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I made it to the final round just to be rejected, again.

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Anonymous

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I made it to the final round just to be rejected, again.

I feel like we don't talk enough about how frustrating it is to put in all the work of interviewing just to hear a "no" at the end (or sometimes hear nothing at all). How do you manage the disappointment when you're already emotionally and mentally exhausted?

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  1. Anonymous

    Give yourself time to grieve that opportunity and then use that disappointment to fuel your search. It might sound cliché but keep trying and you'll eventually find the right role. I'm a big believer in things happen for a reason and there isn't a perfect job. It's the right one for us at the time. Good luck in your search and although it's frustrating to be rejected, you'll find the right role.

  2. Anonymous

    Great question. How many times can you get knocked down and get back up again? I’m having a very difficult time doing it. I don’t like interviewing over zoom as I feel you don’t really get a sense of the person. Plus I’m not great at interviews to begin with. I find myself taking to my bed and each time it’s more difficult to get motivated to get back up and do it again. Help!

  3. Barb Hansen

    Give yourself a set amount of time to be disappointed - a few hours, half-a-day, a day, two days. It's normal to be disappointed, so I have found it better to not fight that feeling but don't live with that feeling for too long. We are not good job applicants when we are disappointed, so why bother.

    Step away from your job search during that time and do something else (assuming you're not currently working). See a friend, go for a walk, do a hobby, chill & binge, do nothing, do whatever it is you do when you take some me-time.

    After that set amount of time, get back to work finding a job.

  4. Anonymous

    I agree with Barb. Its about pacing and managing your emotional energy (which can impact you physically as well(.

    Understand that this is temporary and not going to be your situation in 6 months time. So plan long term and know you will find something great.

  5. Anonymous

    I totally get what you're feeling. I looked for two years and nothing! One stinking phone call from a recruiter. The job search is a full time job in itself these days. IT'S FRICKIN' EXHAUSTING! My suggestion is to limit your time daily on your job hunt activities. Find some quiet time each day to rebuild your emotions, have some mantras in place to build your self-esteem up. Plan for self-care. Get our and volunteer, if possible. If you're going thru more than 3 interviews at a company, possibly rethink why you want to work at that company. Do not @ me if you disagree people. Today's job seekers have the upper hand on the job search, so remember that and let it feed your soul and your search. Good Luck.

  6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    What have you done in your job search so far?

  7. Anonymous

    I know this is difficult for the jobseekers, but from the hiring side, we are interviewing multiple great candidates. I just finished a round of preliminary interviews where every candidate could likely do a credible job in the position, but we have to whittle them down somehow. Minor variations in background become the make or break and some of it feels a little arbitrary. But there's still only one position to fill. All that to say that while I'm sure it feels really personal, it usually truly isn't you. Read up on red flags, make sure you aren't throwing any (I WISH some of these candidates had red flags - I'd feel way better about thinning the pool!), and keep at it. Blind luck is more of a factor than we recognize sometimes.

  8. Anonymous

    I agree. I know there are recommendations to ask for feedback so you can "do better next time" but I honestly think that when you are a finalist there's usually not something you could have "done better" except to have had the intangible something that the selected candidate did. And that whatever the "better" thing might be probably is not the right thing for you to do next time because next time it will be a different intangible thing (and maybe that time you are the one who has it)!

  9. Anonymous

    Ugh! You are not alone. Loving all the ideas posted here.

    And with that, I think I'll go out and pull some weeds in the freezing sun.

  10. Emily Stark

    The interview process is lengthy and intense nowadays. You have reason to feel disappointed and discouraged.

    I recommend opening up a dialogue with the hiring team (recruiter and team members you’ve interviewed with) to ask for feedback and request they keep you in mind for other open reqs with the company.

    You could also ask the recruiter to connect you with others in their network.

    If you made it to the final round, you have fans. Leverage the relationships you’ve made along the way to open up future opportunities.

  11. Jackie Ghedine

    You are not alone. I work with hundreds of career women in job transitions and THIS is the hardest part.

    A few things I share with them when we work together and I hope it helps.

    1. Do an analysis of the job interviews you went on. Create a spreadsheet and track, job, interviews, where in the process you may have seen a shift in their interest, what could you have done differently
  12. Kim S.

