Another failed interview and I’m devastated

Deep breath - you are doing really well.

it could have gone to an internal and you didn’t do anything wrong

can you temp doing anything just to ease the pressure? It might lead to something too.

Surely you are entitled to some universal credit too not just job seekers

you need to do 2 seperate claims op

we made this mistake husband was made redundant and he only claimed job seekers then a few weeks later we applied for universal credit and it turned out we were entitled to quite a bit more and we’d no idea!!

Hey …. Slightly different scenario for me; our children have SEN needs and it’s taken forever to get them not schools. Work has been off and on, kids schooling dependant .
I applied for 2 jobs recently and was unsuccessful, applied for 3rd and got it :/
it’s by far from dream job but will help.
I have done voluntary work tho and made sure I mentioned that In interview . Looks good on CV and gets me out for a bit .also pleases job centre ? Sending positive vibes ! X

Isn't it fucking incredible that someone who has worked consistently and paid into the system only gets 6 months Job Seekers Allowance. I was made redundant when I was on maternity leave 21 years ago. I signed on, as we needed that to claim on our mortgage protection policy. I got it for six months despite having had consistent employment for 21 years before that.

Oh OP that's so tough, I'm really sorry you're totally within your rights to feel like life's being unfair right now. I'd suggest;
Keep applying, project management is a great career path, there are always roles, be flexible with the industry as its a very transferable skill set, especially if you have the qualifications
Give yourself some grace, allow yourself some wallowing and treat yourself a bit (appreciate funds are tight, but maybe a chocolate bar and a bath for example)
I appreciate you don't want to ask your parents for a loan, but it might be worth (if you get on well) talking about just how tough things are at the moment- they might offer support without you needing to ask and they'll definitely be great moral support (hopefully)
Reach out to some specific recruitment agencies, there will be some specifically for project management roles and they might have a view on your CV or interview skills so whilst they're a bit annoying sometimes, do milk their knowledge and ask them for help, as well as using online options like linked in and indeed
Dedicate some time each day to applying for roles and some time for yourself, keep exercising if you can, even just a walk and try and eat well, always get dressed etc, it'll help you feel more with it
Remember how well you did, there's an employer out there who really liked you and would happily employ you, that's lovely feedback - also you never know, the person they've chosen might pull out or fail probation and you're ready to go in those cases.
Stick with it, in 6 mths time you'll be back on track and so proud of yourself for getting through all this!

You are getting through to the final stages so you are clearly good. Try to focus on that (I know it's not easy).

If you weren't a desirable candidate you'd not get this far.

Your turn will come.

Are there any places looking for as hoc staff just to give you something? Wedding venues near us are always looking for casual staff. Maybe a useful distraction and a small amount of cash but not permanent enough to represent a step down.

Get on to Google and look for interview tips from the likes of Reddit, and also watch videos on how to pass an interview. Then next time you get an interview, be buoyed up by your preparation. You will get something, OP, it's just a matter of time

Maybe ask if you can spread out sessions. To three weekly or monthly. So you kind of have the support without an end imminent?

@LoisLaneKent 100% agree with JCP comment. I worked at a job centre 7 years ago and a lot of my job was counselling and signposting. Hopefully you have a good advisor you can build a rapport with. Definitely don’t be afraid to let them know how you’re feeling.

The positive I’ve picked up on is you got an interview for the kind of work you really wanted and got some good feedback also. To me that shows promise - it’s just a matter of time. Good luck!

Are you on LinkedIn ? I have found my last job through there. What do you do ?

Things will get better for you

Sometimes it takes time

Have you looked at NHS or Civil Service jobs in your area ?

if you are getting interviews, you are close to getting a job very soon

There is no stigma to claiming benefits.
Because
They pay your National Insurance Contributions while you are not working, which go towards your state pension & other benefits

You can add onto your CV for jobs where you need to confirm gaps in your working life

Job centre can offer support & advice

Good luck

Hang in there - keep going. The market is really rough at the moment. It took me 2 years and about 6 final stage interviews, complete with presentation, before I finally got an offer I actually wanted to accept. You're obviously really good at what you do - try and believe in yourself. Something will come up soon. In the meantime, I'd just take a bar job or something to tide me over financially.

I just wanted to say OP that your therapist may agree to a reduced rate for a short period of time until you get back on your feet - especially if you’ve been going to her for a while.

No harm in asking.

I am so sorry OP, I had an awful interview a month ago and I sobbed when I got home.

It will come, keep going xxxx

Think about with everything you've been through, how you can demonstrate resilience, at your next interview. It's a major strength.

Get your CV in with some decent recruitment agencies.

You are doing well at interview, that’s fabulous.

Keep your spirits up, after all you’ve faced, you’ve done so well.

Resilience, you have it in bucket loads

See if the job centre can refer you for talking therapies

OP, job hunting when you are under economic pressure is always tough. I was let go during Covid and it took 7 months to find another job.

You must have faith in yourself. You've had a perfectly successful career up to this point, and there is absolutely no reason why that won't continue. But the search takes it out of you. Rattles your foundations.

I found the best way to maintain momentum when it was looking bleakest was to job search 8-2pm, and then go for a walk or a run or gardening. Something that requires physical exertion and fresh air. Take your phone with you but get up and out. Allow yourself a break.

There is no shame in weeping all over the Job Centre staff. You won't be the first or the last, and it's what you pay your taxes for. They are there to support you.

Wishing you all the best xx

Im in a similar position, but have been job hunting longer and I’m a lot older. It’s utterly soul destroying, and must be even harder with everything else you’ve got going on.

my JSA has run out, but fortunately I've still got some redundancy money left, but of course that won’t last forever.

what do you do? I’ve picked up a couple of temp roles which although only NMW and nothing like my ‘proper’ job, but gave me a little bit of money and a little MH boost as well. Work is work after all.

keep going, something is out there for you.