Why didn't I get an interview? *rant*

[rainonme0303]

Obviously, I don't expect anyone to know, but I'd like to rant!

I've not had a great year work wise - I was made redundant, and since then I've been in a job I really don't enjoy. Prior to the redundancy, I was already looking out for a specific job - at a place I would love to work. I've checked their vacancy site several times a week for about two years, and finally a job came up!

I was elated! I thought "this is it, this is my time!" The money wasn't great (actually less than I get now), but I knew I met and exceeded every category on the job description. I spend hours writing my 500 word answers to the three questions, making sure they're as good as can be, and when I was happy I pressed submit, confident my passion and enthusiasm would shine through.

Four weeks passed and nothing, until today. Today I received the dreaded email "we will not be progressing you application further."

I feel so disappointed, as if I just can't catch a break. I know I may sound big headed, but I just can't understand why I didn't even get an interview, considering my experience and skills met their criteria. In the past I've not had a problem getting interviews - it's getting the job itself that's the problem - so I feel down I didn't even get an interview for my dream job. I'm trying to tell myself maybe they hired internally, or the position was withdrawn for some reason, rather than accept maybe I'm just shit.

Can I apply for positions at this company again in future, or is that a bad idea?

Sorry that you didn't get an interview. As far as I understand you can apply to the same company again unless the ad states "previous applicants need not apply".

Is your grammar or writing style poor? Was it competency based?

I was applying for jobs that required GCSE Maths and English. I’ve got post graduate qualifications so assumed that would trump the GCSEs. Discovered, not. I wasn’t getting through selection because I didn’t meet the required category. 😬 Made sure they went in this time and, indeed got the interview. Picky but then, now also meet the attention to detail part too 😇

If it’s rare a vacancy comes up, it may have been an internal promotion. It’s obviously a great place to work. Of course you must for other jobs there, you’ll get an interview eventually.

Maybe you were over qualified OP. You say you exceeded the requirements in every category.

Perhaps you should apply for jobs one level up from your recent applications. I’m sure you’ll be great!

You can always call them and ask for feedback on your application. I’ve done that before and it was helpful.

Are you sure you answered the questions asked? This is the prime reason why people are unsuccessful applying to my organisation. For example, "Demonstrate how you provide excellent customer service". Now, the vast majority of people go on to list what they consider excellent customer service to be but this isn't what we asked. What we want to know is how you have demonstrated this, so give me some specific examples.

The other thing could be that if you've waited two years for a vacancy then chances are so have hundreds of other people too. It's not unusual to get over a thousand applications for one job so to get an interview you really have to be spot-on with your application. It could well be that others have even better experience and skills than you have, hard as that is to accept.

I know EXACTLY how demoralising it is to be rejected but what I would say is keep plugging away at it. It took me several years to get an entry level job in my sector (and on paper I was a shoe-in) but once in I've progressed well. Other jobs will come up, try to keep positive. You are not shit, just fishing in a super-competitive pond.

And, yes, apply to the same company again. It shows resilience! Good luck!

I hate spending a couple of hours on a job application application and then...rejected. Ugh!

It sounds you put all your eggs in one basket, pinning too much hope on one vacancy. Always spread your risk across a range of applications so you don't come across as trying too hard. Remember you have great skills so you're a fine catch for whichever company is smart enough to pick you.

Never feel that you're the lucky one. Companies are crying out for good candidates. If they don't select you, then maybe they just don't see enough of who you are from the application, so keep trying but shuffle things around, shape your CV differently and try thinking of different things to say, to hit the target.

Definitely keep trying, it's a numbers game it really is!

It sounds like, that should say.

It is not uncommon for companies to already have a candidate in mind when they publicize a position. Sometimes they have to cover themselves legally and show they looked at other candidates.

My point is, don't take it personally. There could be loads of reasons why they didn't follow up that are nothing to do with you.

Indeed highly likely they had a candidate in mind. That's the problem with having to advertise, it gives hope and commitment to an application when candidates have no chance. Sadly it's part of the game. Tell yourself that if it wasn't for the rules, you'd never have seen it in the first place.

Also if indeed you never had a chance for this one, it remains a possibity that they were impressed by your application and would another job come up, they could contact you encouraging you to apply.

My current job was just as people have said above advertised but never open for other candidates. I had accepted the job and been sent the contract before it was advertised or I was formally interviewed, I was contacted with a 'this job is yours, we have to advertise it but you will be the only shortlisted candidate'. I know that they had been keen to get me for a few years and then a mutually agreeable opportunity arose. Is there a way you can be in that position next time they need someone?

Asd, do you work in local government?

Wonder if it is worth asking them why?

Lapsang, that was an NHS administered contract. My better half has had similar contracts in industry, personally I have never understood the point of a formal applications process if you can headhunt an appropriate candidate and streamline the process.

I think sometimes a particular employer just doesn’t ‘get’ you from your application, or they might have a particular image in mind of who they want.

I think that recruitment is still a highly subjective process, despite competency based recruitment in many sectors.