I got laid off in Dec 2024. Since then, I’ve interviewed with 31 companies and made it to the final rounds for 11 of those jobs. And every single time, I’ve gotten rejected at the end. They all say I was the second best candidate. Hiring managers or recruiters say the same thing, good feedback, good experience yet there was one other stronger candidate. I’m really starting to lose hope. I have no will left in me.

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What you have accomplished thus far is a win. It’s a very difficult market out there and I noticed one company took 2 months alone just to request an interview with me. The market is significantly slower but not stagnant and that’s reassured with the traction you’re getting. Every no is one step closer to a yes!

One thing I would look at is if there’s something you can change in your interview. Do you find a pattern you’ve been doing? It’s hard to pinpoint exactly but try one change at a time and see if that causes a different result? Make sure you send thank you emails (I always do) and connect with each person you interviewed with on LinkedIn. You’d be surprised how many times that “first pick” doesn’t work out and they are back in your inbox.

You have been persistent and disciplined in your search and that’s something to be proud of! Don’t give up, as silly as it sounds, this is part of the process. Don’t give up hope, there plenty of others going through the same situation and celebrate each win you get (getting a response, landing an interview, getting a follow up interview) to help train your brain into positive thinking.

Progress, even if marginal, is still progress.

likeuplifting

Thank you! I will look into these as well. Didn’t even know where to start with networking other than sending a message. These events or workshops might really help! Thank you 😊

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You're a victim of what's become known in the news media as "the flattening". Mid-level and upper management roles are getting laid off in mass firings at a rate faster than other companies can absorb them.

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Ahh you know that actually makes sense! A lot of people I know who have been impacted by lay offs recently have also been mid level upper management

Wow ALL eleven said you're the SECOND best candidate. Wow what a coincidence! Shorely a Guinness World record now shorely!

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Thank you! Appreciate your kind words :)

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likefunnyuplifting

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likefunnyhelpful

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