Hey all, just wanted to vent about my four final rounds and reason for rejections at all four. For context, 10+ years in marketing. I was actively applying in March: 40 applications, I got 11 screening calls, and went to 4 final rounds. but it seems I can't get past them.
Company 1: overall a great experience, they found me themselves. 4 rounds, great feedback and support. The final round was with VP which went amazing, and the person said in the end “we’d have drinks and chats at an off-site soon!!” I was really hopeful.
Two days after, I received a rejection letter with no feedback.
Company 2: final round after tech interview, VP and the hiring manager. The last interview was with a same-level team member. I thought after all decision makers this one will be easy.
The interviewer was a young person (like 10 years younger than me), who said it was their first interview ever. It was cute until instead of culture fit or my practical insights, they asked me university-style questions. It felt like exam questions from my specialty that I don't even do anymore. I didn't remember much from school TBH. I got a rejection letter based on that person’s feedback.
Company 3: five rounds, including a homework assignment. Final round was co-founder interview. The co-founder didn’t show up at the scheduled time. We had another meeting: it was a 15-minute chat, then silence for three weeks and then a rejection email.
Company 4: final round was a two-person panel, VP and the founder. The founder was late and visibly upset or angry about something, didn’t even introduce himself. When we were saying our goodbyes (after the VP’s questions and my questions) he abruptly asked, “Wait, why do you have a gap in your resume?” The gap was from seven years ago, and I was actually employed at the time; it just wasn’t a relevant position. It was surprising that this question came from the founder! at this late stage. I received a rejection letter from them as well
in 2021 I sent one application and was employed a week later.
Right now I don't know what to do. I feel like timing/market is just not on my side; so part of me wants to give up and stop wasting time (it was like 20+ interviews plus home assignments plus prep for each interview) and wait for better market. but part of me is afraid it's just going to be worse.
any tips?