Are you not getting past the interview or assessment stage?

Firstly, focus on the positive. Your CV or application form served its purpose by getting you short listed.

What you can do

Ask for feedback

The most valuable information to obtain at this stage is feedback from the company that interviewed you.

Telephone when you have received a rejection letter - often people are more willing to provide feedback over the telephone than in writing. Some companies have a policy of not giving feedback, but always try. Ask them if they could tell you why you were rejected and what you could do to be a more impressive candidate next time. Explain that feedback will help your further job search and you can’t obtain it in any other way.

Review your interview technique

Ask yourself

• Did you do enough research about the organisation and the job?
• Were you prepared for all the questions?
• Did you practise answering questions beforehand?
• Did you use our interview preparation activity for an interview?
• Consider your performance in any group discussion, presentation, written or verbal exercises. Ask yourself what you could have done better.

If your job situation doesn’t change

Think about expanding your career goals. Perhaps a job in a related field (even though not exactly what you want) might help you to eventually reach your goal. Explore types of jobs on the Prospects website.

You could try ‘What job would suit you?’ on the Prospects website by using the Prospects Planner.

Acquire more skills or a relevant qualification by further study.