Monday, February 17 - "Why Can't I Pass Screening Rounds?"

Happy Monday!

Here’s what’s on the job description for today:

1. New roles from one of the biggest Ed-Tech companies.

2. Today’s Question: “recently, I’ve not been able to pass interviews held with recruiters before I go on and meet hiring managers. Why is that?”

IN HIRING

Coursera

• Be part of the growing evolution of online education with one of the power houses in this space.

• Currently there are jobs in USA, UK, India, and Canada with a broad mix of role types.

• Here are a few of the most interesting roles available

  • Sales Enablement Manager - Click here for full details

  • Enterprise Implementation Manager - Click here for full details

  • Customer Marketing Manager - Click here for full details

Click here for the company’s career page

TODAY’S QUESTION

Today’s Question: “recently, I’ve not been able to pass interviews held with recruiters before I go on and meet hiring managers. Why is that?

Recommendation: this is supposed to be the “easy” part so it can’t feel good. Here’s what I’d do:

• First, sometimes you’re truly not a good fit so if you don’t pass every first round interview, that’s okay.

  • There’s a chance that for some roles, you’re a bad fit. If you’re failing 1/5 of first round interviews, I wouldn’t stress.

• Second, nail the things you know are coming:

  • Have an intro that highlights your past in a way that makes it clear you’re a good fit. Find a balance between authentic to who you are and using the key words and skills so that a recruiter barely listening can check the boxes.

  • Create a logical few reasons why you want to work there. Talk about the value you’ll bring, you’re connection with what the company is trying to do, and any conversations with staff. This is a great template to get you 90% of the way there.

  • Have a few question prepared for them. I’d have one about the journey or career of the person you’re talking to and one about the strategy or the company or role. Feel free to ask one or two more but have at least 2 prepared.

• Finally, know that you may just be seeing a few failures because you went through a period of success.

  • For example, if you average 80% success in first round interviews and go through a few weeks of getting through everything, a week of failures feels worse than it actually is when zoomed out.

  • I’m a big believer in taking responsibility for everything that happens but sometimes you’re just over thinking it.

Conclusion:

Consider whether there really is a problem. If there is, prepare for what you can and don’t forget to keep applying.