Didn't get the job :( - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Off Topic

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Didn't get the job :(

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Well, after all my interview outfit angst and then the post-interview panic, where I started to wonder whether I even wanted the job, I finally heard a couple of days ago that I didn't get it. They gave me some feedback but I'm waiting to hear from HR who can hopefully give me a few more details.

Still, it was good to have an interview for a change. The format was a little different from anything I've had before and I must have come across a bit strangely because two of the people who interviewed me asked me (separately) if I had been expecting different kinds of questions. So I guess that in the future I'd better change my approach!

So the wardrobe upgrades are going on the back burner, at least for now. But I'm still keeping an eye out for a good neutral blouse.

Off Topic

18 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

crutcher

Veteran

Sorry this one didn't work...However, you did learn and are ready to look for more in the future...The door closes...the window opens...Look up...

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sorry to hear you didn't get the job. Interviewing styles are changing worldwide, and it is good to get a chance to engage with the wide-ranging questions that are being asked these days. My DH has been in the same boat. Here's to hoping and looking for another opportunity just around the corner!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sorry it didn't work out, Mander. But it does sound as if you are going to get some valuable feedback, and that is useful.

Kristin L

Veteran

I'm sorry, Mander. But, it sounds like you got some great feedback for the next time.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I'm sorry Mander. I hope the HR will give you some constructive feedback that you can actually work with. Definitely insist on it. As for changing approach, definitely revisit the interview and if you have someone else to talk to, a friend who can be objective or does interviewing her/himself, I think it might help.

DonnaF

Veteran

So sorry about the job. But if you were wondering if you really wanted that one, maybe the outcome was for the best. Since you are getting feedback, it sounds as though the process wasn't a waste and that this was good practice for the job out there for which you would have no doubts.

viva

Veteran

DD is in the process of interviewing and we've been talking about how every interview is valuable, even if the job isn't right. I really believe you learn something about yourself in every one -- something that you can use in your next challenging encounter. Good for you for putting yourself out there, and I hope you'll find that nugget of wisdom to take forward with you.

kkards

Veteran

So sorry about the job. And I agree with viva, every interview is a chance to practice and improve. But I'm also wondering if maybe your university (if I remember correctly you finished an advance degree recently) has some interviewing skills workshops that you could take. This could/ would be helpful in getting neutral feedback, and also giving you insight into all kinds of interviews.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, it's always a little bit offensive when people don't recognise one's wonderfulness, talent, and skill. What can one say?

They sound like they had an interesting interviewing approach, tho. What did they do?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Agreeing with viva. It's all experience

Anonymous

That stinks Mander. How weird about the way they interviewed. I hope you find something you like even better.

Adelfa

Veteran

Sorry you didn't get it! When I was looking for a job in Los Angeles, I had several interviews before I got a job.

I would be interested to know what Beth Ann is referring to. I know that where I work, we have purchased an interviewing system that is supposedly based on empirical research. There are all these questions that you select from depending on what quality you're looking for in the applicant. I'm pretty glad they got this after I interviewed with them, because the questions seem designed to catch you off guard. Like more than the average interview question. It makes me wonder what it will look like when applicants and their advisors learn to game this kind of thing, just as everyone knows what to say to "Describe your biggest weakness."

jackiec

Veteran

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you this time.

Thistle

Veteran

I am sorry it didn't work out for you. Frustrating about the way the interview worked. I want to say at least it was practice, but that somehow feels like not enough. Disappointment stinks.

Alassë

Veteran

I'm sorry to hear that, Mander. Best wishes for future interviews.

unfrumped

Veteran

Sorry about the job. I do hope you take it in stride and say, Next!
It is really amazing what you can't ask in interviews today, so maybe that produces a backlash of weird questions, you know, if you were a flower, what kind would you be? Sheesh.

Eliza

Veteran

Sorry that this didn't work out for you. Usually when this has happened to me, eventually I wind up thinking that it was good that I didn't get it, as that is what allowed the "right" thing to happen. The problem is the in-between time, when you don't know what is coming next. Sending good thoughts your way.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I'm not even really sure why I came across as strange or unprepared in the interview. It didn't seem that bad when I was talking but two people asked me later if I was expecting something different, so clearly whatever I did wasn't what they thought I would do.

Apparently that style is called a "competency based interview" and they ask questions that are designed to get you to provide evidence of certain qualities. So, for instance, in my case they asked something about customer service (specifically telling a customer something they don't want to hear) and although I gave an example of when I successfully did this in the past, apparently I didn't give enough evidence of the various qualities they were specifically looking for.

But, oh well. It stung a little at first but then I just happened to get two freelance jobs a couple of days later so I had something else to do! And I applied for something else that is more in line with my actual field of study. We'll see how that one goes.