Are they ignoring my applications?

sedgley

Sorry for the long post but I appreciate any feedback.

I have been attempting to land a specific job with a large multinational security company for the last 3 years. I applied the first time round and was shortlisted, passed their assessments and was interviewed. Interview went very well and left feeling positive then 2 weeks later I got a rejection letter so I rang for feedback and they told me that my qualifications let me down. I spent a fortune on training courses to make myself a better candidate and I now exceed all of the requirements. The job has been advertised on several occasions since but each time I apply I get no calls. When I called them I was simply told the positions were filled.

I am starting to think I am being unfairly excluded from the running for one reason are another. I didn't detail my references but did list all my previous employers, all of whom agreed to give me good refs.

I am very frustrated as this is my dream job and although I know my qualifications and experience (and persistence at this stage) don't guarantee me a job, I believe I at least deserve to be considered based on my merits.

If anyone has any suggestions as to what may be the reasons for this or suggestions as to what course of action to take to get myself back in the running, please feel free to reply.

Thanks from a frustrated Sedgley.

PKen

I'm in a similar boat too. I've often thought, that my Age and Location (too far from job) were an impediment. There is a lot of "Ageism" out there. But, this can sometimes be overcome by empasising your relevant experience. Some employers tend to prefer to hire locally. Maybe, they feel it ensures the person turns up on time (bad weather etc.).
I hate saying this: but unfortunately, a lot depends not on what you know, but rather who you know. However, don't let that put you off - most of us are rarely that "Well In".
Did you coach your Referees? In other words, did you tell (or suggest to) them what to say about you or did you leave it up to them? Did you carefully select them? Can you fully trust them? They might have un-intentionally said the wrong thing.
You do seem determined and your tenacity will eventually make the difference. I wouldn't give up, but I would point my energies toward another company.

shoegirl

Sedgley - don't give up.

I knew a guy 10 years ago who applied to the same place 5 times for the same job. He got nowhere the first 4 times and finally the 5th time they decided to give him an interview out of curiosity. He got a job, was promoted within one year and is still there today in a senior role.

At the same time, don't rule out similar opportunities or companies, you might be able to find something related elsewhere.

sedgley

Thanks for the replies folks, would anyone on here with legal or HR know-how have any ideas on any way to find out why this happening, I have a feeling the HR dept in this company won't come clean with me.

grizzly

In some companies candidates who were passed over the first time don't get a second chance, even if they have since gained more experience/qualifications. This is unfair, but if you've looking at 500+ CVs and need to shortlist 20 it's a shortcut to quickly narrow down the list.

I'd recommend focusing your energy on another company.

Stheno

grizzly wrote: »

In some companies candidates who were passed over the first time don't get a second chance, even if they have since gained more experience/qualifications. This is unfair, but if you've looking at 500+ CVs and need to shortlist 20 it's a shortcut to quickly narrow down the list.

I'd recommend focusing your energy on another company.

I'd agree with this, it's probably the same in your case.

bbam

grizzly wrote: »

In some companies candidates who were passed over the first time don't get a second chance, even if they have since gained more experience/qualifications. This is unfair, but if you've looking at 500+ CVs and need to shortlist 20 it's a shortcut to quickly narrow down the list.

I'd recommend focusing your energy on another company.

+1
It costs money to interview people and if you didn't make the grade then they won't "waste" money interviewing you again...
The line about qualifications may just be a fob off.... you could ring and ask to see the interview notes if they still exist but I'd suggest you move on and look elsewhere..

sedgley

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated.

D.McC

Whats the name of the company? You can PM me with it if you like