Another failed interview and I’m devastated

[LoisLaneKent]

im early 30s, 6 months ago I was let go the day after returning from compassionate leave for a funeral. Soon after my partner left me. Then another relative died. Just been awful.

I’ve always performed well at interview but this time has numerous final interviews and not got the job. I really really wanted this one - they said I did very well at STAR and 2/3 areas of the presentation. They’d be happy to recruit me in future for another type of role.

I had 6 months of savings but in a month or so that’ll be gone and I’ll have to ask my parents for a loan which makes me feel mortified. I’ve gone from having a great life, job and partner to no life at all. I feel completely drained and gave everything to that last interview.

If you haven’t done so, thank the last interviewer, ansk if they will hold you on panel, and let them know you are available for short term projects in the meantime. Can you do a free or low cost qualification eg PRINCE to add to your skill set?

Hi OP, I know it’s not the same as project management, but Personal Assistant and Executive Assistant roles would be a good side step. I’m a University PA and can offer further advice if required.

The job market is really tough at the moment, particularly in certain roles. project managers are flooded in the market right now, and I know dozens who have been out of work for a while, and we've had hundreds of applications for any roles.
but with that knowledge- you have had interviews which is really promising as many I know haven't even got that far.
I've just managed to get a new role which is very specialised but I was panicking as my contract was ending in a few weeks. What has worked has been networking hard. You mention your previous manager championed you - reach out to them. Reach out to old clients too - you'll be out od any contractual terms by now. Possibly set up a website for freelancing account and project management - there are hundreds of online entrepreneurs always looking for good freelancers.
undertake some free learning - all the project and collab software like asana, ClickUp, trello and Monday offer free intensive training and you can apply to be a verified consultant once trained - that has actually got me a role before as the company had just bought one of those tools so the fact I knew how to implement it was the bit that clinched the offer over another candidate.

Make sure you claim all the benefits you can. You paid into the system so that when you fall on hard times the system supports you as you rise again. Speak to your parents now so it’s not a shock. Good luck

The only way is up. You will look back at this time and marvel at how strong and resilient you were despite not feeling it.
The right job for you is around the corner and like someone else said, sometimes they already have a candidate in mind for positions, so don't be disheartened.
Keep going 💪🏻

Gosh that is so hard. You are doing everything right. I think you can feel proud of how you are getting through this. No advice to add but very much hope things will fall into place for you soon.

I recommend getting a good recruiter onboard looking for a job for you. Get some help with your linked in profile and CV.

ChatGPT is your friend here. Do two versions of your CV, one for account manager and one for project manager. Put your current CV in and along with a few job descriptions of each role and keep refining the output until you have two really good versions. Then get it to review your linkedin profile.

Don't whatever you do use raw chatgpt content, use it to bounce ideas off and highlight gaps. Ask it is this CV suitable for this job role and where is it lacking- you then know the gaps to fill.

Good luck

I would add to this that a lot of organisations have the ability to check if a cv is AI generated.

Make sure you put personalise it in your own writing

NHS have almost a recruitment freeze at the moment, and lots of cuts and redundancies being made.

I completely understand you are feeling devastated to miss out on another job. And obviously the financial side of things is causing you a massive concern. But try and remember you are doing fantastically well! You are getting interviews and really good feedback. Obviously you come across well. It's hard not to take it personally, but you don't know who they took on or why. There are likely to be very small margins in it - eg the other person has specific industry experience or maybe has experience using certain programs etc. Or sometimes they are planning to take on an internal candidate and are really just going through the motions of interviewing.

I agree with the person saying to try and do some free training if you can.

Also, don't give up on recruiters. Sounds like the recruiter was a bit shit in your case and trying to shoehorn you into a job they were desperate to fill. Try and look for a specialist agency that deal with your level and role. Or if you have a lot of experience in a certain industry, try specialist in that. If you are put forward to an interview for a role you are too experienced for, be ready to explain why you want that role eg for certain experience etc. The client is concerned that you are there because you are desperate and as a stop gap. Prove otherwise.

Good luck! It is brutal, but you are doing amazingly. I'm sure the right opportunity will come along soon.