12 job interviews but no job offers

In the last 9 months of job searching I have had 12 different interviews, but zero job offers. Most of the interviews seem to go really well and the conversation is great. I'm in the D.C job market, has anyone else experienced this? Also any HR people out there that could give me any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Honestly, your getting 12 interviews is rather impressive. That is a lot more than I will probably ever get.

With that said, I claim to be no expert. BUT, I can lend when only I think may be a potential problem. It may be two things (perhaps more). One, you may not interview very well (you may think it goes well, but it doesn't). Or, two, they have either found another candidate or they made some sort of decision and backed out.

I'm more inclined to think it is the second option because many people get interviewed and only one person is selected.

We are in the same boat with the saem time # in the same time frame. I've had 6 interviews and 6 phone interviews and no job offers. I think the interview goes well and then no offer or I was not selected. My resume speaks volumes of experience, but I'm starting to believe that I don't interview well. The usually issues at least with me are nervousness such as jitters, rambling on about myself, and not speaking clearly. I try to catch myself during the interview, but the fact is I get nervous in a room full of people.

I am unemployed since Feb and had 8 really good in person interviews with small and fortune 500 companies. No job offers. I lost count on how many phone interviews I did.

I don't get nervous during interviews. The feedback I get is they are going with someone with little more experience. I am thinking I have the required experience listed do they have more?

In addition, companies are being overly fussy with requirements. I've been on interviews where I have all the skill sets they are looking as an engineering, or I've been told flat out they are being a bit fussy. So the out come I'm seeing around is companies are being so overly fussy they hire no one for months and give themselve a bad rap out in there

Ever since I re-entered the job market back in late September, I've only had three in-person interviews. I had a fourth one scheduled for today (Tuesday, May 10), but then I suddenly realized that the company I was interviewing at was not accessible by public transportation. Therefore I called them and cancelled the interview. They guy (who I was supposed to interview with) called me back on my cellphone and he said that there's van service to the office complex from the public transit site. I told him that I have to have something that is located on or a near a public transit route.

I've been in that area before, and I believe that there's a cut-off time for the van service from the complex. It's also too far of a walk from the local transit speed line, and it's located on a street where there's no sidewalks. I'm also afraid of thunderstorms and God forbid if I ever got caught in one out there. I'm just going to keep on looking.

I've also had a few phone interviews as well, but so far, nothing. But I'm not going to stop. Even if this market research place calls me back, I'm still going to keep on looking.

The first in-person interview that I had back in October was for a telemarketing position with a company that does seminars with accountants. Unfortunately, they wanted somebody who could work more hours, and I can't because of my SSDI.

The second one was back in February with a staffing agency for a telephone interviewing position, but then they decided to co with somebody else. I asked them why and the company didn't give them a reason.

Let's face it. In today's job market, they want somebody who is a 100% fit. A perfectionist. Somebody who will get in there and hit the ground running. If you're not 100% perfect, they don't even want you.

I'm amazed at the fact that you got 12 interviews.

Most people these days are lucky to get 3 or 4 within a period of up to a year.

Trying emailing the hiriing managers that you have met with. Be polite but ask them why you were not selected and if there is anything you can improve on for future reference. They may not all respond to you but should get a response from a few. That will be a good place to start for future interviews.

Meh in Gibsonton, Florida said: I'm amazed at the fact that you got 12 interviews.

Most people these days are lucky to get 3 or 4 within a period of up to a year.

I think I got 12 interviews in 9 months because of the area I'm in, if you do a google search of the top 10 cities that are hiring, I live close to two (D.C and Baltimore) Although at this point I a starting to look at CA and NY, gotta go where the jobs are *sigh

DigThis in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania said: Trying emailing the hiriing managers that you have met with. Be polite but ask them why you were not selected and if there is anything you can improve on for future reference. They may not all respond to you but should get a response from a few. That will be a good place to start for future interviews.

Thank you for the tip, I will do that in the future for sure!

Meh in Gibsonton, Florida said: I'm amazed at the fact that you got 12 interviews.

Most people these days are lucky to get 3 or 4 within a period of up to a year.

