Job interviews not converting into job offers. Need suggestions! 2

[MechEngineer2012]

Hello everyone,

I am currently in a role focused on sales but I am looking for a job that better aligns with my education (BSME) and technical experience. I have applied to several positions and had 3 interviews in 2024 but none resulted in job offer. I have noticed that my job interviews tend to be more of a Q&A session and I struggle to connect on a personal level, break the ice and make the other person feel at ease. The fact that I am being invited to interviews suggests that my qualifications and education are likely not an issue. Additionally, they were aware of salary I am willing to accept. I may go down on salary requirement in the next interview (something I am looking to change for next interview). Have any of you been in a similar situation? What strategies worked for you to improve interview outcomes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SWComposites]

try to avoid discussing salary before/during the interviews.
how did you feel the job fit was for you at the interviews that you had? did you feel under/over qualified?
did you research the companies? and did you ask questions about the company's plans, what your role would be, etc?
if you have been doing sales then presumably you know how to make connections with people; what has been the issue?
have you clearly communicated how you can fulfil the job requirements, how you would be a good fit, etc?

 

[GregLocock]

3 interviews and no offer is not unusual. After all they probably interviewed 4 candidates

 

[CWB1]

If you haven't been in the specific role or industry that you're interviewing for, ensure that you're connecting the dots between your experience and the new role/industry. Dont rely on your resume to show your strengths, mention them in interviews. Pick the strongest relevant aspect or two of your experience, ask what processes and tools the potential employer uses, and use that to steer the conversation where you can casually showoff your experience. - ie. I've BTDT with every major CAD, FEA, & CFD package, and both agile and lean PM processes so I ask about design tools and PM process bc it allows me to show that I can fulfill their needs. Few candidates are perfect, but I try to ensure the interviewers know specifically how they can benefit from hiring me.

 

[IRstuff]

Finding a job is not just about shipping your resume to a bunch of rando companies. Both your resume and your cover letter are MARKETING documents, answering the basic question, "Why pick me? If that basic question is not answered adequately, then all bets are off.

Had you researched the companies you interviewed at? If they're not asking you questions, you should have been able to ask your own questions, like "what would my role in developing your xyz product be like?" Did you adequately answer their questions? Did you close the loop and call up those companies and ask why you weren't chosen?

 

[Dhurjati Sen]

In the next interview, once it is over, ask the interviewers, very politely, how did it go? Also, request them to point out areas where you can improve. This could give you pointers, fetch some brownie points and even get you the job!

 

[IRstuff]

I have applied to several positions and had 3 interviews in 2024

That's actually a pretty high hit rate; there have been posters that sent in dozens of applications without getting any interviews. As with college applications, the acceptance rate might be quite low, particularly for highly sought-after jobs. It might not be surprising if the job offer conversion rate winds up being 5% or 10%. of the number of interviews.

 

[LittleInch]

You can ask the other companies for "feedback" even though they might not be truthful at least you asked. Sometimes the other person(s) is just better suited to the role.

But this stood out for me in your OP "I struggle to connect on a personal level, break the ice and make the other person feel at ease."

Many Engineers are a bit introverted and some are downright borderline Autistic, but you need to go in armed a bit better.

So basically like a first Date, first impressions count. Many studies have shown that interviewers, who are often not properly trained or coached, make their mind up in the first 30 seconds. So get there early or on time to cool down and get composed, look smart, avoid "jokes" or humour, LOOK PEOPLE IN THE EYE, and right at the start when you've introduced themselves or shaken hands if that looks like it is appropriate, have a rehearsed line or two so something like "Thank you very much for seeing me today and I hope this isn't the last time we meet, or and I hope I can demonstrate that I'm the right person you're looking for. Then smile. Act confident, but not too "smart". Don't fidget, sit up straight have your arms in a neutral position on your thighs or lightly crossed low down and sit back in the chair, but not rigid with fear. Listen to the questions and have a few prepared answers to common questions. If there is a handshake make sure your hand isn't sweaty, grip firmly, but not a death squeeze and one shake is enough. Personally I hate "hand crushers" and equally a "wet fish" handshake is unappealing. Practice if you need to and bring a tissue with you to wipe your hands (and brow if necessary) just before you go in or go to the bathroom beforehand. Interviews are know to be a very poor way to pick good people, but companies love them as it lets them see the person behind the paper qualifications and experience.

The better interviewers will see you're a bit nervous, as you should be, and start with some simple small talk like questions such as "Did you get here alright?" They don't want a simple answer like "Yes" or "No problem", but equally don't want a 2 minute step by step recount of how you got there. So again prepare a bit and say something like "It was relatively straightforward, it took a while to get through [some interchange somewhere], but only took me about 30 / 40 minutes [or whatever] so commuting will be straightforward." Even if its not, don't make it seem like it will be a huge slog every day to get into the office.... or even something like "Did you have a good weekend?" Again have something prepared to show you're not a stay at home recluse who has no friends or family, so maybe something like "Yes, I met a few friends on Sat and we went for someones birthday / had a BBQ, then Sunday I played football or took my son for a bike ride or a run or something. Just not " not really, just watched TV and played Minecraft until 2am". Think FIRST DATE here. Think your best weekend in the last year and assume that happened this weekend even if it didn't. Showing passion for anything is often seen as a good thing, so long as it's not obsessive. But don't lie or make something up as you then discover that the interviewer is even more passionate abut whatever it is than you are.....

For the actual interview do the same.

