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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to wonder if I have a black mark on my file after an interview

39 replies

Ceci03 · 07/03/2019 10:31

So, I did an interview a few weeks ago, for a job, different city, new place etc etc. I didnt get the job. Disappointing. The feedback I got said that I had all the qualifications on paper, and my application was very good, but that I let myself down in the interview, that I didnt sell myself. I knew it myself. I clammed up and got so nervous in the interview. So another job was advertised, same place, similar job spec, I applied, but just got an email saying they are not calling me for interview. Does anyone know, have I scuppered my chances for that place now. Will they just look at my file and not call me for interview cos I wasnt successful in a previous application? Feeling down hearted and disappointed :(

OP posts:

amusedbush · 07/03/2019 13:42

Enb76

Yes, but they rarely come up in my area. One of the jobs I've gone for was a secondment opportunity and that's when they told me I was the reserve candidate. The person that got it was also internal but with slightly more experience as they wanted someone who could just come in and hit the ground running, with it being mat leave cover (so short contract).

nickEcave · 07/03/2019 13:43

amusedbush it is competitive and I was only applying for part-time roles which are even more competitive as there are so few of them. There also often seems to be an internal candidate (I was an internal candidate in that I already worked for the University but there would often be someone who already worked in the department going for the job as well). Does your university offer any coaching or development courses? Mine offered a 4-day development course for women which I found really helpful in raising my self-esteem and I also got a coach through the university which was helpful. However, what really worked for me was really learning about competency-based interviews and making sure that I had loads of really good examples of how I met the competencies.

Original poster

Ceci03 · 07/03/2019 13:53

do you mind me asking how you think up examples. I'm still struggling to think of something to answer the question 'describe a scenario where you negotiated something and got the result you wanted'. Or similar. I cant actually think of anything - even now.

OP posts:

SaturdayNext · 07/03/2019 13:56

That negotiation scenario could come up in all sorts of contexts - asking for a pay rise, changing some sort of work practice, discussing a possible rent increase, even negotiating with your family to live where you want or for the children to go to the school you want.

DuvetCaterpillar · 07/03/2019 16:16

One other thing that might help - try to stop thinking of it as 'failing' an interview. Interviewing well is a skill like anything else, and you'd never expect a novice baker to knock out a four tier wedding cake on the first go. Treat each interview as a practice run for the one you will eventually get, which will usually (oddly enough) turn out to be the right one in the end. Be kinder to yourself!

Mysterycat23 · 07/03/2019 16:24

Applying for jobs you're overqualified for might be working against you. I was ushered out of 2 interviews half way through for doing that!

Better to apply for something slightly above.

Original poster

Ceci03 · 07/03/2019 16:37

thanks. I suppose it's the cost of going over to do the interviews. if it was in the same place where I live or where I am I dont think i'd be so stressed. it's the cost of the flight and the train and by the time i've made all the arrangements for the kids I'm wrecked. if/WHEN i get another interview though I have my outfit ready, and will have my questions thought about and scenarios written out, and practice done. you're right it is a skill. just have to get better at it.
tx

OP posts:

Ihaventgottimeforthis · 07/03/2019 17:39

If you could contact them and negotiate another opportunity to interview, that would be an ideal scenario!

JenniferJareau · 07/03/2019 17:56

Don't just limit yourself to work examples. You might have negotiated on something else in your personal life like when doing a hobby etc.

Original poster

Ceci03 · 07/03/2019 19:06

thanks for all the advice. I emailed them and asked them, and I just saw an email to say no, that they shortlist and score every application for each job independently. They must give a score to your application and then see if you get shortlisted. So that's brilliant news as I just saw another job there that Im going to apply for! if at first you don't succeed and all that.... So it's ok to use negotiation examples from personal life. I still cant think of any lol. I don't think I ever get what I want in negotiations. MIght have to do some creative thinking on it.

OP posts:

PurpleCrazyHorse · 07/03/2019 19:46

Thanks @nickEcave I've had a couple of education interviews but not got the job. I have an interview for a job I really want and have just identified 14 competencies so am about to go through them and really secure the scenarios in my head I want to talk about.

Obviously there is a personality element too but I really want to give myself the best chance.

Di11y · 07/03/2019 20:01

we went through competency interviews during a restructure. make sure you're saying what you did rather than the team as a whole and structure your answer as a 'star' style.

Enb76 · 07/03/2019 21:05

Also, look at the job description and find the competencies that fit with the role you’re going for. You have to be specific. Don’t send the same CV or cover letter for every role, tailor them to suit the role you’re going for.

DarlingNikita · 08/03/2019 10:25

Good for you, OP. And good luck with your next application!

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