I do feel lucky to have had so many interviews but until I get a real job, its hard to feel lucky about hearing so many rejections :(

i wish you the best of luck...what type of jobs are you applying for?

Really you have been lucky. I have been looking in the DC metro area for 6 months and had no face to face interviews. I have had some phone interviews with recruiters but they never lead anywhere. I have had 3 phone interviews with hiring managers and that is it. I have 20 years in business and an MBA. I think the job market is so bad that hiring managers are looking for people with less credentials that they can pay less.

Keep trying.

My third in-person interview was back on April 19 with another staffing agency, but they didn't have anything open part-time.

I decided to cancel my fourth one yesterday (May 10) because the company was not accessible by public transportation.

Another staffing agency called me last week and the girl that I spoke to said to come in between 10 and 2 any day this week. I was going to go there today, but she had to go to a court hearing. She did say to call before coming.

DigThis in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania said: Trying emailing the hiriing managers that you have met with. Be polite but ask them why you were not selected and if there is anything you can improve on for future reference. They may not all respond to you but should get a response from a few. That will be a good place to start for future interviews.

Dig this: At my second interview in February, I tried to find out why they chose somebody else, and the company didn't say.

annyomus in marietta, Georgia said: i wish you the best of luck...what type of jobs are you applying for?

Thank you for the wishes, I am applying for jobs in the accounting/finance areas.

Nanlisa in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania said: Dig this: At my second interview in February, I tried to find out why they chose somebody else, and the company didn't say.

Not everyone will reply but you may get a few that will follow up with some constructive feedback.

I think companies are less inclined to follow up nowadays since all of the employment laws and regulations. If they say one wrong thing a candidate can come back and sue for discrimination.

Companies can really be picky in this market as well as pay less than your experience is worth. so dont settle. Try not to seek a position for which you are overqualified for - they feel you will leave once finding the perfect fit. I also feel employers are considering her drive time, looking for a DC resident rather than risking her Laurel commute for dependability and punctuality (we all know the traffic issues in this area!). That being said, every single job offer i have received came from a resume that i had sent out thinking i was underqualified or not a match-- I never heard back from jobs I thought I was a qualified fit, or matched perfectly, or done well in the interview. That is just a testament to the craziness in the market. I have just taken a job that I was shocked I heard from as my resume was not a perfect match, I didnt have the necessary experience, and I felt I didnt project my worth as I should have in the interview. HOWEVER I did personally like my interviewer and coworkers, loved my office and what I will be doing. so that's how it goes. if your interviewer and you dont immediately connect on a personal level, all bets are off. I just believe at the end of the day, people just want to work with people they like, click with, or have synergy of some type. Its not about that resume. My employer liked my cover letter, my style of writing, & said she knew over the phone that she liked me...wow, not my 20+ years of experience?? no, everyone can be trained. I think that's why getting a job thru networking or friends will work best, so people can get to know you or already do. Good luck everyone. I know it is frustrating.

just me in Woburn, Massachusetts said: We are in the same boat with the saem time # in the same time frame. I've had 6 interviews and 6 phone interviews and no job offers. I think the interview goes well and then no offer or I was not selected. My resume speaks volumes of experience, but I'm starting to believe that I don't interview well. The usually issues at least with me are nervousness such as jitters, rambling on about myself, and not speaking clearly. I try to catch myself during the interview, but the fact is I get nervous in a room full of people.

Sorry to hear that you get nervous during interviews, if its as bad as you say maybe you could take some classes on public speaking at a local community college? I know money maybe tight but possibly taking out a student loan for classes might help in the long-run. Good luck on your job hunt!

Lauren in Beltsville, Maryland said: Sorry to hear that you get nervous during interviews, if its as bad as you say maybe you could take some classes on public speaking at a local community college? I know money maybe tight but possibly taking out a student loan for classes might help in the long-run. Good luck on your job hunt!

Each state has a division of Workforce Development that have many helpful resources to help you develop your skills. Just google your state and workforce development and you can find many workshops or courses that can help you along the way. For instance, Ann Arundel County has two interviewing workshops to name a few. www.aawdc.org/html/workshops_01.html. Most if not all are free too.

