Job application feedback

[mashleyR7]

I'm currently searching for a new job and what a crap experience it is. I've been in my current employment 10 years so moving this year is a big change but something I need to do. I'm not applying for just any job, it has to be the right job to get me out from underneath my comfort blanket.

Late last year I was in the final two for a good job but lost out. Earlier this year final two and lost out, then again today, final two and lost out on 3rd stage interview/call. All nice jobs that I could do in my sleep. But why do I keep getting knocked back? Thr feedback you get from potential employers is crap. Today's for example I've had two interviews with two different people and both said without a doubt from talking to you about your skills and experience you can clearly do this job, but they never tell you what it is that has given them a doubt, why dont they say it's x, y or z and let either overcome the doubt or talk about it so I might be able to clear the doubt???? instead they just say no thanks give some poor or loose reason that doesn't make sense based on whats be discussed so far.

What can I do to improve my chances? At my whits ends tonight.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the simple answer is to be more forceful and ask for more detailed and pertinent information. I assume you are applying directly and not via an agency. It could be many factors, including age (yes I know it's no suppose to happen.....) or even something as simple as you know the job too well and they feel threatened by what you could and couldn't do and are seen as a threat

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I doubt there is very much wrong at all. You are getting down to the final two, that says you are in the hunt. After that there is an element of luck. They may go for the other person based on the slightest of things, a feeling, a smile, a witty line that sticks in the head, a mutual hobby or liking of something innocuous.

They may not be able to pinpoint why you didn't get the job because there is nothing tangible. How do you measure or identify those things mentioned above? You've done nothing wrong.

Honestly, I would not be worryingly unduly. It's irritating and I'm sure annoying but my reading is that you are doing the right things and the job offer will come shortly.

 

[bluewolf]

Tailor your CV to the job in question. I have 2 different CV's. One highlights my experience on the shop floor and in Supervisor/middle management. One highlights my Senior Management and Projects work. Research the role in question and revise some stock answers (think politician).

Most interviewers just remember if you've held a good conversation with them. I had an interview on Wednesday that lasted 2 hours!!! Make it easy for them to hold a conversation and they'll remember you positively.

Oh, and after the interview I had a phone call within the hour asking me to come back in to meet the team.

 

[mashleyR7]

On the job last year I think they went for the chap who was currently unemployed due to the Monarch collapse and not through an agency so he could start quick and didn't cost anything. I think it was this that played to his advantage.

This week, on the first interview after the initial hour interview with HR and the Sales Director we chatted over coffee for 1/2 hour on the role and who I knew in the trade etc it all felt so positive!! The 2nd interview this week was with the EMEA Director and she said she hadn't had much of a handover from the SD but we chatted for a hour, then collectively they decide im not the one!! According to the recruiter anyway.

I am registered with recruiters as in my industry it is the common way to move, very little get advertised directly.

Currently I have 3 versions on my CV, one based on Account/Partnerships Management, one New Business focused, one a merged version of the two and I do think which one is best for the role.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I’ve had this a couple of times, when pressed they said I was overqualified and felt the other person would have had room to grow.

Made sense when I thought about it.

 

[Hobbit]

When giving feedback following an interview its a cop out by the interviewer to say all the good things, although it is nice to hear. Ask what areas they think you need to improve in. And if they say you're good but someone else was just that little bit better, its another cop out. Ask them what areas you were beaten in. Don't be too pushy but do leave them with the thought that you are keen to improve in areas they see as necessary.

Good luck.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

On the job last year I think they went for the chap who was currently unemployed due to the Monarch collapse and not through an agency so he could start quick and didn't cost anything. I think it was this that played to his advantage.

This week, on the first interview after the initial hour interview with HR and the Sales Director we chatted over coffee for 1/2 hour on the role and who I knew in the trade etc it all felt so positive!! The 2nd interview this week was with the EMEA Director and she said she hadn't had much of a handover from the SD but we chatted for a hour, then collectively they decide im not the one!! According to the recruiter anyway.

I am registered with recruiters as in my industry it is the common way to move, very little get advertised directly.

Currently I have 3 versions on my CV, one based on Account/Partnerships Management, one New Business focused, one a merged version of the two and I do think which one is best for the role.

