u/Secure_Ad7658

For context, I was laid off in November and have been actively looking for a new job. I’ve applied to roughly 200 positions, received 17 interview requests and completed or nearly completed interview loops for 7 roles.

Of those 7, 5 have been fully remote interviews
- 2 were mid loop rejections (one remote, one onsite)
- 2 were final round rejections (remote)
- 1 final round ghost (remote)
- 1 final round pending decision (remote)
- 1 final round onsite happening this week

The final I have this week is for a hybrid role, and the interview process moved fast. The recruiter found me on linked in, we spoke that afternoon. I met with the hiring manager 3 business days later, and was told on that call that she wanted to bring me in the following week for the final round to meet with 7 people over 2.5 hours onsite. Also, the recruiter let me know that this was a reopened search after their last candidate fell through.

Having hired people before in remote and onsite interviews I’m feeling optimistic, because of the time and effort that goes into onsite vs remote on both sides. Maybe I’m trying to find signs after so many misses.

Anyone have any “data” that points toward a positive outcome when you are brought in as a final round vs fully remote interviews?

I got laid off in November. Unemployment ends in 6 weeks. I have applied to almost 200 positions, made it to final or near final rounds 4 times with no offers. I have over 15 years of experience and am seeking senior level roles.

The role I’m currently interviewing for is basically the culmination of my entire career … industry, skills, roles, responsibilities. I have had 3 successful rounds so far and tomorrow I will be meeting with the CMO.

I’m just looking for good thoughts, affirmations, positive vibes … final words of wisdom, or great questions I should consider asking. I’ve done all the normal prep.

Not only do I want this search to be over but I’m genuinely excited about this one, more than any of the near misses so far.

I’m 43F, and was let go from my job as am in house Sr. Director, Creative & UX 5 months ago. I was there for almost 9 years and have 20 years of progressive design experience.

I managed a large team (spanning creative, content, UX, and front end dev) and was responsible for the company brand, website (end to end design through release), all our marketing collateral, print, social, paid media, events, etc., was a senior member of the marketing team.

I occasionally did design and campaign work myself but not often. Mostly I guided, prioritized, presented to execs, managed resourcing, etc.

I’ve applied to over 150 roles at or slightly above or below the level I was at, had 13 initial screens, half of which moved to additional interview rounds and 3 final round rejections and 1 final round ghosting.

I need to expand my strategy … but I am overqualified for IC jobs (and honestly out of practice after managing the work for so long) … I don’t have big brands or flashy campaign work in my portfolio. My work is good … solid, but I’m not “ex-insert flashing brand”

If I had to describe myself - I am an integrator.

Here is a summary of my current search strategy, what else can/should I be doing?

- apply within 24 hrs of posting

- rewrite resume for every job description (I have a few metrics / impact bullets that I include)

- include a cover letter

- if I can identify a referral I ask for it before I submit. If I can’t I could apply and send a linked in message to a hiring manager or recruiter if I can figure out who they are.

- do a ton of prep for every interview

- always send thank you emails

- follow up appropriately

I can’t think of anything else I should do except expand my search to lower level roles - any advice on other roles to target or how to display my experience without appearing over qualified?