I'm looking to move to the Baltimore area and have been relentlessly searching for a job. Not much luck. Has it been like this for a while?

Yes, it has. I have been out of work for 3 very long years now with no prospects in sight. I have tried switching careers, taking classes, everything that has been suggested and that I can think of with few interviews and no offers.

I wish you good luck though.

Wow! 3 years is eternity to be out of work. Ever thought about trying temp agencies?

Yes and none of them have worked.

Unfortunately, the girl from the staffing agency who called me two weeks ago has been in and out of court a lot. Therefore she said that she would call me when something comes in, and I'm going to leave it at that.

In the meantime, I'm going to keep on keeping on.

I did have an interview schedule for last Tuesday (May 10) for an inside sales/appointment setting position. However, while I was on my way there, I suddenly realized that the company was nowhere near public transportation. Therefore I called the company and cancelled the interview.

It was a nationwide calling position, which is exactly what I'm looking for, but how am I going to get there if there's no public transportation. It's too far of a walk from the local Speedline. Even when I get off the local train route from downtown Philadelphia, there's a tiny walkway, but it's in a wooded area. The office also provides van service to both the speedline and the train station, but it only runs at certain times of the day, and I can't depend on this. Suppose I got sick and/or I had to go home early? I just couldn't do it. I have to have something that is 100% accessible by public transportation, and that's the bottom line.

DigThis in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania said: Trying emailing the hiriing managers that you have met with. Be polite but ask them why you were not selected and if there is anything you can improve on for future reference. They may not all respond to you but should get a response from a few. That will be a good place to start for future interviews.

I dont agree that hiring managers should be expected to give feedback to people on why they were not selected. I dont think its a good idea from a legal standpoint either, sounds like a pandora's box to me.

Also, back in January (before I got laid off), I had an interview with a business-to-business collection agency for a telemarketing position. However, I cancelled the interview twice because of all the snow and ice here in Philadelphia. I have arthritis in both of my knees, I have trouble walking, and I wasn't about to slip and fall and break my neck on the ice. And besides, it was a job where I would calling businesses right here in the Philadelphia area. I'm looking for something where I can call all over the country.

Hi Lauren,

After 3 in-person or phone interviews, but particularly with in-person interviews, I would be concerned. After 5, I would definitely be concerned.

Job searching starts with a good résumé or having (the right network) connections. It appears that you have a descent résumé, since you being invited to interviews. I’m sure you’ve done some form of self-critiquing, but it appears that you need to do a little bit more.

Here’s a few suggestions that you may or may not have heard of:
SOAR – Situation, Obstacles, Action & Result – May also be known as STAR
FAVs – Facts, Achievements & Value
Or Just List Out Your Accomplishments

Any one of these or a culmination of these & perhaps, with other interview techniques will greatly improve your interviewing skills. I just helped a friend & gave these same suggestions & now, he’ll be working with a major Fortune 500 company shortly. This particular company asked STAR questions & he nailed his interview after our preparation session. He was unemployed for 4 months.

Response to MyCon in Georgia"]Hi Lauren,

After 3 in-person or phone interviews, but particularly with in-person interviews, I would be concerned. After 5, I would definitely be concerned."

Thanks for the response, I am concerned and will research you suggestions. These are the lessons I have learned.

1) ALWAYS, beware of the companies culture, I interviewed for a finance position at a very well known company, but was told " wow you are over dressed," although they were joking, the message they got was that I wouldn't fit in with their laid back style.

2) Become your own PR!! I have always down played myself, and didn't want the hiring manager to think that I would be competition one day,( after being out of work for 9 months, you'll try anything) Companies want leaders, at one company I actully said " oh I wouldn't want to manage anyone," of course they thought I wasn't aiming high.

3) Managers want to hire people that they think they can be friends with, if they don't like you, they won't hire you and vice versa.

4) A lot of companies look at credit reports,just an fyi.

Hi Lauren & Others,

Companies can only look at credit reports during the hiring process & only after you authorize them to by signing a document.