    I know the feeling! This is completely my situation after completing 6 rounds of interviews, a 2 page written assignment, attending another 3 hr virtual hiring event all with the same company. Feeling completely defeated right now :(

  13. Nancy Brenner

    Give yourself a day break, take a walk, do errands, take a course, ask the hiring manager why you were not selected. Then start fresh the next day.

  14. Anonymous

    All of the ideas below are great ones. After waiting 8 months and being told I was one of the top candidates, I finally received the rejection. I also try to go into an interview with the attitude that I’m go to do the absolute best I can and the rest is up to the universe.

  15. Anonymous

    Been there, done that. I wish employers could understand what it's like on the other side of the fence.

  16. Johanna Lyman

    I feel you on this! I've applied to nearly 200 jobs since September. I've made it to the final round a handful of times (including two this week-- fingers crossed I get one of them!).

    If you can, ask for feedback about what you could have done differently to get the job. I suspect that a lot of times, there are numerous great candidates and it's a matter of "eeny-meeny-miny-mo" (aka unconscious bias).

    How I manage it: I keep a spreadsheet with every job I apply for and results. At this point, it's a numbers game. I know that if I apply to 10 jobs a week, I'll get 1-2 rejections right away, 1-2 screening calls, and lots of crickets. Of the screening calls (10% of all applications so far), half will go to the next round, and so far 60% have gone all the way through to the end, just to end up getting a no from 4 of them so far. I don't yet know what the "final" numbers game is, but it helps me to not take it personally.

  17. Anonymous

    I'm curious how many times people who have asked for feedback after going through multiple interview rounds and not getting an offer, actually get feedback?
    I always make it a point to ask, but at that point, you've not been selected, the recruiter is slammed filling open positions and you're a closed door to them, so I have never once gotten a response. I understand the value of feedback, and the need to ask for it, but the truth is getting it rarely happens, so isn't this just a pat response to her question? I know it's well intentioned but it's sort of like asking someone to believe in fairy tales as an adult. The likelihood of getting feedback after not getting a position is extremely rare, and it sets you up for disappointment when you get crickets back. Any recruiters out there? Am I just getting bad ones? Do you ever continue to correspond with a candidate after you've sent them a very nice rejection?

  18. Anonymous

    I know this feeling all too well. Last year, I had four rounds of interviews with four diff companies. I made it to the "final" rounds and did not get one of them. I was excited to make it that far to be really disappointed. I was even more disappointed to learn they hired someone much younger than me. In my case, I believe it comes down to ageism. My experience level often is more robust than the person they hired and yet I received many rejections. The only way I was able to get a new job was because someone I knew created a role for my and hired me. I was going to give up for a while and regroup.

  19. Anonymous

    I’m having the same thing happen to me. I’m thinking that I am getting passed over due to my age. I have many years of experience. It is frustrating.

  20. Joan

    I've also experience ageism in my job search recently. I was more qualified and experienced than their chosen candidate, I was prepared, I interviewed very well, my salary expectations were well within their stated range. The man they hired was about 20 years younger. Not the first time, either.

  21. Anonymous

    You’re not alone. Ageism is alive and well! I had a hiring manager say to me before I sat down, “ well, it looks like you’ve been around for a while! “ I was stunned. I didn’t get that job. It’s very tough to get hired after age 55 and almost impossible after 60.

  22. Anonymous

    I feel your pain and experienced the confusion, self-doubt, frustration, disappointment and more. I was in the job market for 2 years and 2 months before I landed a great offer. I got the benefits and my salary number and peace of mind. I have 3 degrees, years of work experience and had even created a small business. Stay encouraged and believe that the right role is coming. It will and do not compare your journey to others or their timeframe. Trust when it doesn’t work out that it was not right for you. I also learned that the gatekeepers also block and they don’t always know what they are doing. You would be surprised that qualified people are often looked over based on the power of someone on the inside…sometimes based on insecurity and jealousy. What is for you is for you! Be kind to self!!!

  23. Anonymous

    That's so true and hurts badly, but the show must go on. Very well said what hurts you today, makes you stronger tomorrow. Take a Break also the recruiting team should consider mental Stress too.

  24. Lynetta Venable

    Man, in the early 2000's I was searching during a economic downturn. Crickets. So hard when Bill's are piling up.