Daft question as you're clearly switched on but have you pressed the recruiters you are with for their feedback as well?

 

[mashleyR7]

One of my own questions in interview is what do think im missing or lacking for this role, what sets me back from others?
Then followed up with what do like about me so far and my CV/experience?

 

[Hobbit]

One of my own questions in interview is what do think im missing or lacking for this role, what sets me back from others?
Then followed up with what do like about me so far and my CV/experience?

You're introducing a negative into the interview. I wouldn't do that.

 

[mashleyR7]

You're introducing a negative into the interview. I wouldn't do that.

Get what you're saying but I want them to tell me anything that they think might stop me getting this role so I can cover it off or overcome the objection or answer a doubt? rather then them still harbour the thought?

 

[sawtooth]

"All nice jobs that I could do in my sleep"

If you gave them this impression (consciously or otherwise) then maybe they are worried that the position is too within you and that you may end up getting bored with it. You seem ambitious and its not a crime to say that you don't know it all but are very keen to learn x y z new skills, perhaps you need to show the interviewer more of that? Just a thought.

Good luck in your search btw.

 

[bluewolf]

Get what you're saying but I want them to tell me anything that they think might stop me getting this role so I can cover it off or overcome the objection or answer a doubt? rather then them still harbour the thought?

You're making them think about why they shouldn't hire you. That's what they'll remember. You're making their job easy.

 

[backwoodsman]

Having read through the thread, I'm not clear on when it is that you are try to get the feedback? I'm with Hobbit on this. At any stage while you are still in with a shout, then no talk about negatives. But after they have made their decision, try to talk to the key decision maker - and in my view, do it a day or so after. Be up front, and say you appreciate their decision, but you are looking for constructive feedback and ask what it was that made them prefer the sucessful candidate over you?

But of course, this is advice is too late - as next time, you won't have to ask, will you ...

 

[ScienceBoy]

You can ask the question differently, if spun in a way to say “what are you looking for that we haven’t discussed yet today, I might have it” then it might be the difference between getting the job and not.

In the end not getting a job or getting one might be nothing to do with you, your interview technique and your answers. It might be the job and or the other candidates:

A bit like a stableford competition when you shoot a PB and score 44 points but someone else comes in with 45.

 

[Simbo]

Maybe you’re not doing anything wrong, maybe they have friends in the right places, sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know that gets you a job.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I picked up on the 'do it in my sleep' bit too.

Maybees you are giving off a subconscious 'you lot will be lucky to get me' vibe.
I have knocked back candidates with that attitude before.
Either as overqualified, arrogant or not a team player [sometimes all three :lol:]
They would not tell you that in feedback.

Good luck, be patient, sometimes Karma will get you to where you want to be, certainly worked for me a couple of times.

 

[User62651]

Some good pointers in this thread, fact you haven't been doing interviews for 10 years could be you need to review modern methods.

Often not your fault, could be they can get someone else younger without family (it happens), maybe they already have someone in-house to promote but have to be seen to advertise the job (common in public sector).

I'm sure you already do but always wear a suit and lose any hipster face fuzz for interview too.

Don't have a load of immature nonsense on facebook (they'll google you and check facebook).

I have been interviewee and interviewer. As an interviewer seeing a good degree of enthusiasm/positivity and a smile goes a long way when you've got equally able candidates. Watch your demeanour and don't be over confident or appear over-qualified, they will suss if you're just using their job as a stepping stone to something better a year down the line.

Have you used Monster or Linked In? Can advertise yourself there so they find you.

Good luck.

 

[IanM]

I've went freelance 10 years ago after 20 years in one organisation. Getting new roles is rarely easy and I haven't seen what sector you are in.. some additional thoughts as follows:

1) CV is what gets you interviews. You are getting in the door - so your CV is ok!
2) Think about skills/process experience versus sector experience. Sometime skills travel regardless of industry. Some less so. In interview demonstrate the best mix of this fit you can.

Sometimes you just get pipped and can't do anything about it. I've been doing business change and communications for ages... recently I was pipped for a role by someone who had worked on the system they were putting in, I hadn't. Everything else was a great fit, You can never help that.

Stay positive, be friendly, be humble but confident. Keep at it!