Possible Employer Having Doubts

Raekwon

Okay, my current 2 year contact expires at the end of this month and I have been frantically looking for a job since I was told 3 months ago that my current contract would not be renewed because of the financial crisis (the prospect of joining the thousands of unemployed is obviously very daunting!)

I've applied for a good few jobs since January and offered *3 interviews already. The first interview was for a job in a large company, very similar to my current job in every way, I thought I was an ideal candidate & thought that I did very well but I wasn't even offered a second round interview :rolleyes: The second job is a slight step back for me and I was told by the interviewer that I am overqualified for the role but in saying that I ticked every box for them and they admitted that they liked me. It is a much smaller company then I am used too and the money isn't great but I got a good vibe off the place and the location is perfect.

During the interview they really stressed that they didn't want someone who was only using this job as a stop gap. They told me that most of the staff were there for years and they only hire committed people (I brought this on myself by mentioning that there are very few jobs out there at the moment etc, d'oh!). They said they are going to invest alot of time and effort in the person that they hire and don't want to waste their time doing this if the person leaves after 6 months, which is totally understandable IMO.

Anyway, I was told that the interview went very well and I was impressed with the company and I got a call before 5pm telling me that out of the 6 people that they interviewed that day I was being called back with another guy to meet them again next week.

My issue is, there is an obvious question mark over my commitment as they think I am over qualified and will be using this job as a stop gap and as soon as a better job comes along I will jump ship. At this moment in time I can assure you that this is not that case and I told them that at the interview after the question was raised.

How do I convince them that I really want this job and even though I might not be there for the rest of my career (I would definitely be willing to stay for a few years if things worked out) I don't think that should reflect negativity on them possibly hiring me.

Thoughts?


*(btw the third interview was basically a non event because HR were all over the shop and everything that could have went wrong went wrong on the day..........didn't get it anyway).

ToasterSparks

Are you using this job as a stop-gap?

I mean, from what you've said, it's clear you're taking a step downwards, and that this place isn't the sort of place you'd usually work in. You said you'd definitely stay for a few years if things work out. What does that mean?

If the vibe isn't what you thought it was, and another job crops up a few months in the future that is better paid and exactly what you wanted, would you try to get that job?

From what you've said, it is kinda obvious that the job is okay, but not ideal to what you want, and I'm sure you've given this impression in your interviews. It's kinda reasonable that the employer is wary to take you on if you're not 100% committed.

At the end of the day, the potential employer is right about you, isn't he/she? You do intend to use this as a fill-in-the-blank job between your old job and your next similar job.

The only thing you can do is try to be convincing with your employer, and basically lie I guess. Ask them about the career progression options, if you will have any opportunities to train and gain qualifications, and other general things that hint at you looking on the role as a long-term commitment. Also, mention how you would like the smaller company working environment, and that you got a real sense of community/teamworking/togetherness when you visited for the interview. Also, maybe mention that the location of your work fits in with your long term plans, etc.

Good luck!

Raekwon

I would not be using this job as a stop gap. I've had 3 jobs in my life and apart from the first one which was an entry level role the other 2 I would have gladly stayed in if the recession hadn't made my position unobtainable in both situations.

To be honest I am not overly ambitious and I absolutely loathe job hunting, it can be an incredibly frustrating experience and also very confidence sapping so for those reasons I don't job hop and never have, I actually don't see the point in it (apart from meeting new people and being exposed to new technologies of course etc).

The point I made about staying a few years if things work out was pretty obviously I would have thought. I've only met 2 people out of the company and even though they were extremely nice and sold the company to me very well their opinions are obviously biased. What if I did get the role but found out the company was nothing like I had been pitched? It happens to people all of the time, nobody can predict their own future.........especially in the current climate.

So in a nutshell I do want this job and even though I have some niggling doubts (probably more to do with fear of the unknown then anything else) I would be gutted if they pasted me over for another candidate who possibly was younger and had less experience then me because they thought I was a fly by night.

But thank you for your opinion, it was very too the point and I will take what you have said onboard and go to the next interview with a different perspective on my situation and hopefully land this role.

ToasterSparks

Sorry, I just assumed that the employers were actually right to a point! My mistake.

Just look at my last paragraph - try to find ways to incorporate your long-term prospects. For example, mention your lengthy job roles to date, and how you like to commit to a company long-term. And anything I mentioned before such as how you think you would fit into the company well, ask about career progression, etc.

Also, and you've probably already done this, but check out their website and mission statement, find something unique that you like about this company over another similar one, and highlight it in the interview to show that you've researched the company well and really put time into seeing if it's a good fit for you. Perhaps mention that you like the opportunities in such a smaller company for learning extra cross-department skills that may not be learned in a bigger company. Anything that makes them think 'wow, you know, he/she's really thought about working here, the other candidate didn't even know XYZ about us.'

^ I think that's a slightly better reply than my first (less rude anyways!)

Raekwon

Thanks again for your reply.

I don't think you were rude at all, I think you were being honest and I respect your opinion. Btw the last paragraph in your second post was exactly the advice I was looking for, I've taken everything that you've said on board and will try to make a positive impact at the second interview.

I just found it odd that they were trying to pushing the 'this is a job for life' on me even though there is no such thing in this day and age. But then again it does seem like to sort of place that treats staff well and that's always a major plus.

Raekwon

Just a quick update.

I went to the second round interview this morning and it went fine, it was basically going over the role in more detail and me asking a few questions about certain aspects of the role and telling them that I would be 100% interested in the role etc.

Anyway received an email at around 5pm telling me that my application was not successful, so I guess they still had doubts about me and decided to offer the younger more inexperienced guy the role ahead of me. Have to say I'm really gutted and my confidence has taken a huge blow

Fingers crossed my luck will change in 2010 at some stage......the sooner the better though!

ToasterSparks

That's too bad.

At the end of the day, sometimes employers see someone else as a better fit, or establish a better connection with them, and there's no amount of talking or convincing that will get you the role.

Better look in the future!