    Recently, I was 1 of 2 top candidates when I basically I interviewed myself out of contention. Because I was wanting to leave my job to go back to production. I was interviewing for a position that was advertised as what I wanted to do but in reality was what I wanted to leave.

  25. Anonymous

    Congratulations on making it to the final round. That’s indicative of your marketability!

    There is no doubt looking for a job is a full time job, and one must invest all they have which leaves them emotionally and physically exhausted when someone else gets the job.

    As others have said, capitalize on the contacts you met. Link In with them. Express your thanks to them for the process and their consideration, knowing you didn’t get the job. That demonstrates confidence, professionalism, and leaves a positive impression. It’s a small world, and you never know when your paths will cross.

    One thing I learned over time is to visualize wanting the job, being in the job, and behave as if you are already doing the job. AND, do not get attached to the job opportunity. Your job is to market yourself and if it leads to the job, that’s great. Be “attached” to the job of marketing yourself and not the end result. And if you did the absolute best you could, then it is a success. At the end of the day, that’s all you can control.

    Best of luck!! Keep swinging that bat. You’ll hit that home run, it’s just a matter if time.

  26. Anonymous

    Weird question, I know...but how do you "know" you "made it to the final round"...? I've never had an employer tell me, "now, here's the deal. We want you to come and interview again next Tuesday, and this is going to be the FINAL ROUND". I've been told lots of things over the years, such as "if you're still in consideration, we will call/email you next week"....or something open-ended like that. But in my experience, companies don't give alot of specifics in this process. Honestly, It's all a game. and yes, it totally sucks. Totally!!!! I've got a ton of experience in my field, outstanding (and well respected) references, connections all over the place...and in the last 3 years, I've also experienced multiple job rejections (or situations in which I took myself out of the running, because the job wasn't a good fit for me).....So....How do you manage disappointment in this process? Well, you might need to pull back and not apply for anything for a bit. Take a breather. Rest. Regroup. Just go to work and do your thing for a while. If you need to, reduce your expenses, have a yard sale, sell stuff on ebay, etc....just regroup. Pause. The process of putting your line out and getting rejected is completely draining; I've personally pulled myself off the "market" and am staying put for a while. I'm waiting for someone to notice me (that's the old fashioned way of getting a job- someone notices you and your work and says "hey, why don't you come and work with us?")....I'm tired too. I'm sorry I don't have a great answer for you. Corporate America is ruthless to the bone in all of this. I'm sort of done witih it.

  27. Anonymous

    I was interviewing with a big corporation and after a phone screen, an online assessment, an interview...they called me and they literally said.:Okay, the next one is the final interview, the position is between you and another person.

  28. Anonymous

    Lord that's rough. Honestly I really don't like that at all. Talk about putting everybody on pins and needles and you all are supposed to be scrapping and fighting against each other to get that one itty-bitty job... I'm sorry you've gone through this but I wouldn't want to work for them

  29. Meg McCormick

    Ugh, I feel your frustration! When presented with two equally qualified candidates who have the right background and interviewed well, the hiring manager is faced with a difficult choice! They can't lose, and they probably hate having to tell someone no. But it may come down to which candidate they felt they "clicked" better with, or some other factor that is completely beyond your control. Keep focusing on your interview skills and leave it "all on the field" so you don't regret your interview performance.

    Maybe it would be helpful to engage a career coach or a trusted friend who has experience interviewing candidates in their own job - someone you can trust to give you honest feedback - to role play interviews with you. Their critique may help you refine your approach so you can run the gauntlet and get the job offer next time.

    Good luck to you!

  30. Anonymous

    Yes totally feel this ! It’s so frustrating especially when you put time into doing presentations , assignments, etc. The worst is the ghosting ! Like who does that ?! Sadly a lot. I always try to view it as , well if that’s how I was treated in the interview or if I did not get it , it isn’t the place for me or the right job. But I too have been looking to leave a toxic job for over a year now and definitely feel the discourageme

  31. Anonymous

    Yeah, ghosting is so rampant these days! I’ve had several interviews at places and never heard back. It’s not just recruiters that do it - a lot of hiring managers do it too!

  32. Anonymous

    My advice, is that this wasn't the one for you and something better will come along.

  33. Anonymous

    It can hurt but keep trying and dont let yourself become emotionally invested in a company. No company is worth that. Think of all the celebrities (not legacies but who became a star on their own) who have faced rejection after rejection.

