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I have purchased the interiew series and the resume assistance and I get called for interviews. I am just not getting job offers.  Not sure what is holding me back.  I am dressing right, shaking hands, speaking with confidence, and smiling. I am trying to stay within my company and applying for different positions and different opportunities. I was told that some times people know who they want to hire ahead of time. I do not know what to change up to get that offer.  Any ideas?

gehrhorn's picture
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1. Are you closing?
2. Are you sure you are a good candidate for the jobs being offered? What gaps do you notice when analyzing the requirements against your current skills?
3. What does your boss say about development? Is your boss aware of your search?
4. How's your internal network? Do you work on anything cross-functional? Are there opportunities to build more relationships and better relationships?

Sometimes people do know who they want to hire. Not a lot you can do about that other than become one of those people in advance.

ashdenver's picture

If you work for a fairly large organization (from the sounds of what you've described with interviews, different positions, different opportunities, I suspect you may), there may be part of what you said: there's a preferred candidate already in mind when the listing is posted and additional interviews are necessary for the completion of their hiring process. 

That said, interviewing is always a horse race. If you have your blinders on, you don't see the other horses against whom you're competing and you may not even know how close to first place you're coming on each interview. You could race the exact same - speed, timing, etc. - at each interview and in any given race, you might be second, fourteenth or first.  Your performance is unwavering and steady - it just depends on who else is on the race track for that particular race or job opportunity. So to that end, I say keep trying and stay professional.  Don't take it personally, don't get discouraged, put your blinders on and do your best - always.

One thing to be cautious about is: focus your search and applications. If you're applying for Chief Widget Engineer, then Technical Recruiter, then Sparkplug Manager, you're displaying a scattershot approach to your job search because none of those things are directly progressive.  If you're applying to Division A, then Division B, then Division C, where does your true passion lie? Do you really know what "you want to do when you grow up?"  The wider the search/applications, the less seriously most recruiters and/or hiring managers will take your interest in their open position. You don't really seem to know what you want and they want someone who is fully dedicated to the Division, the team, the job.

Keep at it and stay professional.

Sibshops's picture

I've discovered that the best feedback for what to do and not to do comes in the split second to 2 seconds right after you say something in the interview.

To give some examples:

I mentioned to a HR lady that I have some kids and would like to work closer to home. She wrinkled her brow and wrote something down. She didn't write anything else down during the interview. I know not to use that as a reason for the next interview.

Another time, a manager asked me why are you looking to leave your current company. I said something negative and noticed him cross his arms and ask another probing question. Whoops, I won't do that again either.

Of course, this means that you'll have to have your significant accomplishment answers down cold. If you are thinking about your answers, you won't be able to notice the subtle clues that the interviewer is giving.

Good luck.

productivemarketer's picture

Just curious, do you have any clues about how you and your team are perceived among peers and supervisors outside your immediate circle? As referenced above, building your internal network is key. I also wonder about your supervisor's reputation for handling transfers and developing his/her team, as you would be collaterally affected by those judgments.