So I just got told I was "overconfident"...

loves2shop4shoes

I had a job interview yesterday at a law firm.  I would be the supporting EA to two partners.  I met with 5 different people yesterday and I thought it went REALLY well.  I loved everyone I met and thought I had a lot in common with them.

I felt qualified for the job and stressed that I work hard and take initiative.  I also stated that I knew how to do legal research, and if hired, I'd be more than willing to help with that as well.

So today I hear back...and I knew it was between me and one other person...and I was told that I didn't get the job, although certainly qualified, because I came across as being "overconfident" in my interview.

WTF?!  If you're  somber and brooding because you've been unemployed for a month, then you're not positive.  And if you're excited, happy, and are animated about how you could contribute to the team, you're overconfident.

I'm sorry...should I be cowering in a corner somewhere, barely willing to talk about my abilities or something?

UGH.  And here comes yet ANOTHER week of unemployment.  Fan-fucking-tastic.

CCO2012

Screw them! I'd take an overconfident person over and under confident person any day of the week. If I am looking for help I want the most help I can get. They will be kicking themselves in less than a month. GUARANTEED!

GoldenPenguin

I think that's a lame excuse for "we interviewed you because we 'had' to, and knew who we were going to hire all along."

I interviewed for a job a couple years ago that I was clearly qualified for & had the exact experience they were looking for... they ended up hiring someone who was younger and had less experience - because of his connections. It really sucks sometimes, but that's how the game is played :-/

I'm sorry Shoes. The right job will come along for you, I know it. (I keep telling myself the same thing, don't worry!)

SopChick

I'm sorry Shoes! I agree with the other ladies, they will regret not hiring you. I would absolutely want someone who is confident.

peekaboo2011

I'm sorry Shoes.  Something better will come along.  I know it! 

*hugs*

ravenray

I am sorry Shoes.  I think Liv has some really good things to say.   I will punch someone for you, that sucks to hear.  *hugs*
EDIT and sunbird too.   

PaigeMcC

I'm with Liv and Sunbird on this one.

tafft1

I also have to echo the ladies above and feel they gave great advice. The worst thing to do is overanaylze everything - and try to take something positive away from the experience. I have been in this situation before for a retail management position - I came off as trying too hard rather than having that balance between my stregth and weakness , because we all have them. Feedback and denial isn't always a negative thing - while obviously I completely understand the stress and frustration of it all , the best you can do is take away a good experience so that any future possibilites can be approached possibly in a different manner. Keep in mind also while not fair - it is a VERY competetive job market right now and as stated above maybe it just wasn't a good fit overall , it dosen't mean you as a person failed in any way.

It took me almost 2 years to get into the job I have now - and wanted and nearly 6 interviews. I took something positive away from each one and between my determination and memorable personality and skills , it worked out. These things can take time and with this economy it makes it even harder and employers have the lixiry of being very particular. Keep your head up and don't give up.

loves2shop4shoes

Thanks girls.

It's just hard to stay positive sometimes.  I mean, when I get really excited about an opportunity, I tend to show my excitement in the interview.  And I guess maybe my excitement is being seen as overconfidence.

It's just so tricky.  I don't want them to think I have no personality or am not interested.

I've just been unemployed for a while now, and I really feel the financial need to find something quickly.  And I'm just stressed out...and I feel really defeated.

kellyt89

Liv's ideas about going to your alumni office or taping a mock interview are great. I definitely understand what you mean about being excited about an opportunity and that maybe seeming like overconfidence. I know that you'll find something soon - I really respect your determination in this tough time and I know it will win out!

bsidebella

Shoes, I'm sorry. I have been there. I have had some pretty heavy bouts with unemployment (as I am sure most of the girls here remember).

From the day I graduated in May 2010 until July 2010, I was unemployed (with only one interview). I was hired for a temp job in July, that only lasted a month. From July to the end of September, I was unemployed again (no interviews). Another temp job was from the last week of September to the first week of November (let go early because the company made budget cuts). Then, from November 2010 until August of this year, I was unemployed. Nearly a whole year. I'd only gotten a few interviews, including one that caused extreme heartbreak - I was told I was in the top three, and then was sent an email telling me I hadn't been chosen.

I don't even count my most recent expereince working at the kennel I was working at a few months ago - I was hired in early April, injured before Memorial Day weekend, and out on disability until August, when I only worked 3 shifts before I started at the job I am in now.

I've been through depression. I've been through suicidal thoughts. I've been through days where I didn't even bother getting out of bed because I thought I was unhireable and what's the use if I'm never going to get a job? I've been through nights where I've stayed up late, wondering what was so wrong with me? I fought with my mother and FI fought with his parents, because they were convinced I wasn't doing enough to get myself hired. How do you think that made me feel, when I would sit in front of the computer for hours upon hours a day, applying for jobs that I was overqualified for because I felt so useless and not good for anything but working retail? You start feeling defeatist and worthless. I have been there. I know how you're feeling, seriously.

It WILL happen, Shoes. I promise you. It may not happen right away, but it will happen.