how many is too many?

[rainydaysahead]

I know this is "how long is a piece of string", but.... how many job application rejections would you take before you decided to leave your profession and try something else (with all the associated issues of changing careers)?

The job market is so tough OP and the interview treadmill is so hard and disheartening.

It depends how niche the job was and what transferring to something else looked like. I do think it’s easier to find a new job when you’ve got a job, as weird as that seems. If the niche job is your passion, are there other ways of satisfying it? If the job just has fewer roles each year and is in a declining trade, or if it’s a seasonal/cyclical thing, that might impact the decision too.

Are there other benefits / features of the job (remote working, perm vs contract, location, seniority level etc) you would be willing to compromise on?

It also depends how close to offer you’re getting. If you’re not invited to interview, is there something to improve on the cv? Not final round interview - improve interview technique. Final round but no offer - get concrete feedback and stay on good terms with HR around being considered for opportunities in the team.

More questions than answers (sorry) but hope it nudges your thinking and hope you find the right thing out there.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I have submitted many applications, and had a few interviews. I have a strong CV, but honestly, it feels like it is because I am not charismatic enough to charm the interview panel! My DS seems to be able to talk her way into any job. 😝So that is one of many reasons why I am tentative about changing careers ....

Sorry you’ve been having a tough time with it op. If you really think it is your interview technique why don’t you ask your DD to help you? Run through some practice interview questions and get some feedback? Or a friend from the industry, it could really help. My interview advice is to be open and friendly.

If you’re getting interviews then I wouldn’t give up. If your sister interviews well why not ask her to help coach you?

Interviews have a technique that can (and will) get better with practice.

Theres loads of info online around this and the interview frameworks usually followed (technical; competencies/behavioural; culture fit). Your DS or former colleagues etc might help too.

I don’t think interviews are about charisma - but they are about confidence. Each time you go in don’t think about the number or applications it took to get there, focus on the fact that you’ve been shortlisted for this one and it deserves your best shot.