Lousy interview today, followed by coming home to a rejection letter from an interview from last

[Pushed To The Left]

week. :( Not exactly my best day! I could tell during today's interview that I was being rejected yet again. When I called my dad to tell him about my interview, he asked how I could tell that I was being rejected. I responded that I have a lot of experience at being rejected in job interviews and in the other parts of my life as well! The job today would have been absolutely perfect for me, too. Well, the good thing is that I still have a job that I've held for 8 years, even though I still can't afford to live on my own in California, which puts me in "loser" status in the eyes of many people.

[XemaSab]

1. Hey babe

Nobody can afford to live in California... :P

Sorry to hear that your interview didn't go well.

Maybe the next one. :pals:

[Pushed To The Left]

10. Thanks!

:pals: I think what I make now would be fine for rent in other states, but not quite enough out here. The inteview last week didn't really seem to be in my area of expertise, but this one was exactly what I was looking for. Most of the calls from employers that I've received have really surprised me because they weren't the ones that I had applied for. They discovered the resume that I posted on Monster. I've had 2 interviews in 2 weeks, so I imagine I'll be getting more calls.

[SeattleGirl]

2. Did the letter say why you were not chosen?

I'm wondering because if it didn't, it would be a good idea to call and (politely) ask. The reason I suggest this is because you may learn something from it. Something that could help you do better in the future. Edited to add: It may just be because you were missing something in the experience area that they were looking for. I was turned down for a job I really wanted, being a family court liason, because at the time I didn't have quite enough experience with the court system. They really liked me, though, and had the person they hired NOT interviewed, they would have chosen me, because they liked the other experience I had. So it was nothing personal (ie, I'm a loser), but just a lack in an area they thought, rightfully, was important.

Another suggestion: Try to change your mindset. I know, easier said than done, but I'm telling you this from the perspective of someone who has interviewed many people for jobs. I never had the expectation that someone would be "perfect" in their interview, but I could tell if they walked in the door expecting to be rejected. It does show, even if you aren't aware of it.

You might try calling or getting online with your local unemployment office, to see if they offer any free interviewing skills classes. Interviewing is, for most people, difficult, and it never hurts to get some tips on how to make yourself come across even better.

One thing you DO have in your favor is that you are currently employed, so you probably aren't dragging in any "desperation vibes" with you.

Best to you, PTTL!

[Pushed To The Left]

14. Thanks! The reason in the letter was: "While impressed with your credentials,

there are other candidates whose specific qualifications are more closely suited to our current needs." I was actually surprised to receive a letter from them. I think I would have been a much better candidate for the job that I interviewed for today than for that job. I started out both interviews feeling fairly relaxed and confident, and at the end of both of them I ended up feeling pretty badly about my chances based on what I was sensing from the interviewers.

I read a book called "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pefect Interview" about 9 years ago. I'm not sure if I still have it, but I remember that it seemed to have some good advice.

[SeattleGirl]

21. See if you can find the book; sounds like it helped you a lot.

And I'm glad they told you why. Perhaps you could still call them and ask for more specifics, if you are so inclined, such as what specific qualifications would have made you a better candidate.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear Pushed To The Left.......

That just sucks.......I am so sorry.......:hug:

And as far as I'm concerned......You are no loser......

The folks who are not hiring you are.....


:pals:

[Pushed To The Left]

11. Thanks CaliforniaPeggy!

:hug: I have a feeling things will eventually improve, but it really hit me hard today for some reason. I was really down after the interview today because I didn't even get to talk to the CEO who was supposed to interview me. Instead, I talked to a younger man who did the interview. He left to get his boss (probably the CEO) who was going to finish the interview, and then came back to say he "couldn't find his boss" but that he would forward my resume to HR.

[KitchenWitch]

4. After having lived in Minnesota for so long

The cost of living out here amazed me. I am still kind of stunned by it.

:hug:

[Pushed To The Left]

16. I think I could probably afford rent in many other states

with what I make now, but not in California. Thanks! :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

25. Brenda?? Is that you??

:rofl:

I kid...

I was hooked on 90210 for ever so long.

:loveya:

[flvegan]

5. What's your "status" in your eyes?

You're out there trying, carrying your weight, right?

I think that if you look it up, that's the opposite of "loser"

Oh, and those "eyes of many people" are blind. Eyes, blinded by judgement don't see anything because the images are drawn before reality is captured.

[Pushed To The Left]

13. Thanks! I'm definitely trying

What sometimes gets to me is when entire hours of talk shows or talk radio shows are dedicated to bashing and ridiculing people my age who live at home. The hosts and callers are just downright hateful during those hours. I really like your last paragraph. I think it describes those hosts, callers, and others who think that way perfectly!

[Breeze54]

6. I admire you for your strength and perseverence!

And you still have a job!! How smart is that!?! VERY!! :woohoo:

At least you have what it takes (courage) to put yourself out there and keep on trying!!

It isn't you. It's the economy.

"The only person who fails; is the person who never tries."

Keep up the good work and you'll make a break through! ;)

Maybe try sending resume's out of state? :shrug:

[Pushed To The Left]

18. Thanks for the kind words!

I've thought about sending some resumes out of state. My sister's husband recommended sending a resume to Google, whose office is located in Michigan. (Rent is MUCH cheaper out there!)

