153
Getting past the 2nd Interview
I have been looking for a job for quite some time. It first began last October and then I took a position I thought I would try, but was very different from what I was originally looking for. Recently I needed to step down from that position as my Ex husband passed away from cancer and I need to find a remote position so I can be closer to my 15 and 17 year old boys who are trying to keep up with online school while dealing with the loss of their father.
Since renewing my employment search, I have had several phone interviews and a couple 2nd interviews, but nothing further. I am simply informed the organization is “going in a different direction”. I have asked for feedback on the interviews with no response.
How do I get to a further stage and offers? I have a background in Program Management and am looking for something in the PM area (project, program, product management). I am on several job boards (including here), I am a member of several PM organizations, etc. Please help me get to the next level.
Nicole
Anonymous
03/31/22 at 5:33PM UTC
I’m curious about this too. I have had up to three interviews and then get the generic email I wasn’t chosen. I did get a great job offer for good money but had to withdraw due to a change at home where I chose not to travel.
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
02/14/22 at 11:44AM UTC
The job search process is exhausting and disappointing. It is not for the faint of heart.
As a career coach who works with women to land the job, I have a few suggestions.
Spend time creating a clear description of who you are and the benefits you bring to the organization. Be as specific and succinct as possible as you craft this story.In interviews, make it obvious you can make an impact in their organization immediately. Remove lines like I'm a fast learning, etc. and instead discuss what you can do to help them move the needle. Organizations are hungry for talent but need people who can dive right in immediately.How are you different? This is the real key. When I was in corporate America and interviewing salespeople, they all sounded alike. They used interview jargon like I'm a consultative seller, and it felt unidentifiable. Use analogies when talking. The interviewer sees dozens of candidates and you need to stand apart and be remembered. Analogies are a great trick for this.
Good luck. I will say this, the labor shortage across every industry is finally making shifting the power to the employees over the employers. Go into every interview with the conviction of your worth and being able to articulate your value.
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/15/22 at 8:59PM UTC (Edited)
Jackie,
First of all, thank you for helping me acknowledge that it is okay that the process is hard AND exhausting. As a recovering perfectionist (who's husband never appears to struggle with getting a better position) I first need to take some pressure off of myself and that it is okay to take time to find the right fit.
That being said, what if what I really want to do (Product Management) has essentially been looked at as "title based" role experience so far? I want to be the voice of the customer for the organization and what direction to go in. That is what I have loved about working in education - being the voice for underserved students! In each interview I have had for a product management role, I have shared the points in my Program Management roles which are product (or service creation) based. In the end, I was passed over for people who have had the title of product manager before thus showing the experience.
I am afraid that I won't get into product management without switching industry (out of education/ ed tech) and then putting in my time to be promoted from within. While I do like project/program management, my goal is product.
Sabrina CortesSenior Resume Writer/Copywriter
1.34k
02/14/22 at 3:48AM UTC
So very sorry for your loss and your boys!
I know it's a real struggle for you, but know that there is something better out there for you. :)
It might also help to tailor your resume to the jobs you're applying for. I'm a professional Resume Writer and this is something that I recommend to all of my clients, even after we finish working together. Tailoring your resume increases your chances of passing the scanning process of the applicant tracking systems (ATS).
You also want to make sure that your resume doesn't have tables or graphics on it. A simple, streamlined resume is best for ATS.
Best of luck to you and sending warm thoughts to you and your family!
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/15/22 at 8:32PM UTC
Thank you! My resume is written specifically where it shows the unique challenge each role had and a few bullets on how I was able to overcome that challenge which are tailored to each JD. When I am interviewing, I try and take the skills demonstrated from within my EdTech roles and transfer them to the current role. I wonder if I am "working to hard" at this part.
I have also included links to my portfolio (I have a GSuite version and a Microsoft version to meet organizational needs and show my versatility in both) linked in my resume and cover letter.
However, I am wondering if I should flip the order of my resume around. I use a heading with links, my personal statement, and then dive into my experience. Would you suggest having my completed industry training instead? I have completed several courses through Coursera and LinkedIn in PM topics. Would that take precedence over previous roles in a different sector and my education (I have all but dissertation in EdD Curriculum and Instruction, MS & BA also in education)? I am one of the former teachers who ended up in the business world.
Thank you for your kind thoughts for our family :)
Sabrina CortesSenior Resume Writer/Copywriter
1.34k
02/15/22 at 10:30PM UTC
Ok, that's good that you're tailoring your resume! What kind of positions is your resume tailored for?
I'd be more than happy to help and give you a free resume review (NO STRINGS ATTACHED - truly - cross my heart. (lol) I'm not a salesy/spammy type person (because I hate getting those types of messages from people so, I don't do it) and I genuinely want to help others). You can send it to my email - [email protected]. I won't just review your resume, but I'll give you some helpful tips too!
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/17/22 at 12:45PM UTC
Wow, thank you! I am looking for project/program management roles. In some cases with manager responsibilities. I will send you my information.
Cheryl DiakunAspiring Director of Program Management
25
02/13/22 at 4:55PM UTC
Hi Nicole, I am sorry for your loss. I was in job search mode last year and hired a career coach early Jan 2021 and started in my new role in Fall last year.
