Can't pass an interview

Rouge0 · Aug 20, 2019 at 10:30 AM

I don't know what's wrong with me...I'm in college and have never had a job. I'm looking for one now, I've had 2 interviews and failed both. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know interviewing is a skill but it's frustrating to see that every other person my age has had at least one job, meaning they at least passed one interview! It also sucks that the only jobs I can have are customer service jobs, so my personality is the complete opposite of what it needs to be for those jobs, meaning I have to basically lie about who I am at each interview. It just feels so fake. I worry that when I do get a job, I'll fail because I'm not as open as I should be. I feel so inferior to everyone else my age, it's like I'm not even good enough for a minimum wage retail job.

Anyone else in the same boat?

Skeezyks · Aug 21, 2019 at 03:38 PM

Personally I don't think you can draw much in the way of conclusions based on 2 interviews. However, as you mentioned, job interviewing is a skill that can be learned. So if you find you're continuing to not receive anything in the way of job offers, perhaps looking into the possibility of attending a job seeking skills training program might be a worthwhile endeavor?

There is a publishing company that publishes job seeking skills training material. Perhaps some of their publications might be of use as well:

Job Search - Career Development - Browse Products | Paradigm Education Solutions Store

I understand how you feel about minimum wage retail jobs. But everyone has to start somewhere. (Sorry for the platitude.)

And if you've never had a job & you're in college perhaps a job in retail isn't such a bad place to start? If your college has a student placement office, perhaps talking your situation over with them might be helpful. Best wishes for success with your job search.

WastingAsparagus · Aug 22, 2019 at 07:12 PM

@Rouge0

I didn't have "real" jobs until I got to college either. I mean, most college students who had jobs that I knew worked some type of minimum wage job or something of the like. It's not a fault on your part. That's just the way the world works. You have to start somewhere. And hey, perhaps the types of jobs you're looking for aren't the right fit for you. Maybe you need some other type of job. I also agree with Skeezyks that maybe you should go to the student employment office and ask if they have any ideas for you.

Eclecticist · Aug 24, 2019 at 09:57 AM

I remember the job hunt in high school and in college. It's a horrible feeling being rejected even for the most menial jobs. For me, though, the trouble was getting past the online applications. So many of the jobs I applied to rely on passing a personality test to filter out applicants who are too independent-minded. It took a long time to learn how to trick the system so that a real person can actually consider my application. My first job at the local grocery store was entirely luck-based, I think. They happened to be short-staffed and they basically needed people with a functioning brain and hands to work the cash registers. The "interview" was more like "here's-what-we-expect-of-you" speech before being asked when I can start working.

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Can't pass an interview

My Support Forums