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Original poster

Feel deflated after 5 rejections

26 replies

Lifesingflowers · 22/12/2023 19:01

I am in a bad situation, left abusive relationship, and now being evicted as I thought he was making payments to find out he wasn't.i haven't worked since 5 years, had two kids in that time. Now I'm trying to find work but haven't been lucky. I had 5 interviews this week but been rejected by them all. I am having mixed feedback but they are saying that I have got experience but lacking in the interview. I am wondering that there was AI or any app I could practice interview on. I feel like such a failure right now. Any help or advice will be helpful

OP posts:

Pinko1 · 22/12/2023 19:17

@Lifesingflowers it's practice really. You need to write/plan your answers and memorise it. My ex had been out of work for about 4 years and when we met, he was absolutely hopeless in interviews (if he ever got any). We just practiced and practiced over and over again and eventually it worked and he got back on his feet again.

Original poster

Lifesingflowers · 22/12/2023 20:06

I am researching and practicing and yet it's not enough. I need help but I don't know how to do it though 😕

OP posts:

eurochick · 22/12/2023 22:05

5 rejections is nothing. Don't feel downhearted.

If you give examples of the industry and types of questions you are getting in interviews, the MN hive mind can probably help with some outline answers.

randomusername2020 · 22/12/2023 22:09

This reply has been withdrawn

Removed at poster's request due to privacy concerns.

Awayday16 · 22/12/2023 22:43

I'd also suggest a recruitment agency. Most will be incredibly supportive and will go through practice interviews with you. As they know the background of the companies, they will most likely give you advanced warning of the questions you will be asked. Temping is a good option, you can try out various roles to see which is a good fit for you. What type of job are you looking for?

CyberCritical · 22/12/2023 22:55

Chat gpt will give you a list interview questions if you tell it to.

Just write a prompt something like:

'You are interviewing me for a call centre customer service role in a major insurance agency call centre, provide me a list of the interview questions'.

LameBorzoi · 22/12/2023 22:57

Also, remember that they might be interviewing many, many people for a single position. Five rejections is nothing!

LadyLapsang · 22/12/2023 23:18

I suggest, Why you? Book or audible by James Reed. Also practice, practice, practice. I worked out I had less than 2% chance of my last promotion based on my age / sex. I still applied and succeeded. Hope things improve for you soon.

Ipadannie · 22/12/2023 23:19

Have a wee look here - www.myworldofwork.co.uk/getting-a-job/interview-with-confidence

MumDaisy1980 · 23/12/2023 00:05

apart from the great suggestions from other posters, I suggest you do interview with yourself in the mirror or video yourself. Literally interview yourself with the eye of interviewer. Can start with 3 question then cover up to one hour of questions. It’s awkward to start with but you can correct yourself , maybe talk too fast, came across too nervous or answer sounded nothing special (compare to your competitor candidates).

the only way to get a job is keep trying!! Keep it up!!

Starseeking · 23/12/2023 03:53

You are doing really well to have got to the interview stage on 5 occasions; many people don't get past the CV/application sift.

It sounds like you just need to work on your interview technique; STAR is always really good. If you practice putting together enough examples using STAR, you should be able to adapt to answer any question that comes your way in an interview.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 23/12/2023 08:10

CyberCritical · 22/12/2023 22:55

Chat gpt will give you a list interview questions if you tell it to.

Just write a prompt something like:

'You are interviewing me for a call centre customer service role in a major insurance agency call centre, provide me a list of the interview questions'.

And model answers

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 23/12/2023 08:12

Ps you are doing so well you should be proud to be out of that relationship it might take time to find your confidence again but you're doing all the right things/ call shelter for advice about housing and check which benefits you're entitled to xx

Talapia · 23/12/2023 08:12

Great advice here !

Do you think you come across as lacking confidence in yourself ?

Remember you are wise and wonderful.

Good luck

Delpf · 23/12/2023 08:41

Well done on getting so many interviews! You've obviously got a lot to offer employers.

Agree with pp - it's just practice (and some luck re other candidates). After each interview write down what questions you were asked and then relentlessly practice your answers so that you'll be better prepared for the next one.

Original poster

Lifesingflowers · 23/12/2023 12:38

Hey thank you for your responses its really means alot. I am taking everything you suggested on board and have started going through questions via chat gpt. I am going to spend the week practicing. I do feel I'm lacking confidence, my ex absolutely destroyed my confidence and I have five years gap due to having kids

I am looking for administrative roles, anything really so I can stay on my two feet. I wish I could apply for higher pay roles but really don't know if I have the experience for it.

OP posts:

emmylousings · 23/12/2023 13:06

Bear in mind, often jobs are advertised when internally they already have someone lined up..you never know these things and always assume it's a failure on your part. It's tough. Also agree, chat gtp can be useful, it will give you good for ideas on stuff to put in cover letters.

RingingInMyEars · 23/12/2023 13:08

Job market is really tough at the moment. My son is looking for a role and has applied to loads and loads of roles and most of the time not even got a response.

Think of it as a numbers game. The more you apply, the better you get at interviews and the better chance you have of getting a job you want.

I know how disheartening it is so be kind to yourself!

Newgirls · 23/12/2023 13:11

Maybe you need an hour with a life coach or a counsellor just to vent and try and boost that confidence? You are clearly doing something very right to get all those interviews and maybe you just need someone to remind you of that and help you reset your thinking. A gap like that is so normal these days. Don’t even think of that as an issue.

Chilicabbage · 23/12/2023 13:11

You are doing really well getting the interviews OP! That's really good!!! So obviously you are good and worthy otherwise you wouldn't even get the invites. Work on the interview plans as pps mentioned. Good advice there. Something will come.
Do you have someone who can be blunt in feedback and do a dry run with you? It really helps, but only if the person will be truthful, not "amazing!" when it's not.

RaininSummer · 23/12/2023 13:21

If you have a universal credit work coach, they can do mock interviews with you.

Awayday16 · 23/12/2023 13:44

Sorry, I forgot to say how well you've done in getting to the interview stage! As I mentioned earlier, have a chat with some local recruitment agencies. Office Angels and Pertemps have branches everywhere and both are very good for temp and permanent positions. 2024 will be your year xxx

LadyLapsang · 23/12/2023 13:55

If you are unemployed or on a zero hours contract have a look at Smart Works, they do interview coaching as well as helping with an outfit. They were the charity Meghan Markle supported. Also Thresholds are good but you may have to pay, but you could ask, they may find a way to help.

Guttedme · 23/12/2023 16:25

Are they asking you where else you are interviewing? that was my experience I had during a telephone interview 4:30pm Thursday, by 5pm Friday I was rejected. As it was one of those wind up’s where someone isn’t in hr (but a sales person in hr resourcing) who speaks to you before your CV ends up in front of a ‘hiring manager’ so they just see it as a game.

Original poster

Lifesingflowers · 25/12/2023 21:04

No they didn't ask me . Can people give me suggestions to what fo wear of interview. I have been wearing dresses with blazer, but maybe it's not professional enough

OP posts:

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