My lessons learned
Once you are clear/intentional on who you are/why you're an asset to any org/what you bring to table, and 2-3 things you're looking for next role (i.e. knowing your elevator pitch with authenticity and confidence and spoken in 15 seconds or less), the feeling becomes natural internal fuel for your career change and determination to change. Once you can do your pitch without notes and can ad-lib comfortably, you're good. Write up and study your history of jobs from your 1st job until now and know what motivates you to take a new role. Use that awareness when you seek out new roles. Make sure your resume content lines up to at least 60%, not 100% of any job description you apply to. Ensure your resume shows tangible benefits/results (#s or %s in 1st 2 bullets of each job listed in your resume).Apply to industries/companies that champion and have a proven success record in the news with remote work and distributed workforce (i.e. consulting, tech, literary, financial services). Mine your network for 1st or 2nd level connections in these places and start/restart your networking process, do information gathering sessions on places/roles, and always thank your connections for helping you on your job search and try to return the favor in future. Study the Situation-Task-Action-Result interview technique and have prepared answers to 3-4 commonly asked questions written up in advance (i.e. tell me a time how you dealt with difficult people/challenging situations and what did you do to turn the situation around). Good luck on your search!
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/15/22 at 8:43PM UTC
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. I am absolutely working to build my network and have written responses to the typical interview questions for all 3 PM areas - One of the great pieces to belonging to several organizations in that area are the free resources on most common questions.
I will keep my head up knowing it will come!
Anonymous
02/13/22 at 2:24PM UTC
The requirement for remote work may be the reason. Corporations are leery to hire new people for 100% remote work positions.
Can you be more flexible on this requirement?
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/15/22 at 8:21PM UTC
I am not sure that this is the case:
Prior to my most recent role (and even well before COVID), I had been in 100% remote positions. I have found that there are many more remote positions available now than there were when I began in 2010. Additionally, I am only applying for positions which are posted/advertised as remote positions. I am not attempting to apply for a position stating it is on-site and then stating I need to work remotely.
Honestly, it is not a matter of if I can be more flexible, it is a matter of not wanting to be more flexible on working remotely. My teenagers just watched their father deteriorate over the past year and a half. On top of loosing my mom (their grandma) and my husband's mom (their step-grandma) a few months before. The mental health of my children is far more important to me than ANY job. I need to make sure that they feel supported and not have a sense that my job/career is more important than they are.
Nicole
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.99k
02/13/22 at 10:54PM UTC
YOU SAID:
"Corporations are leery to hire new people for 100% remote work positions."
Where, specifically, did you get this information from? Please provide legitimate citation for this.
Anonymous
02/17/22 at 1:10AM UTC
The fact that so many qualified women post here, having problems finding employment, with a requirement of "remote work only", and lament that they are not getting job offers.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.99k
02/17/22 at 2:11AM UTC
What makes you say "qualified women"?
YOU SAID:
"with a requirement of "remote work only", and lament that they are not getting job offers. "
If they have a requirement of "remote work only" and they're not getting offers, that doesn't mean that "Corporations are leery to hire new people for 100% remote work positions. "
It means that they are not the best fit for the position.
They couldn't be applying to those 100% remote positions in the first place if "Corporations are leery to hire new people for 100% remote work positions. " If "Corporations are leery to hire new people for 100% remote work positions. ", they wouldn't be posting 100% remote positions for people to apply to.
Based on my 20 plus years of recruiting experience and feedback from my peers, upwards of 90% of the people who apply to our posted positions - sometimes 100% of the applicants - are not qualified for the position they applied for.
So it doesn't necessarily surprise me to hear they're not getting offers.
Maria Gloria JovenLet's do the best we know how, the best we can!
26
02/13/22 at 2:13PM UTC
I suggest you go through a recruitment agency who can help you find the company that is looking for your skills and at the same time, they can help you write a resume that would attract potential employers.
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/15/22 at 8:54PM UTC
Thank you Maria. I have two that I am working with atm. I have asked for any feedback from hiring managers on positions where my information is shared and have not gotten any. I love the idea, however, about asking the recruiter specifically about thoughts on my resume or interview given that s/he encounters several.
Kim CallinanPresident & CEO of Nonprofit
811
02/13/22 at 1:39PM UTC
Hello Nicole, I'm so very sorry for your loss and for your children for their loss. Since your challenge seems to be getting through the interview process, doing some mock interviews with a career coach may be helpful if you have the resources for that. If you do not, then perhaps some friends or others in this network would be willing to practice with you. I'm happy to do a mock interview with you if you reach out to me on linked in. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Nicole ChristensenCaring through innovative solutions
153
02/15/22 at 8:55PM UTC
Thank you, Kim. I appreciate your willingness to connect and assist me. I will reach out to someone in my network to see if she is able to assist before I ask you to give up your time. I appreciate the support and ideas.
Kris Mertins-ElliottBSA and Risk Advisor in SE Wisconsin
190
02/13/22 at 1:13PM UTC
I would consider working with a recruiter and/or resume' coach. There could be something in your interview responses or demeanor that needs some tweaking. Just a thought.....best of luck to you!