Part of interviewing is to determine how one will fit into the company’s “corporate culture”. This may be more for the employer, but it also benefits the candidate interviewing. As for being your own PR – You already know the answer to that. One must be careful what they say or it can be construed incorrectly.

There’s a lot of interviewing techniques out there. I gave you a few that have worked well for me & some others I assist. If interviewing with a bunch of people or in front of a panel & they ask you STAR type of questions, be sure to give different scenarios from different companies or projects. Giving the “same story” over & over with variations can be a red flag towards employers. In most instances, they want to see diversified experience.

Good Luck…

Lauren in Beltsville, Maryland said: In the last 9 months of job searching I have had 12 different interviews, but zero job offers. Most of the interviews seem to go really well and the conversation is great. I'm in the D.C job market, has anyone else experienced this? Also any HR people out there that could give me any tips would be greatly appreciated![/QU
I am in the Mi area and have sales experience and i too have experience the same thing, i am at a loss as to what to do , thinking its an age thing now , only 50

I've experienced the same thing Lauren. I'm 54, got laid off from a longtime job and am changing careers to project management. I've had seven interviews in six months, but no job offers. Like you, most of the interviews went very well. I think it's really tough for people in our age demographic.

MyCon, can you please tell where one might locate additional information regarding the SOAR/STAR and FAV interviewing techniques? Like so many others here, I would like to improve my interviewing skills and the Q&A books that I have been reading have unfortunately led me astray in several instances. Thanks!

I have an unbelievably amount of work experience, college grad, with great interview skills and I have applied for 50 jobs, received about 10 interviews. All the interviews go great, or so I think, I can answer any direct question about my profession with out any nervousness as I am a professional, and all the standard behavioral questions asked I have memorized and they are solid. Here is my take on why I am still unemployed after a year of serious searching. I look like the boss, which is what I have been (manager, supervisor) and my experience, credentials and education is threatening to the younger woman/man who is interviewing me, or the person I would be reporting to. In fact, I have had people directly pick my brain for "freebie solutions to the companies on going problems" in order just to get some fresh ideas. This is really just intellectual stealing, because in the past many of these companies would hire consultants for their expertise, now I believe they falsely bring in good candidates just to gleen information from them. I even had a very odd situation happen to me. The interviewer was really interested in one of my old managment positions from 6 years ago, I mean questioning me about the environment, co-workers, who is there now, how were the benefits. So in doing research on the web I have come to find out that people who themselves are fearful that the pink slip is coming are interviewing people who have worked at places where they themselves are applying at or interested in. I also was being considered seriously for a job with a company, and called by a background checking organization who kept on insisting that I continue to give more and more references, I kept supplying them, until I literally was out of professional references. Finally, I said that is it I have no more contacts. He then asked me "how much did I want the job", said he "could pull strings". I asked who is he reported to. I called the company reported him, job offer withdrawn

and if you sound like you'll take their job or their best employee's job, they dont want you. I've seen that too as to why peeps dont get the job after an interview.

Tamara in Sturgis, Michigan said: MyCon, can you please tell where one might locate additional information regarding the SOAR/STAR and FAV interviewing techniques? Like so many others here, I would like to improve my interviewing skills and the Q&A books that I have been reading have unfortunately led me astray in several instances. Thanks!

Hi,

You should be able to find info. throughout the Internet. All of these are intended to make one “think” more of what they have accomplished in general & in specific situations while at specific jobs. Additionally, it will help you improve your interview skills.

First, start off informally. Just list out any & all accomplishments, tools, training received or conducted, equipment, software, processes, systems, etc. used or learned. As you begin to do this, you begin to see more & more what you’ve accomplished & then you’ll need to figure out on how to convey this onto your résumé. You know when you have a good résumé when it’s on multiple job boards & it starts generating inquiries, which eventually, will lead to interviews.

The SOAR or START story is you reiterating what’s on your résumé as well as other specific (S) situations, (O) Obstacles and the (A) Actions you took to (R) Resolve them.

Meh in Gibsonton, Florida said: I'm amazed at the fact that you got 12 interviews.

