Another Failed Interview
So I have had another recruiter contact me for a position that I really wanted. I have to admit, the location was horrible and there was no easy to find safe areas and the schools are all rated at D- but I figured I could sacrifice a bit on drive time for a great job. Unfortunately, I didn't get the position. I must be doing something right to have these recruiters interested but I have to be missing something in the interviews. Are there any free resources to help here? I would pay to have someone coach me but I can't afford that investment.
Experienced interviewers know how to read people. When you go into an interview half-heartedly like you described, it shows. I'm not saying that you must to be totally in love with every job that you interview for, but you've got to into it--especially if it's a career position. People want to hire for long term. New hires take time and money.
I hope that you are able to find something that you love! Free services are often offered through your state or county. They can assist with networking, interviewing tips, job search and more! Good luck!
Next time you receive a rejection, write back and ask for feedback. Politely ask what you could have done better. You could even ask if you were missing skills they were looking for. Just explain that you're always looking to improve and you'd like to use their feedback to nail that next interview. Some people will answer, but I've had good luck getting some insight into what I might need to land my next job. Hope that helps! = D
Like everyone has mentioned, practicing either by filming yourself and see how you sound or look, or even with a trusted person who will give you honest advice. If you don't already, write down and focus on different stories you can share that align with the skills the job posting is looking for in candidates. Your resume is obviously capturing interest, now it's your time to shine with your personal stories and bring that resume to life! I am also in a career transition and I have found that a lot of various organizations are offering free webinars for those in career transitions, and they focus on tips and tricks for interviews.
Definitely practice! See if your alma mater offers practice interviews. Work on what you're saying. I think when you're really unhappy about a job and you're interviewing anyway because you want *any* job, it comes across in a lot of verbal and nonverbal cues--facial expressions especially. Practice your entertaining/acting skills! See if there's an answer you're giving somewhere that doesn't sound good. What are your questions for them? All of these can sink an interview no matter what. I've read great stuff from LinkedIn, The Muse, and this site on all those things.
LinkedIn has great material for interview prep. Join LinkedIn Premium - they have a free trial period. They have categories for general, finance, sales etc...
Check out the tools and resources on my site. Get clear on who you are and sell yourself as the confident, energetic you! You got this - the right opportunity has not appeared yet.
Agree with Christine and Amy. the breakdown seems to be at the point of interview, so the good news is that your resume is effective. That's often the biggest hindrance in getting the opportunity to even interview.
I have been interviewing for several months now. I also have interviewed applicants for years. What I have learned is that interviewing takes preparation and practice. No question should throw you off to the point you cannot provide a STAR answer. Prepare answers and practice in your Covid-quiet apartment. I had the best interview yet yesterday because I was finally properly ready. Overqualified, most likely, but ready.
I get hit with overqualified in non-manager positions and underqualified in actual manager positions. It is the worst catch there LOL.
It's all about practice. There are a ton of remote job seeker groups who offer interview practice like Christine said - look on MeetUp for some in your area. Find a list of most asked questions (google it), craft your STAR answers and practice out loud in the mirror or record yourself on zoom. Ask a friend for a critique. The more sure you are of your stories the more confident you'll be. Good luck!!
Toastmasters. Especially now, meetings are on Zoom, and they're happy to have guests. https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
I have a group of people, cobbled together from my job search groups, who help me practice for interviews. They've helped me refine my STAR stories and modulate my tone of voice. Find some other jobseekers and roleplay. It will help.