Have you been at a crossroads in your life? Last autumn, I reached a turning point. I went through twelve job application processes. Despite getting interviews and completing the processes, none led to a job offer. Disappointing!
After each interview, I reflected and asked myself some questions:
- What went well?
- What did not go well?
- Are there any patterns?
- What am I learning from the process?
- What will I do differently?
Being invited to interviews and going through the full process was a success. But competing with another candidate didn’t go well. An EV. Charging company, explained that they chose a candidate from a competitor. I liked the transparency – the reason behind the hiring. They offered me a different role, but it wasn’t a good fit for me.
I interviewed for a Senior Product Manager position at a tech company. The interview was in German, which was unexpected because it was advertised in English. The interviewer was also 15 minutes late and didn’t apologise for being late. Where was the respect and trust building?
Unprofessional
I had an online interview for a Business Development role, but the hiring manager and HR director didn’t show up. While waiting for fifteen minutes, I contacted the company but got no response. Twelve hours later, I received an email saying my interview would be rescheduled, with no explanation given. Where was the respect and trust building?
I worked with the rescheduled interview, and things got more interesting. My first interview was supposed to be with the hiring managers but was instead conducted by a student. I enquired if the hiring managers would still be attending the interview. Unfortunately, not! I was invited for the final round, which included a case study. Despite the chaotic start, I chose to give grace.
After two weeks of preparation, I presented online to the hiring manager. He let me know that he would be eating lunch during my presentation. He did ask thoughtful questions though, but a week later, the company chose another candidate.
I interviewed for a Senior Product Management role that required a background in chemistry, product management, innovation, and business. I reached the final round at the company and received a case study with 45 minutes to prepare. Since HR was unavailable, the managing director assisted the hiring manager. While I presented, the managing director interrupted me, saying, „I have not read the case study.“ He then continued to ask questions without context. Courtesy to read before providing feedback?
I controlled some parts of the application process.
- Comprehensive, relevant CV
- Convincing cover letter
- Research industry, company and competitors
- Practice for the interview with a sparring partner
- Clarity about the problem I will solve in the company
- Prepare relevant questions for the interview
- Network with a relevant contact at the company if possible
There were many parts of the application process I couldn’t control:
- Unconscious bias of hiring managers
- Undisclosed decision criteria
- Sudden restructuring and hiring freezes
- Internal hiring – another candidate in the company inline
Here are the industries where I participated in the interview processes(2-7 steps) for roles from Chief of Staff to Business Development Manager roles:
- Quantum Simulations
- Health Care Practitioner booking app
- EU Raw Materials
- Materials Analysis
- Innovation Hubs
- Electric Vehicle Charging
- Artificial Intelligence
- Scientific Publishing
- Semantic Tools
Signing a job offer requires much more than meeting one-dimensional criteria on paper! It requires a strategy! Faith, focus and resilience kept me going!
Sometimes, despite doing your best, doors stay shut. I was at a crossroads! I decided to travel to Bergen in Norway to go hiking and find my next steps. This reflection time gave birth to Finding my Way coaching services.
If you are also at Cross roads and need support with your career journey, please reach out.
Finding My Way 
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