Saturday 2 April 2011

I Didn't Get The Job

But I'm not too down-hearted, or even particularly surprised - after all, it was my first job interview in 16 years! I had some very helpful coaching from a highly experienced person, and I think the interview went reasonably well. I was able to answer all the questions, and felt as if I'd established a rapport with the three interviewers. I haven't had feedback yet but, unless I've completely misread the situation, I think the panel would have concluded I was appointable rather than a complete no-hoper. However, evidently someone else was a closer match for their requirements. I wouldn't be surprised if they had an internal candidate, perhaps someone who had volunteered for the organisation, and they're always hard to beat. Apparently there were zillions of applications, so I did well to get an interview. And I've got two other applications in, and another almost ready to go off next week, so with luck I'll get another interview soon.

I've learned a lot from this process, and one thing I've learned is that from now on I'm going to keep quiet about any future interviews. This time round, I needed all the advice, encouragement and cheer-leading I could get, so thanks very much for that. But it's too depressing telling everyone I didn't get the job! Yet it's been a positive experience, overall, and the next interview won't be nearly as daunting.

11 comments:

Sherri said...

Sorry to hear that. Nevertheless, I hope you feel that at least it gave you more confidence about your interview skills going forward that you can put into good use for the next one - which I'm sure won't be too far away.

B x

HelenMWalters said...

Absolutely. It's all a learning experience and the next one won't be nearly so daunting x

Karen said...

That's a shame, but sounds like a good experience and I'm glad you feel positive about it :o)

Bluestocking Mum said...

Well, even if you didn't get it, it sounds like you gained some great experience and most of all, you've come through it positive and stronger for it. Good for you. It's tough out there at the moment.

I send you the same messages as you've had from fellow bloggers. Keep up the positive outlook and don't get disheartened.

It will happen right in the end ;)

warm wishes
Debbie
x

Pat said...

With the present climate I'm fairly sure that for every job vacant there will be people interviewed who have an 'in' in some way and who will be regarded more favourably. It's the way of the world unfortunately.
The next one will be easier and you'll be a little more blase - no bad thing at times. Keep your pecker up. We know you're great!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Unfortunately I think that in so many cases the job has probably been given to someone internally even though they may have to still advertise externally. As you say though, great experience which won't be wasted.

With the job I do now, I didn't initially get an interview and the job was given to someone else, then when the successful applicant changed his/her mind they contacted me and I went through the interview process and finally got the job several months after I originally applied, so you never know. x

Queenie said...

Thanks, everyone. Debs, that's interesting. I've heard a few similar tales, so maybe I'll have one of my own to tell one day!

Kath McGurl said...

Sorry to hear that, Queenie, but it's all good experience which will help you at the next interview. Good luck with the other applications.

Minnie said...

Best of luck.
It can be very, very dispiriting, can't it? The trick is not to feel that you are being rejected personally.Although that feeling is hellishly persistent, it is to be avoided at all costs for that way depleted confidence lies - and the rest.
Have been through the lot; had to sell home to have something to live on + retrain, blahblahblah - would have succeeded had critical illness not intervened. Now, if a useless old bat like me could field a trio of good job offers prior to that, there is surely hope for you! Badly put, but offering you sympathy & encouragement.

Pat said...

Honey: every time I click onto this page - about once a week - I think what a pity to leave it with that headline. Just a suggestion - some of your lovely holiday photos - just to keep positivity alive and well.
Just a suggestion - don't be cross.

Queenie said...

Dearest Pat, I could never, ever be cross with you. It's a brilliant suggestion and I don't know why I didn't think of it before. I just don't feel like blogging at the moment - I'm not sad or troubled, I'm doing fine, but I don't seem to have a great deal to say. I might be back one day, I might not. Time will tell! xoxo