  34. Shelby C

    I have been on both sides since I worked in HR. I would not take it personally; however, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to do that - especially when you think you've found your dream job. I've found that it was not meant to be and something better comes along. It may sound corny, but life reminds me of the country song "Sometimes I Thank God For Unanswered Prayers". I know that if I had gotten what I wanted, it would've been an abysmal disaster, but everything happened exactly as it should've. A lot of others have shared that sentiment with me as well.

  35. Anonymous

    I just had a similar experience. Initial interview with HR, a 2-hour test, then 7, yes, seven Zoom interviews with people on the team. Each Zoom interview was 30 minutes and the final one was 45 min. Overall, a big time investment. I didn’t get the job. Here’s what I learned: ask the HR person upfront their hiring process and expected time involved. Ask what the pay and benefits are, ask if it’s a new position and if not, why did the previous person leave and how long ago? Yes, it sucks to invest that much time and not get the job. Take a few days and really focus on what you want and whether any job is worth going through a similar screening process. I’m not in a hurry to go through that again and will be selective going forward in my job search.

  36. Anjali Mathai

    If a company puts a candidate through that lengthy of an interview process, it seems to me that they really don't want what they need or want in the position, in the first place. No candidate should have to jump through that many hoops!

  37. Anonymous

    Agreed. Moving forward, I won’t be jumping through all those hoops!

  38. Stefanie Causey

    Please know you’re not alone. I feel this on so many levels!

  39. Anjali Mathai

    After emotional exhaustion over a job search, I always try to take time for myself to feel better and move on. I know that the feeling is temporary, but it's important to sit with it for a moment, acknowledge your hard work and emotional exhaustion, and then move on. I try to build "my time" into my weekly routines by planning more relaxed days on Fridays (no meetings, less time glued to the computer job searching, etc). In order to be our best for the job search and to find a great match, we also need to know when to pause and take a break. Hope this helps!

  40. Samantha s.

    I'd say to find something else in your life to focus on and really enjoy. It may sound a little too simple, but maybe it will help to keep things in a good perspective for you until you land the perfect job.

  41. Shannon Lavender

    Just remember that job hunting really is a numbers game. You will likely have to do several rounds and even get very close a few times before getting an offer. It's all part of the process, and it is absolutely, 100% exhausting. I second the comments about self-care on here. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace during this process. You are performing very well and take that as a positive! You are almost done!

  42. Crystal Howell

    Sorry to hear, it happens. I always ask why to improve next time. Most of the time they don't respond, due to potential lawsuits as they say. I dust myself off, and call their competition, people I know working at places to get a referral. At the end of the day, it's there loss! Rejection is redirection,try a different industry?

  43. Doyin Abike Somoye

    I know how it feels to be rejected. It can be very disheartening and disappointing. But that shouldn't stop you from applying again. Just like in some sales situations, you initially get many nos before you get a yes.

    Keep a positive attitude.

  44. Anonymous

    Welcome to the post-pandemic way of interviewing. I hate to say it, but the traditional interview process is no more.

    You are correct - the process was a phone call with the recruiter then hiring manager, maybe a 2nd call with hiring manager, inviting you to fly in to meet the team and accept an offer.

    Today, you speak with the recruiter then hiring manager via zoom (you have to invest time to look your best just to find out more about the position). Then you speak with the hiring manager again more in-depth.

    Next steps, zoom videos are setup to speak to others individually or a panel of interviewers (the panel, being a sales consultant that has been working sales as the "lone wolf" and other non-sales team members.)

    It seems the point is not to find out more about how your experience and skills fit into the position/team, but pilfer ideas from you. Only to find out later that they took your ideas and ran with them. It seems more like a fishing expedition than an interview.

    Keep your head up and focus on moving forward. I'm thankful I have a job now that allows me to wait for what I believe is "MY" perfect fit in a new organization. Learn from the experience (sounds like you have), then apply what you learned in the next interview. Be more calculating in what you go after. Make sure you are comfortable with what is being presented. If your inside voice says, "get out of here, this is not the right environment for you," then listen to it.

    Adjust, self-care, move forward.

