I have been to countless interviews, but no one will hire me. I've never been fired, nor do I have any outstanding negative qualities...why won't anyone hire me?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ;)

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.

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

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.

wonder what became of you.

I too have been out of work for quite some time ( 9 months to be exact). The most frustrating thing is that I cannot seem to get a straight answer from anyone as to why I am not being hired. It just seems that there is too much competition and getting a job is like winning the lottery. Fortunately, my husband still has a job which helps quite a bit.

I wish I knew why you are not being hired. At least then you could possibly do something to correct the problem. In this economy, I am not sure if you are doing anything wrong. Yes, I know that really doesn't help. Good Luck.

i think there needs to be a world war 4, draft all of the men into war, murder 3/4 of them, and there will be more spots for the taking! Win win for all!

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?

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...

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

I too have been looking for a job, unsucessfully, for over a year now and have tried every tactic in the book to no avail. I really think that most employers are looking for someone who they can pay the least amount of money to; someone who is a pushover and will take whatever miserable wages they can get. I thought that my being in school and being a reasonably intelligent person would work in my favour, but apparently that is not the case. They want dimwits who can be bossed around easily and will take whatever crap that management throws at them. You can also thank the wretched economy for this new dark age of unemployment. It doesnt matter who is, or was, president, because they are merely lapdogs for corporate interests; they are the puppets of the banking elite who allowed them to rob us blind over and over and over. If you're going to go after someone, go after the multinational corporations and banks that are behind all of this misery. Take them down now or forever be their slaves. They are nothing but parasites.

How does one go on interviews with no money? How does one pay for the roof over their head without a job? yes we should give all of the glory to God, because we will all be at his doorstep quite soon if this continues.

Vegaspink I agree with you immensely. I have also been looking for work spending 9 hours a day everyday. I will have to say I made a REALLY bad decision by leaving the company I was with to search for new opportunities during this era that we are in. My impression was that my skills and abilities would afford me a new career position in a quickened fashion and I was WRONG. The only reason I left was due to the excessive travel allocated by my former position with the lack of availability to attend interviews. The interesting component of this experience is I am not sure how to act anymore during the interview process, should I smile and be empathetic, friendly and energetic or should I be like a rat on a log with no personality? My applications year to date have been in excess of 400 during the last 6 months, that is more than 10 times what I would have ever applied to and acquired employment in my previous 24 years of work history. My recommendation is unless you know that you will have a new job and it is guaranteed, do NOT leave your present position. Luckily my wife works and that is indeed a blessing, but we are falling behind on everything including our car, mortgage and other payments. It has become a challenge that would never been bargained for and believe me I like challenges, but this one, NO, NEVER again. These times defy all of the laws of common sense and mathmatical methodologies and it is drawing a considerable anger at myself and the companies that have ignored my qualifications over my lifetime, specifically the last 6 months. It is drawing me to become a hostile consumer as well with what little we have left to survive. I pray for a blessing and miracle for all of the jobseekers on this board and once you have your new position make sure you stay in it till the times become a little less novel. This concludes my break in job seeking. Take care and God bless everyone. :)

I have been looking for work as well. I sent hundreds of applications. I went on one interview and high schoolers were hired over me for a part-time retail job. I have over 15 years experience in retail. I'm near the end of my savings as I have been looking for work so long. I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm constantly getting denied or told flat out that I'm over qualified. But I have to eat and pay rent too. I'm willing to do almost anything at this point, but almost anything won't even hire me. I'm about to lose my house, I had to rent it out just so I could have a chance at covering the bills, but the entire cost isn't covered. If I don't get a job soon, I'll have to declare bankrupcy and I have no family to move in with. I'm scared some days that I'll end up living in my car. And at one point, before the recession, I was making $150,000 a year. It's sad. I've never had a problem getting work before.

Well today was the day. I received the eviction notice on my door and have to be out by next week. Social services informed me that I do not qualify for assistance so that's it I guess that's that.

I have the same problem. I'm an honest person, unfortunately. You have to bullshit your way through, I guess.

Well, typically we only hire pilots because flying planes is kinda complicated.

I know how you feel but I'm a widow with 3 children, I need to be able to support them and myself when they leave. I have 17 years of office experience plus other things. I think my age is a huge factor. I am an excellent employee, always going above and beyond per two of my last employers but no one cares. I'm tired of trying and getting rejected, I had to take a custodian job just to get insurance for my family as NO ONE would sell me any due to preexisting, benign, brain tumor from years ago and the state says I'm not qualified to get ins for my daughter's

I'm so frustrated I don't see the point anymore, tired of all BS. If I didn't have kids I'd just.....who knows, they are the only thing keeping me alive right now.

Well I have used up all of my money as car fare for interviews. I haven't heard back from anyone and just received an eviction notice. I have to be out by the end of this month. No one seems to care. I have no family and will have to quit college. I am in debt because of tuition and see no way out. I check every day, websites, want ads/classifieds and I have seen people with hardly any education get hired. I ever applied at McDonald's and have not heard back from anyone.
About a year ago I signed up with a temp agency and have not heard anything from them. So I decided to call them. I was told to stop calling and was hung up on. I don't know what to do.
I am afraid and no one will help me. I am tired of people telling me to let God handle it. If this is how how handles things no thank you. I need employment not excuses. It isn't safe for a female as it is. I have heard horrible things about shelters and frankly I would rather be dead. I may as well be.

Today I submitted application number 58. I've been on ONE interview, and they interviewed me after the position was filled. All I'm looking for is a retail management job. I have a BA from a good school, and seven years experience in the field. I have over a year experience as a manager. Yet, no one will hire me, no one will even call or e-mail me.

They said during the lone interview they want me at some [location] store and they'll call me when something opens up. It's been a month. They're a big store, there's a job there I could easily handle.

I don't want to cry pity party, but in retail, it seems everyone else is an idiot, (except the people in charge.) No one can use a computer/register/their brains. I'm working in a field well below my education and background -- however my family said "See ya!" when I went to college, and refused to let me come "home" during the end of the semesters. So that's how I got stuck in retail, and there were so many days I had to go to work instead of class, because these are the sacrifices we make to survive. I went from upper middle class to the ghetto, because those were the only apartments I could afford. In conclusion, I have a horrible gpa sitting on my transcript, no family support, and an excellent employment record...

I'm looking for application 59.