made recent ones (used older programs in the past) but planned the campaigns. That's just an example but I hope that provides a better depiction of the issue.
AnonymousMarch 20,2023 at 1:32PM UTC
First, congrats on getting to final rounds, that’s not a easy feat! So, in this case Mare’s suggestion makes sense to me. Volunteer for a quick one off project or two at local nonprofit(s) and such and build that implementation portfolio. It sounds like what’s holding you back from landing these jobs is properly being able to demonstrate you can implement. When it comes up in interviews, how do you show that you’re capable of implementing? Do you walk them through past work that you have done that clearly describes your thought process, getting it done, and then results from it? It’s very expensive for companies to hire and replace employees - especially in this economy - so they are definitely going with that they can “see” in terms of what they would get with an potential employee. Your job is to really craft that narrative for them that not only are you able to really get the job done, but that you’re also a cultural addition, and are prepared. So I would piggyback on Mare’s suggestion and build a portfolio of some sort where you help a local nonprofit, and practice demonstrating and showing in your interviews what you bring to the role. Best of all things your way. You got this!
AnonymousMarch 12,2023 at 11:47AM UTC
I would hope that because you have directed others you would be able to do their jobs too. I think you may want to look at changing the story on how you're presenting this. And, if these are online interviews, I've had candidates go, when asked about their 30/60/90 day plans say "Can I share my screen?". LOVE that so much! Speaking to it is paramount, but putting it that way, pure preparation. Also it sounds like you're an internal and would have the view perception of someone else hired for a role, but I don't think you are. Always caution what you think you know on that piece of the experience. Having the skills and being able to clearly translate that in an interview are 2 different things. Also, you don't know if they've been mentored officially or not, or a multitude of other things. I've had external candidates say things like this and they are so off base on what they think they know. Your next position is out there. Good luck.
AnonymousMarch 12,2023 at 7:12PM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. I do have the skills but not the examples. I'm noticing that a lot of companies are requesting portfolios of those skills. I've had them throughout my career but between switching industries, no longer having the content or computers., it's difficult to demonstrate that you have those skills. In addition, the industry has changed and although I've done those tasks in the past, things are different. What I worked on as a direct employee, are requiring different tools of the trade. I've taken courses to brush up on those skills but some of the programs require on-the-job training.
I'm also having trouble with the weather creating havoc with online interviews. I live in an area that receives a lot of snow and winds during the winter. As others alluded to, online calls are becoming difficult even though on my end, everything is tested before the interview. They've turned into phone calls and then I can't share my prepared work. Sending it afterwards is losing all the preparation work. Thank you for your advice!