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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be really gutted about not getting my dream job.

31 replies

ICanSeeTheSun · 28/08/2014 23:36

It was working in theatres.

I only check my emails once a day and that's around this time as DC are asleep and I can concentrate on them, just found out.

This is the first job I ever applied for, my current one was through a recommendation which is cleaning in the Nhs which I have done for 11 years.

What could of gone wrong. I was perfect for the job.

Cleaned theatres, 11 years internal work experience, up to date with all in house training and the qualifications. Please don't say it because I only have 1 reference

OP posts:

MrsWinnibago · 28/08/2014 23:39

I'm sorry. This is no reason to give up. Sometimes we have to try more than once. See this as the first hurdle. If you want, I would be happy to read your cover letter and give you some feedback for next time?

But I'm not the best person for that...I bet another MNr will come along soon and they will be able to give real feedback...someone who works in recruitment or managing others.

MarkWrightsLonelyBraincell · 28/08/2014 23:45

What was the actual job you had applied for?
It's usual to have two references for posts within the NHS, an employer one and a personal - that can be a senior colleague.

It may have come down to interview, somebody may have scored higher on the day.
I'm sorry you didn't get it, it's hard when you set your heart on something. Don't let this put you off, ask the interviewers for feedback and work on any advice they give you. It will stand you in good stead for your next application.

Original poster

ICanSeeTheSun · 28/08/2014 23:47

I didn't even get an interview.

OP posts:

Original poster

ICanSeeTheSun · 28/08/2014 23:49

It was theatre support worker.

OP posts:

Shenanagins · 28/08/2014 23:49

Why don't you ask them for some feedback? The rejection could be for a number of different reasons, the successful candidate had more relevant experience or even a better fit - don't take that as a personal insult as it works both ways.

Shenanagins · 28/08/2014 23:53

Ok, as I understand it, it was for a job that you don't have direct experience of doing? If that's the case I wouldn't get too upset as it probably went to someone who has. Try and get more experience in the sector, for example by voluntary work and take it from there.

MarkWrightsLonelyBraincell · 28/08/2014 23:55

It may have been your application form. It's hard to say.
When completing your personal statement you need to ensure you cover every aspect of the Person Spec, with an example of how you fulfill it. Applications are scored by you meeting the outlined criteria, and the highest scores get an interview, you gain more points if you can demonstrate that you meet the required fields in the person spec.

Summerisle1 · 28/08/2014 23:57

Don't be too downcast but do look back at your application and see whether you actually fitted the job/person specification and if not, how you might strengthen a future application.

You say you are currently a cleaner but had applied for a job as a theatre support worker. In practice, how different a post is this to your current job?

If you look at the job spec, how many of the "essential requirements" did you fit? Only successful applicants for interview are almost always chosen on how highly they score against the job/person spec.

sharonthewaspandthewineywall · 28/08/2014 23:57

Did you cover everything they asked for in the person specification? If more than a certain amount of people apply they look on your application form to see if you meet any of the desirable criteria as well as the essential. If you haven't shown how you meet the essential criteria you won't even be shortlisted

Original poster

ICanSeeTheSun · 28/08/2014 23:57

Will ask for feedback and also send my CV for my sister to take into work ( her job is making sure CV are the best they can be) just wanted to keep it secret because of this let down.

At least I have got a job, even one which I need to get out of

OP posts:

sharonthewaspandthewineywall · 28/08/2014 23:59

If it's any consolation OP I've applied for about 20 jobs in the past few months and had just three interviews. It's tough at the moment

Summerisle1 · 28/08/2014 23:59

If you didn't get to the interview stage, it may well be that the only feedback you'll get is along the lines of "other candidates scored more highly". Which is why I suggest looking at your application again and comparing it with the job spec.

Original poster

ICanSeeTheSun · 29/08/2014 00:10

Sharon that is ruff, I hope this thread helps you more.

I actually love my job, but I need a job where I am not on my knees cleaning for 3-4 hours a day.

OP posts:

sharonthewaspandthewineywall · 29/08/2014 00:27

I was offered a job yesterday though so being a persistent sod pays off!!

FabULouse · 29/08/2014 05:17

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

MissDuke · 29/08/2014 06:11

Well done Sharon!

Op, don't be too disheartened. There will be other jobs. Try and use this as a learning opportunity to work out how to improve for next time. Good luck!!

maddening · 29/08/2014 06:45

If it was an internal job can you speak to hr and ask if there is anyone that can look at you app and advise you what it is you need, speak to your manager and say that this is where you would like to aim for career wise and how could they help you develop in your job to increase your chances, speak to the manager of the area you want to work in and see if there is any experience you could get even in your own time - you are expressing an interest and anything you can add to your cv will really help and raise your profile to management, sometime even having a dialogue means that if the job comes up again they will recognise your name when reviewing apps and remember that you are keen for the role.

Delphiniumsblue · 29/08/2014 06:58

I would bet that at least 60 people applied- that is the way it is these days. Just keep applying for things and don't give up.

whootwhoot · 29/08/2014 08:14

OP...I'm sorry...have been there a few times and it is gutting. What I would say is that quite often jobs are posted because 'they need to follow the HR process' when they have already decided on who is going to get the job. Which is quite frankly ridiculous...it is a process designed to be 'fair' which clearly drives the wrong behaviours by hiring managers.