Most people these days are lucky to get 3 or 4 within a period of up to a year.

I have had seven interview in the past month..... IT's all about being aggressive and hitting the market hard.

You are very correct in your suspicions. Employers use applicants to obtain information that they can use for their own selfish purposes - especially as it relates to 'sales'. Employers will call your references for solicitation purposes only - meaning that they are trying to win their business as a client. I was formerly a recruiter at a staffing agency and I KNOW the tricks that employers use for their own gain.

Lauren in Beltsville, Maryland said: In the last 9 months of job searching I have had 12 different interviews, but zero job offers. Most of the interviews seem to go really well and the conversation is great. I'm in the D.C job market, has anyone else experienced this? Also any HR people out there that could give me any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I have been to 30+ interviews in about a year. Sometimes I get feedback on why (not even experience, trainings) I didn't get the job. Sometimes not. Most of the time it's been a complete waste of my time, energy, and money since I've literally driven across the country for interviews that lead to nowhere. The interviewers have, more than once, given me false hope that the "job is mine". The problem lies in the fact that there are SO MANY people out there looking for a job. The people hiring can afford to be picky...so they are. If the candidate is 100% perfect they just move on to whoever's next on the list. They don't need to put any time into calling them back to let them know because they're focused on the person they've hired. It's a nightmare these days. I've actually had possible employers offer jobs that require less than a high school diploma to me when I have a Master's degree.......and they think that I'll take it because I'm so desperate. To me that is a huge slap in the face & highly offensive. Hey HR Rep., how would you like me to offer you a job in waste management when you're trained in hiring? Get real. I'm beyond tired of this mess. I've wasted a year of my life hunting for jobs, interviewing, and being scrutinized by people I'll never see again. What is the point to all of it? I mean really.

Lauren in Beltsville, Maryland said: In the last 9 months of job searching I have had 12 different interviews, but zero job offers. Most of the interviews seem to go really well and the conversation is great. I'm in the D.C job market, has anyone else experienced this? Also any HR people out there that could give me any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I have been to 30+ interviews in about a year. Sometimes I get feedback on why (not even experience, trainings) I didn't get the job. Sometimes not. Most of the time it's been a complete waste of my time, energy, and money since I've literally driven across the country for interviews that lead to nowhere. The interviewers have, more than once, given me false hope that the "job is mine". The problem lies in the fact that there are SO MANY people out there looking for a job. The people hiring can afford to be picky...so they are. If the candidate is 100% perfect they just move on to whoever's next on the list. They don't need to put any time into calling them back to let them know because they're focused on the person they've hired. It's a nightmare these days. I've actually had possible employers offer jobs that require less than a high school diploma to me when I have a Master's degree.......and they think that I'll take it because I'm so desperate. To me that is a huge slap in the face & highly offensive. Hey HR Rep., how would you like me to offer you a job in waste management when you're trained in hiring? Get real. I'm beyond tired of this mess. I've wasted a year of my life hunting for jobs, interviewing, and being scrutinized by people I'll never see again. What is the point to all of it? I mean really.

It's every employers fantasy now, to find the perfect candidate in these lousy times. Too bad though, that these people find no problem wasting so many peoples time, by interviewing, when they have no real intention of hiring. Alot of times, they post for a job opening, only to hire a prospect through suggestion by one of their own employees....or they go through the motions, to appease headquarters, and don't hire anyone!

Lauren in Beltsville, Maryland said: In the last 9 months of job searching I have had 12 different interviews, but zero job offers. Most of the interviews seem to go really well and the conversation is great. I'm in the D.C job market, has anyone else experienced this? Also any HR people out there that could give me any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Hi. Let me help you feel better. Since Sept 2010 (when I learning I would be ending my lengthy contract in Dec in a very prestigious learning role) I have interviewed with 31 companies in person - a few of which have gone to the second level. I actually had responses from 61 companies, 31 of which turned into live interviews. I am experiencing entirely new levels of frustation than I thought possible.