  45. Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)

    Do what I did- don’t be afraid to contact the company and politely/professionally ask what was the reason you did not make the “cut”. I did that & I felt better- yes, it can be a tad stressful to do so, but aren’t you curious? I think I would be, plus, knowing this might give me a bit more insight on what I could focus/improve? on….

  46. Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)

    OH- BTW, a big Pat on the back for making that FINAL ROUND! ??

  47. Glenn

    Obviously, you're very invested at that point of the interview process. Anything short of getting an offer will be a let down. But the fact you made it that far means you are a viable candidate for a slew of related roles. So play the numbers game, but be smart about it: Which companies have people with your skillsets working there already? In this job market, there are sure to be vacancies (either through growth or attrition). Don't wait for the job to be posted. Make yourself known to people in a position to hire (or at least make connections with people there in a position to influence it through networking). Your interest will shine through vs. all those who apply for jobs via conventional means.

  48. Pamela Torres

    Going through the same thing. What is funny a short time later the position is re-posted but with a few revisions. I reapplied multiple times to the same companies that have re-posted positions or posted new ones. Is it frustrating, ...yes, but keep applying. Try to make contact on social media and other sites. This could lead to making contacts with those in the companies your apply to.

    You going to be dishearten, don't fight but use at motivation and the fact that the employer has missed out on an opportunity to hire a great asset.

  49. Anonymous

    I wonder if they would provide you with feedback about what you were missing. This might be helpful to you in figuring out how to position yourself in future interviews or skills you may want to acquire to be able to successfully land the jobs you want.

  50. Pamela Torres

    That would be great. I did receive that feedback from one company and it was my l lack of experience in the products they manufactured; another, they decided to not fill the position.

    That has been the only only. The rest is the typical "we have decided to move forward with other candidates we believe are more qualified" or I'm ghosted.

  51. Steve Rosen

    Don't want to sound cliche but I believe and have coached my candidates that getting a job is a "professional marriage" so if it feels right from both sides it will happen. Unless it does you don't want that job because sometime down the road you will be looking for a "professional divorce". Stay strong and keeping plugging along the right "professional marriage" will come and it will be worth the effort and wait!

  52. Lauren Erickson Piedy

    I have asked at the end of my interviews, "Is there anything that makes you pause whether I would be a good fit here?" This does two things, it shows the interviewer you can handle and even welcome feedback and it also gives you a chance to win over someone potentially. I have had opportunities to perhaps clear up an assumption they have made, or be able to speak to skills and qualities that haven't been brought up. This also gives you a look into whether or not this is the kind of place that values constructive feedback. I would agree with the other post about following up with an email on feedback from your interview. (As uncomfortable/awkward as that can be!)

  53. Charlene Bisiada

    That's a great question to ask!

  54. Anonymous

    Been there and felt you. It is really disappointing, but don't give up. Sometimes it is not about you or your interview performance. We can all be benefited by being kind to ourselves, staying positive, and moving on, easier said than done.

  55. Paula Hearne

    I have experienced this frustration too.
    I do my best to keep my mind in a positive space by being grateful for the "No's"
    This was simply not a good fit for reasons I am unaware of.

    If I can I will ask for feed back and have gotten some responses. Often times it falls under competitive rejection.
    I ask questions like What did I do well? and Where can I upgrade?

  56. Anonymous

    It is frustrating...that's for sure (although there may be some instances where it is a blessing). With where I am right now in my job search (currently unemployed since beginning of January, worked with a career coach, revamped resume, sent out more resumes than I care to admit), I'm happy to just get an interview. If I get a thanks but thanks after an interview, then I'm fine with that...because it gave me an opportunity work on my interviewing plus if they aren't feeling it, I'd rather they admit that now.

    When I get rejections, I look at them as blessings in disguise. I interviewed for a company two years ago...thought it went great, two separate interviews...then a thanks but no thanks. I was hurt, for sure...but I let it go...just over a year later they were hiring for that exact same position, so I guess I dodged a bullet with that one.

    The ghosting, hearing nothing at all, that's more troubling. Especially when you think you've done everything right and then BAM! nada. Not a single people. Same thing though...after being mad about it, I realize that's another bullet dodge if a company can't even give someone the courtesy of letting them know they aren't being selected. Speaks more about the company than about the candidate.

  57. Salena Meeks

    The ghosting is extremely frustrating, but like Dory sings "Just keep swimming..."

