Been trying for a new job for 2 years now, in a specific area (police forensics), i can get interviews but cannot land the jobs.

Got the last rejection letter today, well ****** off?

:rant: :rant:

It's easy to feel like not bothering when you get rejection all the time.

No real question but i just feel like lettin off steam :rant: :rant:

aw sorry to hear that,do they give any reason of why you didnt get the job?

What are you doing at these interviews? Your application form and CV must be up to par or they wouldn't have invited you for an interview.

You could ask them for feedback on the interview, (most good companies would be happy to do this) and that may give you a better insight into what they are looking for, and why you didn't get the job.

No, i'm gonna phone to get some feedback though, but difficult whilst i'm at work.

I'm so fed up with it.

These jobs only come up versy scarsly and i know i'm right for it, but i just can;t make them see that.

yeh ring them,they should give you a reason,why you where not succesful,worth a phone call:)

So i phones up to get some feedback yesterday, and heard nothing.

I called again today to check they had my details correct and they say there really busy people and it could take 2 weeks for them to call me back.

:rant:


"Employ more people" i wanted to shout down the phone. i.e. ME!!!!!!


:hihi:

it could well be that these jobs tend to favour people all ready in the industry.
limited availability jobs within a tight sphere can already have the candidate selected & unfortunately interviews aren't as up front as you think.
commiserations on not being selected,it gets you right in the guts when you get the letter.

I know what you mean.

Last job i went for was given to someone that was already in the department that advertised the job!!!

Why not just give it them, it's obvious it was already earmarked for them and they just had to go all through interview stages just to say they were being fair and equal, when really its all a un-necessary farce.

Also this last job was advertised as 3 posts available, when i was at the interview i asked how many jobs are available to clarify and they said 2.

So who got that 3rd place? someone internal i bet ya.

Really bugs me when they enfasize (sp?) equal rights, fair chance etc.

Then give it their mates who already work there.

If there the best person for the job, then fair do's, but i'm sure it's definatly who you know in this world, and not what you know.
:rant:

I sympathise totally with what you say but perhaps the mindset you're in at the moment (that it's all a waste of time) is affecting your performance in interviews? It's easier said than done but the attitude you need to take with you in an interview is one of optimism/confidence bordering on arrogance.

If you feel negative going in to an interview - even if it's an almost subconcious feeling - then that is going to come across to the interviewers and they will start questioning whether you're actually up to the job. It sounds terribly arrogant but you have to be in the frame of mind that it doesn't matter who else they interview, the job is yours because you're by far and away the best candidate. If you feel confident going in to the interview your answers will flow better, you'll be more relaxed which will put the panel at ease and you're more likely to be successful.

It's not a guaranteed method of success (because after all the other candidates are probably thinking the self same thing) but it's better than feeling like it's a waste of time because that will come across no matter how hard you try.

Oh yes!

At the interview i'm ok.

I do go in full of confidence, i never go into an interview feeling like its a waste of time.

I know the jobs i go for get applications into the 100's, so i know i'm doing well when i get an interview, and that i'm worthy of it.

By the time another job comes around i'll be out of this mood, (getting over it already) and be up and ready for it.

You are still entitled to the feedback which by the sounds of things you havent received. If you havent been able to obtain that information from the front line people I suggest you find out who the organ-grinder is to contact them directly.

Forensics is very hard to get into. I think there is only 2 or 3 labs in the whole of UK who would employ forensic scientists. It was one of the options I considered as a chemical analyst graduate way way back.

If you really want to go into forensics as a career, you may want to consider working abroad. US have a wider choice of jobs out there, being so big. I myself changed career and worked in IT.

Btw, you ever considered working in the same dept or the same building or company, and then try for internal promotions too ?

Or alternatively, try to become specialised by studying more in the field of forensics ? I know my last personal tutor was always asked for his scientific knowledge in courts, and sometimes he's given problems to solve. i.e. devising forensic ways to analyse a case.

Any chance of getting into the department (or any police department) doing something else, then side-stepping into the job you want? Not much help I know, but it sometimes works!

When you get your feedback, ask them if there are any similar jobs, or other ways into that department "to broaden your experience".

I've tried a few positions now, well all that have come up.

1st was Scenes of crime officer - i had no chance really, no experience

2nd was trainee Fingerprint officer - got offered the job but couldn't take as to big a wage drop.

3rd Forensic Lab Technician - I have 15 years experiance as a lab tech - job went to person already in dept :rant:

4th Forensic mark analyst - one i just missed out on.

not got feedback yet, they too busy.

It might be your attitude - sorry to say this, but the fact that you're getting the interviews means that your experience and CV are fine, or at least enough to give you a chance if you perform in the interview. You need to look at how you're approaching interviews, because if they're anything like this thread (all the angry faces!) then it's no wonder you're not getting the jobs.

I've been on an interview panel for around 25 interviews (for five posts - not at all relevent in terms of occupation for this thread!) over the last fortnight. Three or four of the candidates were excellent on paper, but their attitude and personality in the interview was either too confrontational, sharp, almost-aggressive, sullen, arrogant, etc. I'm not saying this is how you come across in the thread but the angry faces, blame spreading and aggressive frustration are a little worrying!!!!

Similarly, you mention not getting a job because of lack of experience, after having turned down a job that would have given you that experience (because it paid less). Maybe it's worth taking a pay drop to get relevant experience if you really want to down a different career path?

The :rant: faces are because i really wanted the job and have been looking for 2 years now.

I don't go in the interview all shouting and mad. lol

I got some feedback last week.

Guy said i was a good candidate and only the very high caliber of candidates ment i didn't get it. he had no big faults to say, just that i could have expanded more with my answers and turned them round to show off my positives.

Good advice which i will work on next time. :hihi: ( <---look a happy one)

I came in at joint 5th from over 150+ applicants, so i'm positive but still din't get me my dream job. (hence :rant: )

As for the job i turned down, it was a BIG drop in pay, £4K a year, which is alot when your skint anyway.

I even went to the bank manager and tried to remorgage the house to get that job. but it was just NOT possible. i would have finacially crippled myself and my girlfriend and daughter for the next 8 years, so i had to bite the bullet and turn down a great career move and hold out for a job that paid better.

Don't rely on CV's and interviews. Start networking. Call potential employers as well as those that gave interviews. Seek advice from them and try to get them to help you. Most jobs are got by knowing people and being recommended. Good luck