To wonder why they won't give me a job?

[Runny]

Just that really.

There is a large company based in my town. I won't say what they do because it would be outing, but they are one of the towns largest employers and known to be excellent to work for and have won awards for it. You don't need to have an specific skills to work for them because they will train you up, so it doesn't matter what jobs you've done before or what qualifications you've got.

So basically ive applied to work for them numerous times over the years. First time I was rejected without interview. The second time I actually took my CV and covering letter to their offices and gave it in by hand, that time I passed a phone interview was invited to an assessment centre. I was really nervous though and completley messed up so knew I was uncsucessful. Realising where I'd gone wrong. I reapplied about six months later, got another phone interview, apparently passed it but heard nothing else after that.

So ever since ive been applying every few months, as they recruit pretty much constantly and every single time I get rejected. You'd think my perseverance would pay off, but no. I write really gushing things in the box when they ask why I want to work for them as well. The most frustrating thing is I know I could do that job, if given a chance Id prove that.

What else can I do, or should I just give up? Ive asked them for feedback but they ignore all my requests.

They are telling you by rejecting/not pursuing your application that you are not what they are looking for. You need to move on and stop wasting time and effort pursuing a job with this company. If I was them I would be pretty pissed off with someone constantly applying a job when they have rejected you time and time again. Good luck looking elsewhere

There could be various reasons.

You appear overqualified and likely to give up for something better-paid in a short time, so it's not worth them training you
Personality, e.g. you're polite/nice/sensitive/thoughtful but they want thick-skinned/firm/persistent/pushy/forward
Accent, perceived class or speech style isn't one which the majority of their customers respond to best
Your references don't put forward the right skills/personality type you'd need for this job
Others out of the large pool of applicants were an even better fit for the company ethos/style/personality/skills
Phone voice, listening skills or energy levels not a good match

What is it that you particularly like about this company and job, and what's stopping you looking more widely?

Ooh I wonder if it's the one I'm thinking about.

If so, don't bother applying again. It's not worth it.

Don't apply the next few rounds, significantly change your application, and hope that by then there is someone new in recruitment who does not recognise your name. They may just have typecast you following the assessment centre, and not really be reading your application properly.

Or... your hairstyle happened to remind the interviewer of his/her awful ex. Someone nearby had B.O. and they mistakenly thought it was you. There was chewing gum stuck to your sleeve, but didn't notice. Several of the other applicants are good mates with those making the decisions. You were too imposing and they were scared of you.

Really, if they aren't going to tell you, it seems a waste of time to try again.

If you completely messed up the assessment day before then that is on your record there. At some stage they will check that and decide it is not worth interviewing you again.

I've been managing call centres and customer service teams for years. When recruiting, I'm looking for someone who can show me how well they learn, that they will fit in with the team culture and can tow the line. I've only ever been bothered by one serial applicant; I gave feedback to HR why I did not want to interview them the first time. Next time, I checked my feedback and there had been no acknowledgement of it or attempt to work in the points mentioned. 3rd time - I looked up the first 2 cvs and all 3 were identical. I sent the individual an email myself with my feedback and that I welcomed an application in the future if they could spend some time developing in the areas I suggested. 4th application - I didn't bother to respond to.

My advice is firstly to question why you are so determined to work there? Competitive pay and good benefits are good reasons.

Take on board the other good advice in this thread, show how you are developing yourself and what depth you have to your cv.

Contact the HR Recruitment team and ask for feedback in your CV, if you get no response ask if they have any development opportunities for unsuccessful candidates to improve their skills. I've never hired someone due to their qualifications but every person I have hired has demonstrated they have the specific skills I'm looking for.

Best of luck

No, im not in Swindon or Northampton. Hundreds of miles away from either place.

The reason I want to work there is because it has good rates of pay and because they are known for looking after their staff. It seems a fun place to work, they are always in the local papers for doing this and that. Everyone happy and smiley. Of course it could just be a smokescreen.

My most recent applicaton was the beginning of last month, so if im going to give it another go I suppose I should give it a while.

How did you alter your CV? Cosmetic changes - fine. However if you altered dates or jobs they might have picked up on this and blacklisted you.

You sound like you're applying for where I work. If you are, it's so hard to get into. Are you based in Manchester by any chance?
When we do assessment centres, there are certain qualities that we look for in candidates and some you either have or haven't got. It may be just that, without sounding harsh, it may be better to just let it go and look elsewhere.

Getting an in was the problem, as the company is one of those silicon valley types & I'm neither young or cool nor particularly academic. But I persevered through Linkedin & now have received a couple of job offers for roles that haven't been advertised.

Yes, I did always alter my CV. Ive tried everything really. Maybe it's time to admit defeat? I'm not unemployed, so it's not like I'm desperate for work but it's always really appealed to me.

If you've been rejected - for whatever reason - you won't be unrejected just because you keep applying.

I think you need to just forget it. If you think you really have to apply again I'd leave it at least a year. You'll be getting a reputation with the HR/ recruitment department as a bit of a desperado at this stage.

If they are in the newspaper for charity type things, perhaps this is a way you can enhance your cv? Volunteer in your community for similar things, show you have some of the company core values. If they are big on socialising after work, perhaps go to the same pub and get to know some people. If they do a recommend a friend scheme you can try and get a leg up that way.

I'm desperate to join civil service but have had quite a few applications rejected prior to interview. I think learning how to write up your achievements so they appeal to the company and thei way of working is crucial. Don't say what your responsibilities are, say what you achieved. Good luck