  58. Anonymous

    I'm a firm believer in that you find yourself where you're needed and can make the best contribution, even if that means not getting the job you *think* you want. In the last few years, I went through a full interview process for an internal INTERIM role and got the job. When the permanent position was finally posted a year later, I applied and again went through the full process as one of the finalists. This time I did not get the job. One of my male colleagues did. But, and here's the kicker, the job description had changed considerably due to some reorganization at the top and the position I applied for the second time sounded an awful lot like a mix of the prior boss's job plus the original position I served in.

    After the decision was shared with me, I was in a final meeting with the boss and my successor, along with a few others. The boss made a point to thank me for my service and about how he thought I was probably disappointed about not getting the job. I smiled and said, "Thank you for that acknowledgement. I enjoyed my time in my interim role. But I believe I may have dodged a bullet." He looked a bit surprised by my answer, but I just smiled knowing things had worked out the way it should. In other words, the job had significantly expanded duties but no change in title, pay, or autonomy. In the end, my successor has faced an exhausting and growing level of stress that I was not willing to risk my health for. Sometimes we get turned down because that's not the place we're meant to be, and that a future opportunity awaits that will be a far better fit. For me, that turned out to be some important special assignments that have helped me grow and contribute in a more fulfilling way.

  59. Kryssy Santana

    Guurrrl, I HEAR you.
    I just went through this last week. The worst interviews are the ones where, as you stated, the interviewers just want to drag it out, but at YOUR expense, and on YOUR dime ( for the gas or commute to the location) I find it infuriating ,I'm Right there with you.

    To be honest though, I now see these rejections as blessings in disguise , because a lot of these gigs just wouldn't have suited me, you could be dodging a bullet in the form of a super dysfunctional compamny, or getting stuck in a place where you won't get compensated or have opportunities for growth. Some places just interview people to say they are interviewing to aquire funding, or to get a pool to see what kind of candidates will accept their sometimes lousy offer. maybe this is the time for your to pursue that thing you've been thinking about but haven't yet,. maybe something else is on the way, and that gig would just have gotten in the way of the better thing for you.
    When iI start to feel very down and out,
    For me, I do some basic cognitive behavior therapy. I tell myself there could have been a million reasons I didn't land it, that it might not even have anything to do with my personality, fit, experience., etc...and I KNOW my experience and skill, and I know the value I would bring, so in the end, if they don't see it, it' is their loss. Positive self talk, lol.

    To relate more, yes, it's very draining and de moralizing, and disappointing that a employer would treat us this way.
    I would say, but not advise, to try to keep a routine of really uplifting happy things to do that bring meaning, right around the time you finish an interview or get that dreaded no, because it's the worst feeling like we have no control over a situation, especially when the outcome of the interview determines our salary how we pay our bills. I know it's frustrating.

    Getting support,doing good self care is so so vital. Getting drunk ( only every once in awhile, of course, lol) do what you got to do to move those feelings along so you have the energy to keep trying. I hear you though, I really do. Cry, get mad, but don't let yourself feel defeated. It won't last. Everything changes, nothing is permanent, you will be ok.

  60. Vidya Raja

    I can't count the number of times I have been in this situation. It's very demoralizing and devastating in the beginning especially when you know you have done your best and got good vibes during the interview.

    But believe me, everything happens for a reason and probably this job wasn't the best for you. There is something else brewing in the future and the best will happen to you in the end. I know it sounds philosophical and I am currently in the same situation as you. But it is a face that we all her what we deserve and not what we always desire. God has the best in store for you and He will eventually get it for you.

    You deserve the best!!!

  61. Anonymous

    personally I expect rejection and I’m pleasantly surprised when I’m not, it’s the only way I’ve been able to find work and survive the broken archaic hiring process.

  62. Robyn McCabria Kelso

    At least you are hearing no. I can't count the number of times I was simply ghosted, which in my mind, is unacceptable in the 21st century. Have a stock no thank you email ready to send. It's not like someone is sitting around typing up thousands of rejection letters. Come ON, now!

  63. Leslie Mills

    I have experienced your frustration many times during the hiring process. When you enthusiastically present yourself in an interview and take all the right steps in advance:

    Rehearse in front of a mirror

    Review your answers to the basic and frequently asked questions

    Be prepared to explain your skills as they relate to this job situation

    Be concise and enthusiastic

    If you utilize all these suggestions, you should go forward in the hiring process. Sometimes that doesn't happen.

