There are no hard and fast rules as to how many interviews it takes to get a job. I have been for interviews that I know I did great in - gave all the right answers and body-language signals - and still came away with nothing. I had six interviews before landing my present position, and know that this is very few, on average, when job-hunting. The main problem is that you start getting depressed and your self-confidence takes a knock. But there are things you can do to improve your chances at interview (I'm sure you've been told, but it's worth recapping). Research the company - they want to know that you are interested, so being able to slip in "I studied [insert] and I read recently that you intend moving into [insert]" shows you have researched them. It can also give you the opportunity to show skills in a different light. Be aware of the latest legislations - you can show yourself as being proactive by knowing current topics that may affect the company, such as ageism, smoking policies, taxation. Have a presentation prepared - some companies like to see how you deal with pressure and will ask you to give a quick presentation about an area of your life or a previous job. Again, this is an area where you can shine, and preparing a presentation helps your general level of confidence as well. Don't be afraid to ask where you went wrong - if you are turned down for a job ask what went wrong. Were you too nervous, or overconfident? Did you come across as dizzy or condescending? Were there knowledge gaps that you can work on for next time? I hope that these help you in the future.

A lot of the time a company already has someone in mind for a job the minute it comes up- usually someone within the company. The law requires that they advertise the position- but theoretically no-one else who unwittingly applies has a cat's chance in hell. I've been to some interviews myself where it was very clear to me that the interviewers were just going through the motions, barely listening to what I said at all. Unfortunately there's no real way of knowing when you see a job advertised whether its actually worth your time applying. Often a better route to a job is not looking at ads, filling in a form and then attending interview (I once read that only 20% of the jobs market is to be accessed via this conventional route). You have a better chance by getting yourself known by the kind of people that work int he industry you're interested in. Approach them by email or letter, or even in person, enclosing a CV and saying you're interested in their company/ organisation- would they be willing to send you some info/ meet you for an informal chat about oppurtunities for people on your level of experience and education/ let you know of any upcoming oppurtunities/ let you do some work experience or voluntary work. If they already know of you you're already on a head start when a job comes up- it may just be you that they have in mind for the position. Its also worth scouring the person secifications for the jobs you're applying for and make sure you fit all the criteria. If a lot of them say "Second language desirable"- why not attend a class? If they want experience working with children, find out if you can help out at a local after school club- be prepared to take oppurtunities for little or no pay to help increase your employability. Its also worth checking out Amazon for books and DVD's on "interview skills" which may help give you a few pointers on your presentation and communication skills. Good luck.

I would not pretent to be able to tell you what, if any, reasons there are for your not being hired. If you have 3+ yrs. good work experience and good grades in pertainent classes in school, I assume that's not the problem. But I will say this, in my experience (I am currently unemployed also and in the exact same boat as you)I believe they want to hire someone they know or someone cheap, or both. They(management) don't want someone who sets their salary above say $12/hr in the IT field(for example--even thought the mean wage is close to $40/hr.)They also don't want someone older (they'll tell you that they only wanted an entry level to get around that, when you call and ask why you're not hired)Most of the time they have their sights set on a referral, i. e. someone who knows soneone who's looking for a job that's familiar to the hiring official. How the hell you can compete with that is beyond my comprehension. So where does that leave us? It leaves us at God's doorstep. I have come to the end of my rope so all I can do is tie a knot, hold on and pray that God will somehow allow me to get by. My wife has now, in the past, and always will earn more money than I. So fortunately, we are not destitute. But that is not much comfort to someone like myself who abhores being idle day after day. I have taken to the temp agencies, it's not good but it's work and an income. I know somewhere there is a position out there for me, how I get it, will not be an accident. I believe everthing happens for a reason and so, if I just be patient with God and myself and presist in my faith in Him, things will work out.

wonder what became of you.

Whenever you have an interview follow up with a thank you note, whether or not you get the job. If you don't get the job write the interviewer and say "I accept your decision with regret as I was really interested in the position. Would you be kind enough to respond to me and let me know what I can strengthen in my interview presentation. I would like to learn from this experience" Some will respond accordingly, others may not. Accept what they say and fix what you can. Find an organization in your location which teaches interview skills/techniques. It may be something very simple..like a less-than-impressive handshake..or not enough eye contact..or too brief responses to their questions..or you didn't do your homework/research on the company. Find out what it is. Ask.

