DH is always the second choice

rboisvert · September 2014

My Dh has been job hunting for about 2.5 years now. He's currently employed at a small company he's been with for about 20 years. Over the years his responsibilities have changed considerably as well as going from seasonal to year round. While it was a seasonal job he was also a tenured faculty member at a state university (served as chair his last year there). He's been interviewing at both private companies as well as universities and he is perpetually the second choice. He get's through the phone interviews is one of the two or three people brought in for in-person interviews and so far just one offer for a university position that was not a good fit.

My guess is the fact that he's been with this small company with no title change for so long he's not doing a good job of really describing his current job level of responsibility and management. He's in a niche market (non-profit entertainment) and it's really starting to get to him. How can he do some investigative work on why he's not getting offers? He's interviewed with companies that employ his former students/staff that have worked under him and still nothing. How can he do some recon to up his desireability to future companies?

minirella · September 2014

I'm not really sure how to answer but as far as investigative and short of breaking in and looking at notes from the interview if there are any, he could try and contact one of his former students/coworkers and ask for input. I don't know if they would know anything but that is really all I got.

rboisvert · September 2014

Clearly not looking to look over the interviewer's shoulder at their notes. I've been trying to come up with a way for him to broach a brief conversation with one of the interview committee members of one of the companies he was high in the running with about what skills/experiences made their top candidate their ultimate choice. Is there a way to really do this? It just seems so unprofessional but he's clearly missing something in these interviews. He's not highlighting something or not doing the best job selling himself since he's been in the bushiness over 20 years and people love working with and for him.

Mustardseed2007 · September 2014

^^ I think doing that might really be ok. I think the way you put it above sounds really professional. He could do it in an email to keep himself from sounding weird or desperate (which would be my personal concern) or if he has strong and professional way of presenting himself he could do it in a quick call. Just let them know that he still has to look elsewhere, even though he wasn't the right fit for them, and he would really appreciate some constructive criticism.

If he doesn't want to do that, perhaps he could get with a head hunter firm and ask them to profile him and let him know how he can improve his presentation of himself.

ETA: I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I am actually pretty horrible at interviewing and "selling" myself, which I really have no excuse for considering my profession (corporate/legal).

umma4babes · September 2014

I think it is reasonable to ask one of the interviewers for a feedback. Lots of people do this, and it is actually a good way to help them remember you if a future opportunity comes up. Also, if these companies are in your husband's field, it's a good idea to keep the connection anyway. You never know. I know quite a few people who didn't get the job the first time but got it when different positions opened up.

rboisvert · September 2014

Thanks ladies I think there might be one or two places where he might feel comfortable going back and asking for feedback. We're in a place where we don't have to move but he's ready for growth beyond what his company can give him. I think just missing out so many times is starting to wear on him.

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