[grannylib]

7. I'm sorry to hear you had a disappointing day. I have received 5 of the

rejection letters myself over the last few months (I am being blacklisted by my boss, a vindictive little witch with an ego the size of upstate New York)

I am reading a really good book right now by Marcus Buckingham, called "Now, Discover Your Strengths." It's a follow up to "First, Break All the Rules."

It's given me some really good tips (on which I am acting now) to create my own damn future :-)

Best of luck to you - focus your energy on the positive, and that which makes you passionate and excited!

[Pushed To The Left]

20. Thanks, grannylib!

These have been my first two interviews since I got my degree, and they were only a week apart, so I have a feeling there will be more on the way.

[grannylib]

28. Oh, wow, you are really just getting started - no place to go but UP!

Best of luck and keep us posted! We'll be thinking of you! :-)

[SoCalDemGrrl]

8. I'll bet that job would not have turned out as perfect as you thought, so

keep a positive attitude. You sound like a great candidate. Sometimes although
we don't know it at the time things happen which when you look back, you realize
it wasn't the best opportunity for you. There's something better for you right
around the corner.

I know it, I feel it.

And, by the way most people under the age of 35 in California are having a very difficult
time living on their own. The cost of living here in Los Angeles has skyrocketed and apartment
rents are ridiculous. My son and his roommate pay $1700 a month for a 2 bedroom apt. in an older building
the landlord raises the rent every year. So save your money and when the real estate boom goes bust
maybe you'll be able to buy a small place and have the last laugh!!

[Pushed To The Left]

22. Thanks for the kind words!

I found out during my precinct walks in 2005 and 2006 that there are a lot more people than I thought who are over 30 and live at home. Rent is absolutely ridiculous out here! These were my first two interviews since getting my degree, so I have a feeling I will have other opportunities soon.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

27. Your're very welcome. My son moved back home after getting his degree

and had to stay for two years before he could afford to rent a place.
It's happening more and more as the cost of living in L.A. has gone
through the roof.

I wish you good luck on your job search. You sound like
a very nice person, so I'm sure you'll end up with something
GREAT!!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

9. I'm really sorry. I've been there.

Hugz to ya.

It's taking me a long time to get rid of those inner voices that call me a loser because I don't have a job, but many talents, degrees and skills. All that college & grad school that was wasted-as far as job advantages concerned. It was great for expanding my mind and making me think more deeply.

My parents and grandparents never could understand why I couldn't find a job after college and after grad school, because they grew up in the depression. They kept saying "Well, there's plenty of jobs in the paper." They never got it, the way the middle class has been destroyed relentlessly since Ronnie Reagan. This includes the Clinton years.

So now I'm calling it "early retirement".


Hugz to ya.

[Breeze54]

17. You're not a loser!

You have a grad School degree?? Right on!!

Have you thought about teaching? :shrug:

A lot of us have parents that grew up in the depression.

Hell; I lived it during the Raygun years!

Hope things go your way soon! ;)

[Pushed To The Left]

19. Hugs to you too, PerraGrande!

:hug: A lot of people don't understand how tough it can be to find work, and how tough it is to find work that pays enough to match the cost of living.

[leftofthedial]

12. I'm unemployed

two years on May 2

I haven't even gotten an interview in nearly 1000 resumes and cover letters sent out.

[Breeze54]

15. Hugs to you!

Have you looked outside your community?

[Pushed To The Left]

23. I'm sorry you're going through that

:pals: What line of work are you in?

[izzybeans]

24. I feel your pain. I am going through the same thing at the moment.

I've got until August to find a job.

[raccoon]

26. Sorry that happened to you. BTDT.

"even though I still can't afford to live on my own in California, which puts me in "loser" status in the eyes of many people."

No, you're NOT a loser. The cost of housing in many places is just too damn high.

[Pushed To The Left]

32. Thanks, raccoon!

This afternoon, I finally heard a talk show host bring up the topic of adults living at home without bashing them! He said that it was a result of the economy and the cost of living. The host was local KTLK host Johnny Wendell! He was already one of my favorites, but I like him even more now!

[wildhorses]

29. --

:hug:

[Pushed To The Left]

31. Thanks, wildhorses!

:hug:

[Lisa]

30. sorry to hear that ...

I'm just dealing with a rejection from an interview which several people swore I was a "shoo-in" for. The person I usually gripe to about these kinds of things is even more bummed out about her own bad interview experience last week, so I can't go running to her!

My current job situation is actually rather bizarre -- I'd actually been dumped a couple of years ago because someone my employers wanted to hire had made it conditional that his wife also get a job here. The only one she was qualified for was mine, though she had less experience -- and rather than have her run any risk of losing to me in an open competition, they suspended the normal interview process altogether! A few months ago, the couple had an acrimonious divorce, and they asked me to step in again on very short notice when she left town. Any gratitude I might have received for rescuing the project has been overwhelmed by the embarrassment that they made a poor call, the first time (I didn't know about this until one of the higher-ups let slip about what had been said in the last meeting).

So -- if you suspect that you might have had better qualifications than the person they did hire, you might indeed be correct ... and it's not out of the realm of possibility that you might get a second go at this. If it's any consolation, I'm not raking in the big bucks either (which raises eyebrows from some who feel that I should be earning more, given my academic record). There are a lot of us out here.