I don't have any answer for you sorry I just wanted you to now you are not alone in this one. I have also been to coutless interviews but lately it has gotten so bad that i am getting rejection letters before the interveiws now. I hate my job and am trying to make a positive change in my life and the world just will not let me. I will tell you what my family tells me hang in there the right one will come along sorry again.

The answer? Employers think BACKWARDS. They always seem to hire incompetent, lazy, back stabbers and the good people are left out to dry. This is the trend I continue to see....it's because the HR and management possess these negative qualities themselves. In order to get by in this world you need to stoop to their level.

there are some really good tips here. Keep in mind that even if every job in the entire US was filled there would not be enough to go around. Here in our area, there are often 100's of applicants for 1 opening. Employers are often looking for a very narrow set of skills or qualifications, and if they don't think you are a perfect fit, they just move on to the next person. You can find some more tips if you scroll down to the "How to Articles" section and click on the link, then type "find a job" in the search box. Good Luck, you have my best wishes for a speedy resolution.

I am currently in the same boat, mine has a large hole in it though. I was working straight out of high school making much more money than I had ever dreamed of; Here I am eight years later, laid off, and since I never attended college, no one wants to hire me for more than ten dollars an hour, regardless of the experience and referals I pocess. Since my layoff over a year ago I have had to sell everything, move back in with my parents, etc. Times like these, I can kinda understand why someone would go postal on a company that screwed them over. Though I now taking college courses, it costs about 1k a semester to do so without any kind of help. I applied to all the govt agencies for help, but it seems there are so many others with the same problem that a white male is at the bottom of the list. I currently do the staff agency crap as well, but since I am used to managerial positions in an office setting, I have nothing in common with the day laborers and whatnot who usually fill these positions; therefore, they usually don't call me back in due to my lack of crassness. I really don't know what the hell is going to happen to me, I still have a year and half before I even get my Associate's, what will I do till then? I guess it could be worse if I didn't have parents who understand I am doing the best I can.

There are so many of us in this situation today. I was fired over a year ago from a job I was very good at doing, but unfortunately I and the new supervisor didn't get along very well. I've also been on several interviews, taken many employment tests, passed them, and still no answer or respond from anyone. It's just unfortunate that many employers have to interview for open positions that they technically have someone already in. I'm sure you interview well and your background and work experience may be exceptional, but you have to realize competition is fierce, people are desperate, and will oversell them selves just to get their foot in the door. And, as mentioned before, some of these positions are already filled even before interviews are booked. I worked in HR and they aren't as ethical as some may think. I say keep "our" heads up and keep moving on. Somehow, we are making it in this harsh world. I give thanks to GOD every time I start to feel down. Yes, I'm losing my home, my unemployment benefits ran out months ago, my credit score plummeted, I can’t pay my student loans, credit cards or other bills, and my savings are practically depleted, but I'm still finding a way to survive. Not being able to find a job and pay your bills doesn’t mean your world is over. I’ve learned to give over what I can’t handle myself… Give the Glory unto him.

They need ..... you know ..... a little something extra.

Remember to wear pants to the interview. My first few interviews I forgot this vital rule and was confused when I was not hired.

No one will hire you because the economy is crap right now. Most companies can't even afford to pay their "qualified" employees fairly. Thus they lose those employees and look for the retards who will work a job for minimum wage that they honestly should be making 13-15$ per hr for. Only going to get worse now that Obummer is completely screwing everyone right underneath their noses and none of you people want to fight to take him down. We're headed for socialism at a frightening pace. Pretty soon you will be working hard at a new job, but you wont be getting paid a dime. Rise up in arms, people. Take the fight to them.

Im in the same situation. I have sent requests to over 30 jobs in this year and everytime someone else is chosen. The economy isn't even crap over here. I think the people a just not very smart. Thats why they wont hire you ;)

You must get them interested for you,simple... Or get some more expirience in any job. I know how you feel,I have the same problem...

I have no idea what you are applying for. That would help. The fact that you have never been fired is not exactly a reason to hire someone. What are your skills and experience?