Hellobee Boards

It's hard for any of us to know for sure since we aren't seeing you in action. Did you feel comfortable enough with any of your former interviewers that you could reach out to them and ask for some constructive feedback on why you weren't selected?

No real advice, but I have heard about a "magic question" on one of my working mom facebook groups: "Is there anything preventing you from hiring me for this position?" Worth a shot!

It forces them to think about it in the moment and allows you to address any issues that they come up with. It's also a memorable question that might make you stand out.

@macintosh: So frustrating. How are you (or are you) communicating that you live far away but want to relocate? I know non-local candidates always give us pause. Are you asking for the phone interview arrangement or are they offering it as the first step?

It really sucks, but the reality is probably that they're less likely to hire someone who needs to relocate. I know that with your personal situation it's really impossible for you to move before you've lined up another position. I'd try to work on better emphasizing that you could relocate quickly and are planning on making the move anyway. Maybe even go so far as to use your parents local address.

What kind of positions are you applying for? We have hired people who we only did phone and video interviews with and also people who had to relocate, but we don’t like to hire people who are overqualified for some positions (it matters less for others). For some positions we want someone who knows the community well, and for others it doesn’t matter. Needing 3-4 weeks head time can be too long unless we are really desperate. The only other big turnoff (other than being a bad candidate) is when people haven’t researched our organization (or literally the only thing they’ve done is read our mission statement).

Most companies by policy will not give you feedback on why you weren’t hired since that opens them up to potential lawsuits. But I totally feel you, I went through this same thing when I was trying to move back to my home state 4 yrs ago. Everyone wanted to interview me but no one made me an offer. I also felt that they must be trying to meet some kind of quota. I also felt very confident in my abilities and was regularly asked back for second interviews and even took many of those caliper tests. Eventually the only job I got was with a new department in my same company. It worked out for the best, but I still wonder what was going on behind the scenes at all those companies who were super jazzed about bringing me on then went totally silent.

I did get feedback from two companies that my salary was too high, which I believed, but was still frustrating since they knew my salary before asking me to interview. One opportunity at least another candidate had more experience and was willing to relocate in a year. I think what it really boils down to is whether or not you would fit into the culture/dynamic (which you have no control over) and if you understand the immediate needs of the hiring manager. This isn’t about you, it’s about them. When I landed my current job (that I started in March) THEY came after ME this time and since I wasn’t looking I was very relaxed and honest about my experience and skills. I think that really came off in the interview process and added to the desire to hire me. But I also really “got” what their needs were and was clearly able to fill the void immediately.

Sorry for the novel I hope it helps!!