    I interview very well, as I have been told by HR people. I use all these tools in every interview, and I am still often eliminated as the process progresses. I have even inquired why I was not chosen, to correct my interviews going forward. I never get a reply.

    Whatever the reason you are not hired, skill level, age, length of experience, it still hurts. It can leave you feeling negative about yourself. It just wasn't meant to be.

    Please tell yourself that the right job is waiting for you. it just hasn't found you yet. Keep seeking and it will find you.

    Keep smiling and remember how exceptional you are.

    Yours truly,

    Leslie

  64. Anonymous

    I can relate and yes it is defeating. Sometimes you don’t want to hear at least for me it wasn’t meant to be. I call myself Wendy since ghosting is part of my current job search situation .

    My only advice is allow to the feelings to be released and let your mind rest . Then for me start again and work on being ready to begin.

    I wish you luck and hope you get something quickly

  65. Anonymous

    Actually...after a year of searching for executive roles where I interviewed for WEEKS with 8-10 different people only to be rejected for an internal candidate or someone else, I stopped.

    The straw that broke the camel's back was a company where everyone I met on the team loved me. I even drove 12 hours in a day to meet the woman who would be my boss. She passed me up to the President. When I was flown in the middle of the night to meet with him early the next morning, he was late. Then he told me some ridiculous nonsense about only reading resumes when he sat down with candidates. (Clearly unprepared.) He also asked me why my revenue in a market we'd both run for different companies (competitors) hadn't done better financially (it's a really tough one). This was after he told me that his branch was terrible and he almost shut down that location. My revenue actually exceeded my budget targets. And all that was after his Quality VP (female) asked me a sexist question during our meeting.

    I called my husband from the airport, crying, and told him that I was done with it. I opened my business the following week and I haven't looked back. It's the best decision I ever made. I'm so happy and focused on growing a team and my client list. It's not for everyone, but I love it and I'm doing the work I want to do in the world.

  66. Anonymous

    Ugh! They certainly put you through the hoops! So happy to hear you decided to start your own venture - inspiring me to do the same! Thanks for sharing your story!

  67. Sushmita Majumdar

    Good for you! Inspiring!!

  68. Ter Min

    Sometimes you need a break. If you're like me, you're probably job hunting in any given moment that there's down time. I'll be in my car 16hrs a day doing phone interview after virtual meeting after phone interview after virtual.... I expect a lot from myself and others so I get severely frustrated and overextended. So I cut back on my research time and further refine what I'm looking for. I just recently had to turn down a higher paying role simply because I'm not physically capable of keeping up with those kinds of jobs anymore . On the flip side, I've been ghosted by two of my dream jobs despite them ostensibly needing roles filled immediately. So right now I cut my job hunting to only weekends, and only for 6 hours a day, unless I see something really interesting later in the evening.

    A lot of the frustration comes from the notion that even though you feel you're doing everything you can, the decisions to ghost you or decline is arbitrary, unprofessional and no one seems to want to follow up, and it's totally out of your control.

    What you CAN control is how much you invest time wise and staying confident that you will find what you need. You can think on the spiritual advice given here or be a bit more pragmatic in your decision-making. Whatever helps you deal with your emotions and keep you even keeled.

    Good luck!

  69. Anonymous

    I just Interviewed at company where the previous person in the role left after 9 months. There are only 2 people on the team. Should I be concerned that perhaps there was an issue with one of the team members? The salary is within the correct range for the position, so it wasn’t due to low salary. However, when I asked the recruiter why the person left, she said the person left because they got a better offer!!!

  70. Rosa Goes

    I'm sorry your going through this. Interviewing can be exhausting. It is also a full time job to look for a job. Consider it practice. Look over your responses if any need to be rephrased, and keep your eye on your goals. The right opportunity will come your way. I recommend taking some online classes, either professional or personally to have balance.

  71. Anonymous

    I recently interviewed with a company and went through the following process, all of these went well, but I was ultimately rejected at the end:
    Phone interview with recruiter, which was more involved than most I’ve had In the past I passed that round and was selected to do two writing assessments. I passed that round and had to fill out two different behavioral/personality/work style assessments passed that round to have a zoom interview with the leadership team consisting of 6 people. Drilling me with questions. passed that round to have a zoom meeting with production team, and did not get selected. This was hours and hours over the course of a few weeks. Very disappointing to not have been selected but ultimately it worked out because the day after I found out I was not selected, I applied for several more jobs and did receive an offer from one of them. The best thing to do is keep at it. I firmly believe you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.

