Why am I not getting hired?

Question

I submitted a resume to a customer service call center job. They liked my resume and offered me an over the phone interview. Since she liked my over the phone interview, I was asked to come in for an in person interview. I went to the interview and was told to complete another application. So I did everything that was asked and I thought everything went well during the interview and was told to here back in a couple of days. I never heard back, but I got an email saying that they thank me for submitting my online application but they have no opportunities that match my experience or qualifications.

My question is, if I didnt have the right qualifications to begin with, why did they take me through all of this. And what could I be doing wrong. My resume is good, I have lots of experience and good communication skills. Also I have been interviewing for government jobs as an office clerk and can't get hired with them either despite the fact that I used to work for the gov. as clerical

Since my appearance has came into question. I will say that I am well groomed, clean and presses. My hair is always pulled back in a bun and I wear some make up but not very much. My jewelry is kept at a minimum. Nor do I have tatoos or body peircings..trust me, I look like a secretary or librarian when I go on these interviews

sorry I meant to say pressed not presses

ANGELICA.. could be right because I did ask about advancement opportunities during the interview......sorry I am just frustrated because it has never been this hard for me to get a job

Answer 1

Could be a clerical error on their part. For example, they might have mixed up your name or resume with someone else's. Something similar once happened to me. I called someone there that I knew could do something about it and I got hired.

Answer 2

I had graduated from my MA in special education last January and was hired in the middle of the school year an hour after my interview in Colorado. I'm sure I'm an exception because this state is struggling to find SPED teachers and the position had been open for 9 weeks. Starting in the middle of the year (at a high school) was hard- you really have to catch on quick and ask a lot of questions and be ready to deal with whatever crap is in place and make it work (i.e. odd policies made by a past teacher, unruly class who's seen 5 teachers already in that class) but it's a great learning experience and now my first official school year will be better for it. Lesson plans- I used some old ones and made new ones a least a week in advance, when possible. good luck!

Answer 3

The email you received was probably an automated response, so I wouldn't take it personallly.

Perhaps the company you interviewed with was struggling and they have no plans for growth or they want someone to stay in the position for a long time. If you asked them about advancement, which is okay to do, it may have just hit a sore spot with them.

Make sure when you're going into these interviews, that you have as much knowledge about the company as you can find, and what specifically they're looking for in a person.

If the job description says they're looking for someone with great communication skills and computer expertise, don't be afraid to just completely repeat this to them...i.e. "I have great communication skills and I have the computer expertise you're looking for." This will just reiterate that you and the employer are on the same page and they'll like that.

And number one thing to remember is: Be Honest and Upfront.

If you make up stories, or exaggerate or lie at any time during the interview, it will ruin any shot you have.

Answer 4

You are competing with 7.2 million unemployed people.
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Times are hard and everyone is qualified these days, so don't feel bad. I'm in the same position. So, now I work as a freelancer. There are several sites out there, but I use www.elance.com. You pay a quarterly or annual fee and they take a transaction fee out every time you get paid. So, employ yourself. Register as a sole proprietor and begin to write your house hold expenses off (phone, electric, fees, etc).

Here are the top 5 freelancer sites:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-5-Freelance-Sites&id=148352

Guru, ELance, Rentacoder, Allfreelancework and Programmingbids

You might be TOO good for the position. There was a time when having all the right skills was a bonus. Some employers are intimidated, others fear that you might leave for a better position. Other might be able to get 10 jobs out of the 1 person, who might soon leave them anyway. Many factor are involved.

Invent something, market it and become a millionaire!

Answer 5

Perhaps they felt you were overqualified, and as such would not stay in the job long or be happy doing it. I agree with others here -- times are bad and there are so many applicants to choose from.

I used to hire for Wa State jobs, and often it boiled down to who best fit the other personalities in the work place.
If possible, ask friends about openings in their places of employment. If you like each other, and they like their coworkers, chances are you would be a good personality fit there.

Most of all, just keep applying as often as possible and tailor each application to fit the specific position, emphasizing any experience and interests that are appropriate. Do follow up every couple months with any employer you were sincerely interested in. We appreciate the expression of your interest -- but don't rag on us too often! A note is better than a call as we can deal with it when we are in the proper mode and have the time.

Try large businesses that post lists of job openings - like state or other government agencies. Often their personnel departments will consult with you about your interests and skills and suggest possible positions within their organizations now open or open in the future.

Answer 6

Listen, and listen carefully...I would sit in interviews with Presidents and Vice Presidents..and I will say this for the record. (After sitting in hundreds of interviews, I think I can offer this)

There is always a current/existing structure in the workplace.

Without letting you know..they are searching first and foremost for a person who would either compliment the team or someone who can add value to the team.

The Executive must fill the position, but also must build a strong team. So, with this understanding when interviewing and asked questions "i.e., what do you like to do in your spare time or are you a current member of any local organizations in the community?"

You need to do some research what their "employees" like to do....in order to answer these questions correctly. Let's say there is a corporate golf team...you should suggest "I have an interest or I play" that will open up a dialog.

I guess what I'm saying is "I can add value to your team, I can make you a winning team, my stats speak for themselves."

"You'll win if you place your bet on me." (Say it and say it with conviction in your voice.)"

Otherwise, you'll leave the interview and when that door closes, they'll say "well, she had a little spark, but she sure didn;t have the "fire" that we need."

Answer 7

Keep trying, it just wasn't meant for you and there might be a better job just around the corner. Sometimes you have to go on many interviews before it all clicks and you get the job. Look at each one as a learning experience and build on that. Be yourself and think of the job as lucky to get you. If you project that confidence then the other person feels it and thinks they're getting someone worthwhile. Call them back, don't wait for them, it shows interest and iniative and you can get an answer faster. Good luck.

Answer 8

my job does this all the time. Sometimes, the person will go through three interviews and they will not get hired. They do this because sometimes, the person knows too much so the job will not be challenging enough, sometimes they don't have all the necessary experience, and lastly, they sometimes do this because they want to hire someone who can save payroll some money. So, they hire someone with no capacity or no skills whatsoever. Nonetheless, don't give up you will find a job!

Answer 9

As someone that has interviewed potential employees I can tell you that presence can make or break the deal. If you are interviewing for a call center job they are likely looking for excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Or perhaps you aced that part of the interview but were overqualified for the job?

Answer 10

Think about a temp help agency.
Manpower is a good one, and nationwide.
They are a good way to be working, and you could get a permanent job out of it.
I have gotten a few out of it.
It's worth a try.
Keep answering want ads, too.

It's sometimes just not in the cards on jobs. It can be a blessing in disguise. If you knew that place behind the scenes, you might not want to work there at all.

Keep your attitude high, your image professional, and stay in the game. Jobs don't knock on your door, you go get one.
Good luck!

Answer 11

You may be overqualified.

Call centers are looking for a certain type of person, one that is submissive and non motivated. They want someone who will sit down and answer phones. They overlook more qualified candidates because they know those type of people tend to ask questions and want to move ahead. they just want someone to come to work and be quiet.

That's why most call centers do personality tests during their hiring phase. They may be passing up great employees, but it is a normal practice of call centers.