Is it actually possible for me to get a new job?

[Higgle]

I'm feeling really sad and upset today. I've been in my present job for quite a few years and was approached by a recruitment consultant a few months back about a job. It turned out to be my dream job, with an organisation I know well and have wanted to work with for some time.

The interview went very well. I'd spent days doing my presentation and thinking up answers to any question (any question at all) that might come my way. The interview went really well, I was told I was front runner and might get an offer immediately and I didn't. Apparently another applicant gave better answers to two questions - one about a bit of legislation I know inside out and thought that I'd given more than enough detail ( they wanted the so basic it was obvious stuff included) and the other to a question I didn't really understand, where they presented a problem that I thought I dealt with but it seems I'd misunderstood. I feel really gutted, I could give a lecture on the two matter where I seem to have failed, I teach on one of the subjects. I know that whoever they appointed cannot have wanted the job more than me and probably isn't as well equipped for it. I'm kicking myself about it, I should just have asked for some clarification on the one question and have asked if they wanted the basic stuff too on the other.

How do well qualified applicants get jobs when there is this tick box system of interviewing? I've puts much into this one that I find it difficult to want to put myself through anything like this again..... but I do want a new job!

"I know that whoever they appointed cannot have wanted the job more than me and probably isn't as well equipped for it."

Well that's fairly arrogant

You need to think about what made you make those errors - did you answer the question they asked or did you answer the question you thought they should have asked? It's really common for people to have a pre-prepared spiel for certain topics/areas of questioning and then just blurt it out. Perhaps you didn't think carefully enough about their question?

Did you get any signs at all that you were going off on the wrong track? Having interviewed quite a bit, I think the body language is quite clear from people I'm interviewing with, when a candidate is going down the wrong path. Sometimes, you can even try to help someone, but if they doggedly continue, there's not much you can do.

"they wanted the so basic it was obvious stuff included"

Also, this. It's so basic that it's obvious, but if it's fundamental to the subject, any interviewer is going to want to be sure that you know it.

I can't see any reason why you'd think it isn't possible for you or "well-qualified applicants" generally to get a new job. You have identified the errors you made. Presumably the candidate who did get the job was well-qualified and experienced and didn't make those errors.

Could you have come across as overconfident and by not addressing the obvious seemed as if you lacked the essentials for the job.

You may have come across as a bit "rehearsed" rather than actually having an understanding of the topics. Im not saying you dont know them but possibly you didnt present that knowledge, rather a pre-prepared "what you thought they'd want to hear" answer.

I dont think there is a general problem with you being able to get a job, from what you say it just seems there was a candidate who interviewed better. It happens. There are other jobs, some people are better at different things, keep trying. It was only one job! It isnt representative of anything.

It was two questions. In relation to the one I'd rehearsed and researched teh marketing opportunities that the new legislation brought and when I went through the rest it seemed to me to be a rehash of the existing regulatory regime, so I didn't highlight any challenges (except in one area, where there was a change). The second question ( there were over 20 in all) was one where I simply misunderstood what was being asked, I think they were asking "what would you do if x happened" and I stumbled because I could see so many scenarios and wasn't sure which one they wanted, so I probably over generalised. The feedback was that they liked me, they thought my presentation was the best and my marketing skills great, but I'd just missed out on the points because of those two specific questions.

I was fairly confident ( but very nervous) because I ticked every single box on the job and person spec and I just admire and want to be part of the organisation concerned so much. I'll just dust myself down and try again.

I think you're being a bit hard on yourself.

People don't get the job for all sorts of reasons. You could very well have been the front runner in terms of knowledge and experience but your face didn't fit. I've interviewed people before and it's often easy to see who is going to fit in the team (and who isn't).

It's also not beyond the realms of possibility for a job to go to a candidate who is already known to the organisation. I've also worked places where they interview then decide that no one is suitable and they re-jig the work and totally change the job they are recruiting for.

Take whatever the agency said with a pinch of salt. They are sales people and will feedback whatever they they think will lessen the blow regardless of whether it is true or not.

If you want a new job then you're going to have to man up a bit and apply for a few more. You're a bit deluded if you think you're going to get the first job you apply for.

Thanks wobblebobblehat - I needed a good talking to !

If I don't get a job then I always console myself with the fact that I was pipped at the post. Sometimes it can be a very close decision between two people. I also remind myself that there is something better out there (because there normally is!).

Best of luck!

I feel the same. Just been rejected for a job under much the same circumstances after a four week process and soooo much work.

It is a tick box system - and I don't think it necessarily gives the best candidates. I had so many examples. I answered every question. I have every skill they need. I have the experience they need. They practically told me I had got the job.

I really need a job and it is just impossible. Sorry this sounds whiney and awful . It is just so raw at the moment and I am bitterly disappointed. professionally of course I am always positive and professional - this is just MN.

I currently work freelance and get work but it is hand to mouth and so uncertain but there seems to be some secret formula for people to get jobs. What is it???

It is very hard to dust yourself down and start again with applications. I do lots of interviewing myself in my present job and although we have points and tick boxes we only use them as a guide. I 'm trawling the ads again now. Next time I'll have two potential questions I know I can answer better
I'm only grateful I'm not an actor or model who has to cope with rejection on a day in day out basis on a far more personal basis.