Unfortunately this is a market where if they want a person with one green eye and one purple one they can probably find them. So while you may actually be giving good interviews and impressing the other companies, they may simply be finding more seasoned candidates willing to work for less-seasoned wages.

Not to say you won’t find a new job – especially since you’ve been getting great responses – but it may take a while to hit the right combo of chemistry and fit. A good job match can take many months to find. My best advice is to keep going if that’s what you want – but maybe think ahead why you want this new job — “work remotely and travel intensely” may sound a little like someone who doesn’t want to be in the workplace and will be bored easily, especially since some consulting jobs can last years. I’ve worked with (and managed) IT implementation consultants who almost made a home at our company. There might be a different way to phrase your answer related to challenge and subject matter – or simply wanting to take on more responsibility. Or even better something special about the company that you found in your research or some unique thing about the new job itself that you especially connect to.

Speaking of taking on more responsibility…just a reminder to make sure you’ve exhausted the opportunities where you are now. Always good to think about how you can make things happen for yourself where you are. Coming up with new ways to improve processes or keeping your ear to the ground (and internal networking) can sometimes tell you about opportunities that might get your juices flowing again.

Please be patient. And remember an interview is always about them…and about how you are perfect for them. Best of luck!

I’m currently employed, but looking for a better, high paying postion. I’m 28, training manager and this was for an implementation consultant position. This company is larger and pay is more significant, as well as a remote position. The industry is the same, and sometimes the company I am currently employed with competes directly with the company I applied for (maybe 10-20% of the time). I’m have not signed a “non-compete” clause so I can go anywhere. In some on my answers I was rather vague as to not give away current policies and procedures from my current job or inform them of any clients. Other than my lack of experience they want (7-10) I only have 3 years in the field, and another 2 in a field complimentary the position I lack the years experience they want. I have met all the job skills, and education requirements. This is the 2nd time this has happened to me. Only thing I can think of is actual years worked, or they are actually looking for things they didn’t put on the job description. I feel I interview well, and obviously my resume is effective (I have only sent it out to 3 and got 2 interviews). I have overstated in my resume, or inflated my qualifications. I don’t know why I can’t close the deal.

What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. I hope you will believe me when I tell you lots of talented people don’t interview well. I used to hire people, and I too gave coaching either during or after the interview. You were very lucky to get such thorough and useful feedback.

But here’s some more…and please be prepared to be complimented: no one hires a person just out of pity. They have to be good, too. So please don’t go to that place where you think you aren’t good enough. Something about you – I even feel it in your words – is very special. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have given you the first or second position.

Sadly, I’ve seen a lot of people who interview well and are not so good at their job. Since you have the first part, now we just need to beef up the second. There is an old joke about a person visiting New York City who asks how to get to the famous place of great music called Carnegie Hall. The response is “Practice. Practice. Practice.”

I give you that same advice for interviews. Practice with friends, in a mirror and even on video if you can. The main thing is to just listen and be there in the moment, answering questions and showing full interest and enthusiasm. Just be yourself..even if there are a little nerves, connecting with the interviewer while being fully present and engaged is what really matters. And make sure you point out whenever possible where your skills match the new job.

And before you do any of that, I want you to try a reframe. Go back through your life – work and otherwise – and write down everything you ever did well, every person you helped, every project you got complimented on, every problem you solved even if no one knew…and really see the glass is half full part, ok? After so much negative feedback, job seekers start to forget. This is a great way to be reminded.

Best of luck with your career! And thank you again for sharing some important things that will help others. (Please add that to your list. )

I had been out of work for approximately 2 years and had over 40 interviews and filled out 100′s of online applications; it was a living hell and I was thoroughly depress. Over time, I did lose self-esteem and was very discouraged and started doing poorly in interviews because I was not sure of my answers and was very nervous. Fortunately, an old employer hired be back after 10 years; I was very gracious, but only felt it was a favor. I wish someone had hired me because they wanted me for my experience, education, or saw me as being a good fit for their firm. But, it never happened. I used to interview very well when I was in my 20′s and 30′s; (in my 40′s now), but over time, I lost the ability to sell myself. I recently interviewed for an in-house position at my current job, but was not offered the position. I didn’t want to ask for feedback. However, the position reopened and the position was offered to me. I had to ask why. I was told that they really wanted me for the position the first time, but I did not interview well, therefore, they had to offer it to the person who interviewed superiorly. I felt so rejected and judged, but I understood.

This gave me the opportunity to get detailed feedback about my interview. We talked about approximately one hour. I was told that l lacked enthusiasm and interest; I shrugged after giving a vague answer, and did not elaborate on why I wanted the position. To hear these things was harsh to the ego, but I was glad to get the feedback. This also gave me the opportunity to explain to them on what I went through for 2 years and possibly why I displayed that type of behavior during the interview. Luckily, they understood.

Unfortunately, most people won’t get this opportunity. They even offered to do mock interviews with me and suggested I look at videos and online information to enhance my chances of being my old self again when interviewing. I am not that 20-something year old kid, who was once sharp as a whistle, but I will try my best to get my spunk back, but it’s very hard. I am still mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. And at times, it shows, even in interviews.

I read some your suggestions. I will try to eat healthier, and maybe exercise or move around a bit before an interview.

I’m not sure I understand your question. Telling a candidate they will get in touch with them simply mean that they will let the candidate know one way or another. It’s simply something many interviewers say, but doesn’t tell whether or not you are at the top of their list. It just means they are telling you nothing except that when they decide, they’ll let you know.

But of course, i hope the next time you hear from them it’s good news. Best of luck!

Nice to get a visitor from Dubai. There are a lot of articles on this site about how to deal with interview nerves and tips for giving a good interview. You can find some of the articles here: Career Topics

Another key is making sure that you’re finding jobs that match your strengths. You can increase your chances by matching your resume and cover letter to each job using your real experience but making sure to word it and emphasize it so that the match is obvious – this way you are already a candidate with a better chance of fitting in.

I wish you much luck!

The Single Most Important Thing in Any Job Interview

Please also read some of the other articles on this blog and others about how to get the offer. You’ll find some here. Sometimes it’s just the right fit and takes time, but you may find one or two tips that bring it home.

Best of luck!