I would bet they already have someone in mind for the job. At least you didn't have to go through the torture of an interview to find out that the job was a done deal and going to someone else. I think FabULouse has given some great advice there. Sadly, the only way to land some of these jobs is to be known to the hiring manager in advance and by showing you are keen and getting known in the area, you will increase your chances of landing a role, I am sure of it.

Onwards and upwards! Don't let it put you off - a better role will come along eventually and you will be glad that you didn't get this one. GOOD LUCK!!

CarmineRose1978 · 29/08/2014 08:30

When you say 'theatre' do you mean as in acting or as in surgery? Sorry if I'm being dense... Since you say you work in the NHS at the moment, I'm assuming the latter, but if it's the former, lack of relevant experience could have scuppered you.

Also, did you have to write an introductory letter or similar, or was it just based off your CV? I ask because I noticed at least one grammatical mistake in your OP, which if reproduced in an application might make some recruiters reject you straight away. We get so many applicants for jobs at our company that we reject any without perfectly written CVs and covering letters, though admittedly that's for publishing positions, where writing well really does matter.

I don't mean to be an arse or a pedant by pointing this out... I know no-one is as careful when posting on a forum as they are when writing a job application so I'm not judging any errors in anyone's posts here.

bedhaven · 29/08/2014 09:07

It's likely to be, as other posters have pointed out that you haven't covered everything in the person specification. You need to demonstrate every essential criteria or they can't short list you. I know I've seen applications that you know from their work or life experience they probably do but if they don't actually state it we can't interview.
Even people who are vastly over qualified sometimes don't say enough. Nhs employment processes have to be seen to be fair. When you aren't short listed, they will indicate why not...qualifications, experience etc..so you should be able to ask HR. For unqualified positions there can be 100's of applicants, most of whom in my experience haven't personalised their application to the specific job spec. If you meet the spec, they can't not interview you.
That's why it's really important to go for an informal visit, find out what they want and then try and give it to them in your application and then interview. If you haven't already, it's worth next time talking to the job contact as early as possible and going through the essential and desirable criteria with a fine tooth comb ensuring you mention every element. If you don't meet it yet, you might be able to work on those parts. Even if you don't have the exact experience show transferable skills from life. You're quite likely to be able to demonstrate infection control awareness, working in a team, compassion, calm nature in stressful situations, willingness to learn the skills you don't yet have. It's important to acknowledge every component, even if it's something you haven't done before.
Don't give up hope and good luck for next time.

Deathraystare · 29/08/2014 09:24

I have been unemployed since August last year but due to looking after terminally ill mum did not rush into job hunting. So as of June 14 I have been job hunting. I have been working since age 18, now 54. I have applied for absolutely loads.

Some write back "Thanks, but no thanks", some don't bother,it is only when I look back on an agency site and see advert has ended that I know the job is not mine. Most I have not even made it to interview. Perhaps the problem is that I am at the moment in my mum's part of the country but live in London. I have said I can work in either place though.

It is just one of those things. So many people looking and sometimes it goes to someone on the inside anyway or maybe someone has more skills than you, has done the exact same thing before or maybe you don't interview well.

If you think you fall down at interview, get a book from the library about interview skills. Most of it wont be relevant as written by Americans, mainly and they also mainly assume you are management material, but I got one out which deals with those from fresh out of school. You will see what are the 'difficult' questions they ask and how you can deal with that.

Good luck.

Lauren83 · 29/08/2014 09:29

So sorry, an ex employee of mine for a HC assistant job and they mithered me everyday for a reference, I was working away for a week and they kept sending 'final reminders' anyway it seemed one reference was fine as long as it covered the past 3 years

SadOldGit · 29/08/2014 09:34

Can only replicate what others have said (have worked in NHS for over 25 years)
Support Worker positions have masses of applicants - easily over 100 in some cases, therefore the shortlisting process is very harsh

When helping my daughter apply for her support worker position we scrutinised the application - any spelling or grammar errors can make a difference (the interviewers have to cut down the shortlist to a practical interview amount). Then cross check your application with the personal spec - make sure you have demonstrated how you meet all the essential elements of the specification. Then make sure your PS is tailored to the job, but also stresses the importance of teamworking and flexibility (re shifts) . You need to stand out (in a good way) so look at including information on how you meet the 6 Cs (the Francis report recommendations after the Stafford hospital inquiry)

Good luck

Dunkling · 29/08/2014 10:15

It is so so hard at the moment. When I started applying to go back to work after being a sahm, I couldn't get an interview for love or money. Those I did get, I got offered the job. It is a real must to go over and over your cv and cover letter.

I then landed my dream job. I was told over 400 applicants, and the only way to narrow it down to the 10 she wanted to interview, was really tiny petty stuff. From spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, to lives out of town... harder for short term notice to work, doesn't drive etc etc.

Just don't give up. I was looking for a year and as they say, things happen for a reason. Couldn't believe my luck when I landed this and was glad I didn't get the others.

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