Always second best

[PinkTeaForMe]

Hi everyone.
I have recently done two interviews for different jobs and both times have been pipped to the post by someone else. Each time the feedback has been that I interviewed extremely well and it was a close call but that the other person had more experience.

For context, I was a teacher for 16 years. I left during the pandemic and took my current job in mental health. I know I don't have lots of experience (only two years) but it is really starting to knock my confidence. DH says that I should take this as a positive because despite being new to MH I have been close both times. However, I do feel really deflated.

I know that people do dozens of interviews before securing a post and I should take this as a learning experience. Those that have changed careers, how soon before you felt confident to try to progress in your new line of work? Surely two years worth of experience is a good amount for a job that wasn't paying a massive amount more than my current role. What I am doing now is entry level and has been very valuable experience but I feel like I can offer so much more. If only they'd employ me...

Be patient. It's a really good sign that you are getting interviewed and it's a matter of time before your luck kicks in.
Keep interviewing, keep practising your techniques.

Thank you for replying and for your vote of confidence. I feel a bit better about it a week later, although it does concern me that hardly anything appropriate comes up. I really get my hopes up when there is an opportunity and then it's a big bump back to reality when I get another phone call to say no.