25 1st round interviews -- barely any 2nd rounds - Help!
No joke, I have had nearly 25 1st round interviews. I always make it past the initial phone screen with HR. I have only had a handful of 2nd rounds and nothing after that.
I have no clue what I am doing wrong. I am applying for mostly Real Estate private equity jobs or some sort of analyst in RE / Finance. Most of my interviews have very little technical questions and more behavioral and walk me through your resume type stuff.
I have sent out well over 100 resumes - everything from the firms website to careerbuilder to networking.
Background:
Over 1 year experience in commercial banking
Non Target School
Strong real estate experience in college
Strong extra curricular activities
I am close to giving up on a job search. I have been told that because I am currently out of state to where I am applying, that a lot of firms would rather not bother and just go with someone already located there. I have been told by a headhunter that I should move to the city I am trying to get a job at because a lot of people are putting my resume to the side once they see I am out of state. I always make sure to make it clear that I have no issues relocating, I can be there for any follow up interview within a day, and I need no relocating money.
Giving up hope here... suggestions?
Masters of Finance is the obvious solution
Oh yeah, I forgot I have a low GPA... which has only come up in 2 interviews (its not listed on my GPA)
Sounds like he's more RE than Finance.
OP, quick question: do you know Argus?
MSF for sure. Firms are not hiring.
Try making a list of 5 places you'd die to work for, and network through those channels. Write a letter to the MD. Go to mixer events. Know everything about the company. Etc. Etc. Every kid is sending 2000 resumes as well, but very generic, unfocused.
The key is to focus. You want to work in banking, but which group? FSG, if so. Where? The London team is small, so maybe no chance of being hired there. What about casting a wide net to Southeast Asia? Etc. etc.
I know the basics of Argus. I have used it only a handful of times. If asked, I make sure to mention that I am not proficient with Argus, however I am more then happy to get my Argus certification or take a couple classes from Argus on my own time to become proficient.
I have applied to a REPE firm. I passed the phone screen and HR loved me. He passed me on but he told me later that I was denied as they went with someone local. He told me to call him back in a month or so to find out if there is another position open. Sure enough they are hiring again. He puts me on the top pile with a recommendation from him (probably does not do much as he is HR but still). He told me they would let me know by early this week, but its not Thursday so feeling its going to be a no. If they deny me again without getting a call back from a decision maker would you guys suggest keep calling up my contact at HR, or move on from this firm? Should I go for three strikes? lol.
I was just curious if your knowledge of Argus (or lack thereof) may have played a part. Couldn't hurt to keep calling, IMO.
Every interview that you failed, ask them for suggestions of how to improve your interviewing skills/more suited for job in future. Helps a lot to get feedback
I feel you, just keep going and don't resume dump. That is tailor the resume to each position. Since you made it this far, it might be the interviewing you need practice with.
'I have sent out well over 100 resumes'. Well boo hoo..
Honestly brother, I send out my resume 100 times a day some times. Get used to it.
If you're not getting past the HR screen then your resume does not match with the skills needed for the job. Either that or they are looking for a target undergrad and maybe you are non-target.
Have you tried going thru recruiters like Robert Half and such? You know getting a temp or contract gig isn't that bad of a move. Good experience and they typically pay pretty well.
Rothyman- any contacts at Robert Half?
I don't know you might want to check their website..
http://www.roberthalffinance.com/
If it's going slow for you on your search, you can def check out those recruiting agencies and get a temp gig, not a bad idea at all!
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