  72. Pamela Torres

    Like the others have said its not easy. When you do receive a rejection send a follow up email asking why (don't expect a response). Don't try to figure out what went wrong. Step away from this. Take a break and resume applying with other employers.

    When you feel up to it, review (don't scrutinize) your interviews, assesments, responses, make some tweaks, if needed, and file it away.

    Don't be surprised if you see the same position in two months.

  73. Leslie Mills

    It does happen to us all, but I imagine that doesn't comfort you at this moment.

    Very recently, I went through the process of interviewing with a second ZOOM interview, and all went well, I was invited to an in-person interview and a meet and greet with the senior staff. The morning of this interview I received an abrupt phone call informing me someone else was hired. No explanation.

    This has happened to me more than once. The first time, I took it personally. I felt rejected and depressed. Well, feeling that way got me no closer to a job. I have learned to put these turndowns in perspective: It wasn't meant to be. Maybe this job wasn't right for you. It wasn't your fault!

    Take a deep breath and move forward. We are all cheering for you.

    Leslie

  74. Kryssy Santana

    That's really nice of you to say, Leslie. I too had an interview, first online, and then in person, for a total of four hours. Then, I didn't get an answer when I was told I would, then when I checked in, she said I didn't have enough experience. But base on what I saw, she didn't seem to have any clue as to what she actually was looking for. I've reached that point, where I know it's probably not me, but their unrealistic expectations, or poor management so, CEST La Vie!

  75. Wendy Scott

    Both my partner and I have just gone through this. It is exhausting. I’ve had the recruitment agent describe the job incorrectly so at the interview I was told it was a different job spec, interviewers who couldn’t give me a clear answer about what they wanted me to achieve in a four month contract, a recruiter who ghosted me after the third interview and then after two weeks sent me another job to look at. My partner has had being rejected at the last minute after three interviews that went really well plus being interviewed for a completely different job to the one he applied for.

    It is exhausting and disappointing. I think it’s a numbers game though and finding an organisation that is consistent in what they want rather than chopping and changing what the role is and whether the role is even available. Remember it’s not you, it’s their poor organisational skills. And usually one person who upsets the process by pulling the role after the others have done the work of recruiting.

    Good luck, keep trying and believe in yourself :-)

  76. Leslie Mills

    Once again. I had a phone interview on Monday, and Tuesday morning I received an email rejection. I no longer dwell on these disappointments; they depress me too much. I immediately continue searching and hope for the best. What else can we do at this point? Try to stay optimistic, and remember you are not alone.

    Leslie

  77. Kryssy Santana

    I got rejected by an employer

    My car broke down and I was waiting for Triple Aaa and I still called amd asked to reschedule. All sheyoldme was " We're going to move forward with another candidate..A therapist so caring. This week alone Ive had such odd requests and hoops to jump through, Ivejust decided to not let it slow me down as well. Just on to something that is more right for me

    Good luck.

  78. Anonymous

    I had 6 zoom interviews never heard from the recruiter again. Don’t even care any more.

  79. Kryssy Santana

    Yikes Oh NO! Going on interview feels like the most Soul sucking, life draining and tedious, ooh oooh also demoralizing process ever. I had 3 or 4 interviews this past week, but did I get any reasonable offers. Nope. I just got rejected from one place because the day of the interview my car broke down and I had to wait for Triple AAA, so they just said they'd be moving forward...what excuse me?? It felt like a slap in the face. I felt the same this past week, like I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE ENERGY to care anymore.

  80. Kryssy Santana

    I agree to, that's completely rude.

  81. Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)

    Rudeness seems to have no bounds

  82. Leslie Mills

    Since I last posted, I lost another opportunity in the second round. I have an in -person interview today. I will keep you posted.

    Leslie

  83. Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)

    Please do- a friend is also in the trenches, trying to land a job

  84. Wendy Scott

    Good luck

  85. Kryssy Santana

    Good luck. I had two interviews over the weekend, wish me luck. These actually sound legitimate too.

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