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I am at the end of my rope.
I have been looking for a new role (VP/SVP of Marketing) after being laid off from my job (due to Covid) in May. I have interviewed for many roles and even made it to the final rounds several times but have not been able to secure a role. I get no feedback from these companies so I really don't know what to change in the interview process (I keep guessing but clearly it has not helped).
My next step is to hire a career coach or a recruiter. Has anyone had good luck with either of these?
Glenport LifeCreative Life Coaching
256
10/06/21 at 10:39PM UTC
? burnout is real! Reboot, relax, refresh, renew, release, what do you need to do most to restructure whatever is causing the situation?
Christy K. HanthornTechnical Professional in the Research Triangle
539
10/05/21 at 12:26PM UTC
Would you consider venturing a wee bit outside of marketing? Many professionals put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak, and this can make job hunting hard in a saturated market, especially when there are only so many high-level positions to go around. I'm a professor full-time and a technical writer on the side. I currently work on a government contract through a very successful IT firm. We've been trying to hire a document control/lead editor person for a number of weeks now. SIX FIGURE SALARY and no one wants the job. One person accepted and has since pulled out. I've added the tasks onto my own plate at the moment while we wait. My point is to say there are other opportunities in different (but related) areas of writing.
Pat RoqueSpeaker, Career Transformation Coach, Mastermind
445
09/25/21 at 1:53PM UTC
Hi there, I’m sorry you’re going through this but it is unfortunately not uncommon. As a career in leadership strategist (and someone who provides the HR folks with their professional development credits) I get to be the fox in the hen house. That means, learning why people quit and/or what they’re looking for as great candidates, as well as empathy and understanding of the company side of this equation.
They are busy, overstretched, and unfortunately many are so inundated that they are not taking the time to properly provide the courtesy you would expect. It’s not an excuse, but they need to hire the right fit dream candidate as much as you want that perfect role in a great new “work family.”
Therefore, feedback is not as common as we would hope but That’s yet another reason why you want a comprehensive strategy, and depth of relationships in an organization so that you are not dependent on only one person as your window into the company.
Because I have an extensive marketing background, and a boatload of connections in that space, and success placing people at your level, you might want to look at my LinkedIn profile and see if the 90 recommendations there resonate with you. That’s a big decision, and you want to make sure you are investing your focused time, energy and resources with someone who’s been there, walked in your shoes.
Know that I have a complete system for gaining clarity, confidence, communicating better, rocking your connections, and then celebrating your success. It’s comprehensive, it’s proven and we’ve helped people even as much as double and triple their comp packages.
It’s not pie in the sky BS, but real people and real results, and most importantly you want to be super clear on what you want and deserve in this next chapter. So I wonder what your dream job is?
And how well are you aligned with your strengths (both your technical skills and your vital skills that we used to call soft skills).
First next step: you might want to also start with career soul-searching to make sure you are clear on your true north and what’s best for you and your family in this next chapter. That’s free and please take advantage of the reflection time to re-discover why are you rock. www.rockonsuccess.com/soul
Connect on LinkedIn at HTTPS:/.www.linkefin.com/in/patroque
Good luck!
Casey EricksonExecutive Recruiter and Leadership Coach
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09/24/21 at 1:16PM UTC
Hi Michele
I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing this. As many said, I am sure that you are interviewing really well, but it's unfortunate that you're not getting feedback .
One thing that I would recommend doing, a bit outside the box, is to stay in touch w and Link In with your interviewers. I have been in recruiting for 20 years, and know that many times something will happen with a lead candidate and they will need to go back and start recruiting again. I'm sure you've even had that experience as a hiring manager. Stay on the radar. Leaving a good impression is not just a moment in time and reserved for the interview, but it's about building your network for the future as well. When I was interviewing, I made it really far (finals) and did not get the job, but I had built a rapport with the team and checked in every few months or so. The interviewer and I really hit it off and she actually referred me to someone in her network that was hiring. I found out from that person that I wasn't hired for the other company because the role went on hold (which was a blessing in disguise) but that my interviewer really liked me.
Also, the main reason I pursued leadership coaching as a side hustle was for this reason. The gift of feedback and inviting someone to ask deep questions is life changing.
