Anonymous writes:
I have been on two separate job interviews, and still have not landed a job. I dress for success, project a happy attitude, and show up for the interview on time. I research the company I am interviewing for, have a pleasing personality, and I am enthusiastic about joining their company. My question is this: What am I doing wrong? My resume is good enough; otherwise I would not be called in for an interview. I think the fact that I do not have as much experience as someone else is a factor. But how am I supposed to get ANY experience if no one will give me a chance? It seems like the companies like something about my resume that I submit, but when it comes to the hiring part, I get burned.
The Career Doctor responds:
It’s important for job-seekers to do the kind of self-analysis you have done, because if something is not working, you need to fix it.
I agree with you that your cover letters and resumes must be pretty good — good enough to get you two interviews, but how many positions have you applied to? Even though they seem to be working for you, I would review them as part of the process. Make sure your resume clearly identifies your accomplishments, skills, and education/training.
And while you say you are doing all the right things in the interview, the results — though only a sample of two — say something different. It could be that in these two situations, you were just not the person they were looking for, but it could also be that you are doing something wrong in the interview.
So, here are your choices. If you felt as though you had good rapport with one of the recent interviews, I would contact that person and ask if they would mind giving you a critique of your performance in the interview. If that option is a bit too unnerving for you, then consider conducting a mock interview with a career professional — perhaps from your alma mater — and asking that person to critique your interviewing style.
If you are struggling with interviews, or getting interviews but not job offers, then you should review the many interviewing tools provided in this section of Quintessential Careers: Guide to Job Interviewing Resources.