Anonymous in Grand Rapids, Michigan said: I have been to 30+ interviews in about a year. Sometimes I get feedback on why (not even experience, trainings) I didn't get the job. Sometimes not. Most of the time it's been a complete waste of my time, energy, and money since I've literally driven across the country for interviews that lead to nowhere. The interviewers have, more than once, given me false hope that the "job is mine". The problem lies in the fact that there are SO MANY people out there looking for a job. The people hiring can afford to be picky...so they are. If the candidate is 100% perfect they just move on to whoever's next on the list. They don't need to put any time into calling them back to let them know because they're focused on the person they've hired. It's a nightmare these days. I've actually had possible employers offer jobs that require less than a high school diploma to me when I have a Master's degree.......and they think that I'll take it because I'm so desperate. To me that is a huge slap in the face & highly offensive. Hey HR Rep., how would you like me to offer you a job in waste management when you're trained in hiring? Get real. I'm beyond tired of this mess. I've wasted a year of my life hunting for jobs, interviewing, and being scrutinized by people I'll never see again. What is the point to all of it? I mean really.

Your experience is almost exactly my own. 30 plus in person interviews since September (though I was working on a long contract through December)from a larger pool of 62 overall responses. Just like you I look and sound like the hiring manager's boss. It doesn't help that I am 6'5" and have an extremely authoritative presence. I actually taught in class in Executive Presence for chrissake. An astonishing and degrading job market.

Lauren in Beltsville, Maryland said: I do feel lucky to have had so many interviews but until I get a real job, its hard to feel lucky about hearing so many rejections :(

In my case since I have gotten 30 in person interviews I have an entirely different problem. I am confident I can market to get in doors. But I have lost the usual confidence that a reasonable percentage (10%) of in person interviews will convert to offers. And since being more capable and experienced than the people interviewing you is now a liability (you can actually see it in their eyes) there can never be honest feedback on that. And so.. we are left....where?

Global Learning Guy in Montclair, New Jersey said: In my case since I have gotten 30 in person interviews I have an entirely different problem. I am confident I can market to get in doors. But I have lost the usual confidence that a reasonable percentage (10%) of in person interviews will convert to offers. And since being more capable and experienced than the people interviewing you is now a liability (you can actually see it in their eyes) there can never be honest feedback on that. And so.. we are left....where?

I totally agree with this. I have been on about the same number of interviews and a good portion were for TEMP jobs (that now require the same interview, background/credit check as a full time perm jobs) and have not gotten offer except for low level short term temp jobs.
Just yesterday I was on an interview for a position where the title of the position changed between the time I had the phone interview and yesterdays in person interview. It went from Senior Support specialist to implementation specialist. The second person who was support said she was concerned I may not be 'challenged' enough in the position she asked me in the beginning about my experience in the financial service industry then said that my experience may be 'too much' for what they need.

Hi Folks,

After 3 in-person or phone interviews, but particularly with in-person interviews, I would be concerned. After 5, I would definitely be concerned.

Here’s a few suggestions that you may or may not have heard of:
SOAR – Situation, Obstacles, Action & Result – May also be known as STAR
FAVs – Facts, Achievements & Value
Or Just List Out Your Accomplishments

Any one of these or a culmination of these & perhaps, with other interview techniques will greatly improve your interviewing skills. I just helped a friend & gave these same suggestions & now, he is working with a major Fortune 500 company. This particular company asked STAR questions & he nailed his interview after our mock-interview session. He was unemployed for 4 months.

To all of the above.Nice to know were all in the same sinking boat.Im not sure when the hiring process changed to the internet,phone interviews,if lucky a personal interview just to be ignored.In my opinion if an employee of that company treated a customer like they treat potential candidates,they would be terminated.
Of all the jobs listed on Indeed,Monster,etc are real,we would all be working.Somehow these practices have to be dealt with.For what it's worth I did write to AARP(useless) regarding these practices,al they want is my subsciption money.Being a babyboomer(57) a widower and out of work for three years,I guess my only alternative is "nothing".We can all go back to school,spend money we dont have,and be ignored for another interview.What's the point?

Maybe some day the economy will turn around and then we can have the opportunity to tell these companys to shove it.For them to be picky is common.For tem to be unprofessional and misleading is just criminal.