u/HonestIndependent4

I recently made it to the final round of interviews and I felt a really good vibe because I prepared well for the interview process. I researched the company and their products, I came up with a list of questions that I rehearsed, and then asked at the interview. I practiced with a friend doing mock interviews where I gained confidence in explaining various scenarios that are commonly asked during interviews which made me more comfortable during the actual interviews.

In the end, it came down to me and one other candidate. The manager said that he and his colleagues really liked me. They provided feedback and told me that I asked good questions, they were impressed with my education and experience, and appreciated my positive attitude and enthusiasm for the role.

I got the call earlier this week that they decided to go with the other candidate and it was a punch in the gut because I felt like I was perfect for the role, but their hiring decision was beyond my control. I can proudly say that I gave my best effort and that is all we can do in life.

So, this morning when I went to retrieve my mail, I received a package from the company that I was just rejected from. I opened the package with a letter thanking me for interviewing with them and telling me to enjoy the enclosed free complimentary company hat for my efforts.

I had to laugh because it sums up corporate America perfectly. They basically tell me that I'm not good enough to work for them, but please wear our company apparel in public to give us free advertising.

I'm sending positive vibes to everyone out there who is diligently applying and interviewing for positions in this brutal job market. Our time will come soon.

I'm feeling pretty demoralized because I made it to the final round of the interview process for a job that I thought was a perfect fit for me and my skill set.

In the end, it came down to me and another candidate and I did everything I could to prepare for the interview process. I researched the company and their products, I took notes, and prepared a list of questions that I asked at the interviews and conducted mock interviews with a friend where I practiced describing my strengths and why I applied for the specific position.

Each step of the interview process went really well and when I was told the decision today, the manager said that he and his colleagues really liked me. He said that I asked great questions and they liked my positive attitude and enthusiasm and it was a really tough decision but they decided to go with the other person.

It was a punch in the gut because I had a good vibe and I thought that giving my best effort would land me the job. Especially since I have the relevant skills and experience for the position. The rejection stings, but I need to shake it off and get back to applying because tomorrow is another day.

I'm sending positive vibes to everyone out there who is in a similar situation. Our time will come where we get chosen. Good luck, and much love to all.