To think I've been 'blacklisted' by this employer

[cofingalthetime]

So, I've done 2 interviews for this employer - huge place, very different departments, managers, staff etc. got interviews, but didn't get the job(s). However I applied for a 3rd job, again, different department, and didn't get an interview. I'm so upset. The first job I thought I had a great chance of getting, and thought it went great, but didn't get it. The 2nd one I fell down on a test they gave us beforehand, and was a bit sketchy on a couple of questions and didn't have a good vibe afterwards. Really upset not to get an interview for this job. I suppose they can do that - even though both jobs said I had a great CV and covering letter. Is that is now I'm wondering.

I'm so miserable in my current job, the only thing keeping me going was the thoughts I would be leaving soon. It's not that easy is it. Everyone is saying to me 'just get another job and leave' but easier said than done.

So I'm wondering,in my cover letter for this next job (it's a similar department to the one where I didn't do well in the test), should I say I'm doing extra work to get more proficient - I fell down on an excel test, which was stupid, I just panicked, I know how to do it. Just thinking should I say that in the covering letter, or just ignoer it and apply 'fresh'. I'm wondering will they even give me an interview again, as HR obviously can see that I failed 2 interviews, and failed to get an interview in the 3rd application....

Cant stop crying. Feel like such a fucking failure. And hate my job, or rather my manager.

I would doubt that each of the separate departments knew about your applications to the other departments. You have just been unlucky in the application/interview process I suspect.

HR will be looking to make sure you fit their criteria on paper so make sure you cover in detail how you are the best match for the role. The interview itself will largely be about which candidate fits best with the team. So no, I don’t think you’ve been blacklisted.

Don't be too disheartened - I applied for about 6 jobs at the place I am now before finally landing a job. I've been here 10 years now.

For the excel, you could just say soimething like 'I have undertaken short courses in XYZ in order to ensure that my skills are relevant and up to date'. Or similar.

More likely that they already had someone lined up for the job.

I think you are taking the rejection very hard because you are so unhappy in your job. Understandable but at this stage I think you need to get some space from the disappointment.
It is disappointing to be rejected, and you are allowed to feel miserable.
Then you need to pick yourself back up and try again.

Have you had any professional advice about job applications?

Maybe you’re not a good fit for that particular company. Why don’t you try applying for other companies instead?

I would doubt that each of the separate departments knew about your applications to the other departments.

I would disagree about this, at my work we do know if people have applied for related jobs and pass on if someone was a suitable candidate or if they have any red flags (these are biggies like admitting to drug taking). We would interview again for a different role if we thought the candidate was generally OK. So the fact that you had 2 different interviews is good. Maybe there just were better candidates for this job. Keep applying for jobs, with this employer and others, while trying to expand your skill set and achievements in your current job. And keep looking, you will find the right job for you soon.

Keep going OP. You only need one new job so keep applying.

Don't take it personally, they may have a large number of applicants. I know a person who sometimes has to recruit and says that there are sometimes honestly several people who could all do the job excellently and they just have to choose by flipping a coin. Very disappointing for those who didn't get offered the job but it's not a rejection.

It sounds like you have great potential, and the company obviously saw that to have offered you interviews, etc.
Whilst I was applying for jobs most recently (was made redundant due to Covid), I applied and got interviews with several companies where I thought it had all gone really well, and had excellent feedback - but it took me a while to land one.
I would look for similar opportunities elsewhere, but keep trying at that company if the right opportunities come up.
As PP said, you only need one job - it’s tricky but try and keep your chin up and keep going 💐