So e.g. if someone asks why do want to leave your current job, say something like "I've been there now xx years or months and whilst the company is good and the people are good to work with (NEVER slag off your company or fellow workers even if the place is a hole and they are people you would cross the street to avoid meeting), but I feel I'm not growing or gaining experience and feel that the job / post you have available will allow me to make use of that experience, but in a different way or field.

So try and think beforehand how to make something you've done applicable to the role you're looking for.

Listen to the question and if you don't understand or are unclear about slang or abbreviations then ask. Just say something like, I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with "XYTRDD" in my current role or company, can you explain what that is please? Better to do this than spend 2 minutes waffling about something where it becomes clear you haven't understood the question. Also don't be afraid to say, I'm sorry but that is an area where I haven't been involved, but would like to know more about. Not everyone will tick every box, so don't worry too much about that.

It's been a long time now since I was in that position, but sooner or later the stars will align and you'll get the job. But recognise your faults and failings and try doing something about it. Good luck.

 

[HVAC-Novice]

What country or market are you in? How closely did those jobs match your qualification? Was it private employers, or public or what type? What type of work (design or what?). Do you have knowledge in the typical design software like Revit?

Did they tell you about the process? For example, did they tell you on the fist interview that they are interviewing X candidates, and then in the next 2 weeks have 2nd interviews and so on? Or was it totally opaque?

And you already discussed salary on the first interview? Did you initiate that, or did they? Normally salary is discussed if they offer you the job or at 2nd/final interview.

And besides qualification, a lot also depends on what "group of people" you are in. Especially public employers need to meet quotas for underrepresented groups. In engineering, there are few females, minorities etc. If you are not in the under-represented groups, you have to make up for it with extra qualifications. This doesn't mean they they will hire a total bozo over a PhD. But if (on paper) the qualifications are close, this will make a difference.

Unfortunately most companies won't give you honest feedback if they don't hire you. They basically will say "we found a candidate whose qualifications match our requirements better". Nothing else. Because if they honestly tell you the one or other thing, they open themselves up to be sued by you.

My perspectives is from the USA. It may be different in other countries/markets.

 

[SWComposites]

considering the OP can'tbe bothered to come back here and answer the questions posted above, its not surprising they didn't get the jobs.

 

[MechEngineer2012]

Dear All,

Thank you for your responses to my post. I truly appreciate all your answers and the different perspectives shared. I apologize for the delayed reply.

SWComposites:
Yes, I make sure to cover all the basic requirements like ensuring a proper fit and meeting the necessary qualifications such as education and years of experience. I only apply to jobs where I meet the minimum qualifications so I do review the job details carefully. I expect the chances of receiving a job offer to be higher when all requirements are met. I willl definitely put in more effort next time.

LittleInch:
Thank you for your detailed advice. I will apply your suggestions in my next interview. One key takeaway is to comment on the questions asked, such as by inquiring why they are asking certain things. I will make a list of all the tips you provided and apply the once that are applicable moving forward. Thanks again!

HVAC-Novice:
I am located in Orange County, California. I only apply to jobs where I have relevant experience. I am familiar with Autodesk Inventor, which is one of the areas I focus on. The interview process was ongoing and they will stop when a suitable candidate is found. I never mention salary unless it’s brought up in the initial screening interview to confirm if the salary fits their budget for the role. My intention was to request a lower salary to increase my chances of getting the job. I agree that their feedback can be hit or miss, but I will keep trying.

Thanks again to everyone for your valuable input!

 

[HVAC-Novice]

HVAC-Novice:
I am located in Orange County, California. I only apply to jobs where I have relevant experience. I am familiar with Autodesk Inventor, which is one of the areas I focus on. The interview process was ongoing and they will stop when a suitable candidate is found. I never mention salary unless it’s brought up in the initial screening interview to confirm if the salary fits their budget for the role. My intention was to request a lower salary to increase my chances of getting the job. I agree that their feedback can be hit or miss, but I will keep trying.

Thanks again to everyone for your valuable input!

Don't be shy to apply to jobs where you don't meet ALL requirements. The listed requirements are a wish list for an ideal candidate. Sometimes that person doesn't exist or wouldn't work for that company. They very often end up hiring someone who they think has the potential to become that person.

Wishlists are wishlists. But they know that 20 year old PhD with 10 years of experience and being fluent in 5 languages probably wouldn't apply for their entry level job.

Salary (in private employment) is negotiable. Research what is a good market value for you. If what you say is a few thousand above what they think, they know they could negotiate you down. but if what you say is a few hundred thousand above that, they know you are unreasonable. So don't offer a ridiculous low salary. That will make them think you are not worth more and will leave once someone offers you more. If this is a say $50K job, I would be concerned if someone would do it for $20K.

 

[LittleInch]

Theg are just ideas. Not guaranteed but hopefully might work.

Let us know if it works.

 

[MechEngineer2012]

Thank you for the suggestions. I have applied to jobs and am now waiting for interview calls. I will share how things worked out.

Here are a few observations and lessons I have learned from applying for jobs:

• For many positions where I had relevant experience, I never heard back—no email or update to let me know whether the job was filled. This makes me think the company’s online application system is inefficient and that management may not be prioritizing it. The job might have been posted just for the sake of posting.

• During one interview process, there were two rounds: one over Zoom and another in person. I got the sense that they had already decided not to hire me after the Zoom face-to-face interview, which made me wonder why they proceeded with the in-person interview at all.