I wish you all the best in your search. If you are brave and resourceful enough to seek counsel from this group of wonderful women, a great opportunity is right around the corner for you.
Sarah Mudd
631
09/23/21 at 1:24PM UTC
I heard recently that in an interview you should ask "Is there anything that gives your reservations about me as a candidate" so you can address those reservations in the interview. Maybe try adding that on as one of your questions for the hiring managers? That might give you some feedback?
Erin Moore
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09/23/21 at 8:14PM UTC
I have started doing this recently in interviews and have found I get a bit more insight into how I did in the interview and have been given the opportunity to clarify my responses more. This really works well.
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
09/26/21 at 12:01PM UTC
Sarah and Erin, this is what we call the million-dollar question! We coach all of our clients on the question, how to ask it, answer it and watch for body language signs as well. It is about pulling out any doubt and addressing it because once you leave, the little bit of doubt can get bigger, bigger and bigger.
Kelli MahoneyUX/UI Deisgn | Event Technology | Marketing
161
09/22/21 at 4:22PM UTC
I was laid off in January and have made it to the final round for Director roles on numerous occasions, only to find myself also unable to secure a role. So I do feel your pain completely. I have gotten some feedback, fortunately, that I have interviewed well, and I'm sure you have, too. The issue we have now is that we are often in a different competitive market than what a lot of people are talking about. Yes, there is a great resignation, but I'm not sure it's happening as much in higher level positions. I'd be interested to hear those statistics. Also, if you are Gen X, you will have harder time securing positions--that is a proven statistic.
I'm not trying to sound doom and gloom. I'm just saying there are real obstacles to overcome, and we have to keep plugging away. The fact that you've gotten so far into the final rounds is good. The right role will come. I would consider a recruiter, but don't put all your hope in it. Do keep trying on your own. I've gone through a lot of recruiters who have done nothing for me, honestly.
You can do this. Yes, it's frustrating. Yes, it stinks to get so far to find out you didn't get these roles. Yes, it is so hard to work on these resumes and cover letters for nada. But you're a successful woman. You've gotten this far in your career by working hard, and you'll find a new position by working hard still.
Someone will see how amazing you are and scoop you up. You will find the right fit. Just be patient and keep plugging away.
Emmy Bemmy
470
09/22/21 at 5:39PM UTC
I'm curious why Gen X-ers have a harder time finding a job... is it simply age? Or, is there something else? As far as I know, Gen X has the reputation of being hard working/problem solving, so I am surprised to hear that.
Lisa Gibson
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09/23/21 at 6:04PM UTC
Gen X-ers are now in their fifties -- and age discrimination is alive and well. It's not about their reputation for work ethic, it's the existing bias against hiring an "older" worker.
Emmy Bemmy
470
09/25/21 at 12:11AM UTC
That's what I was assuming, but wasn't sure if there was something else. I'm a Gen X-er (still in my 40s though) and am not looking forward to the job search process given the pervasive age discrimination. Interestingly, I'm curious if the age discrimination is a bigger issue for women...most of the men I know get new jobs with no problem, and they are all late-40s/early-50s. The women I know do tend to struggle.
See other replies
kay Jack
937
09/22/21 at 2:15PM UTC
I have personally had an amazing experience with career coaching . My coach helped me with not only my LinkedIn, job search techniques , building a solid network but also my confidence . I had been at a the same company for 13 years and needed a fresh start . I think you will be pleased . Good luck .
Anonymous
09/22/21 at 1:35PM UTC
I know someone who truly is excellent. All he does is interview coaching—that’s it! Has been doing it for years. He’s no relation. No referral fee for me. His track record speaks for itself.
Www.landingexpert.com
If you are curious, I hired him for my daughter for highly competitive investment banking job on wall street—top tier firm. Everyone’s resume is amazing.
She got the job!
Anonymous
09/22/21 at 1:33PM UTC
I had a free career coaching session with my severance. Aside from helping update my resume and LinkedIn, there really wasn't anything they did to move the process along. At some point it's just you, your contacts and your ability to sell yourself.
Remember you're not in control of the process, and no the companies are not going to tell you why they chose someone else.
Anonymous
09/22/21 at 2:17PM UTC
I guess it depends on the coach you get as mines too as fantastic in so many different parts of the job search process .
