Currently on the job hunt and feeling like I'm getting lots of interviews (>5 with 10 applications), but somehow flaming out in the interview process. Everything on the CV is of course true, just having problems closing the deal?

Do you guys know of any good interview coaches that might be good? Or do I just need to sit tight? How many interviews did you go through before you landed your current job?

PS - Not getting much actionable feedback from HR other than the usual "We are impressed, but unfortunately we will not proceed"

Are you getting past the first round? Or are you being turned down after the first interview?

If you are being turned down after the first interview, it means that you're not what they expected based on your CV. If the technical content is correct, then it's likely some other attribute that's putting them off - how you come across (could be overconfident, timid, egotistic, poor cultural fit, who knows...). But in their mind, there is a mismatch between the person they 'expected' to interview based on the CV, and what they actually got.

If you're being turned down after several interviews, it's more likely that there's just another candidate they prefer in the pipeline. Not much you can do about that.

Some first, some second, some later - it seems to be the round right after they meet me in person (some first rounds are via phone/online, etc.). Do I have horns growing on my head?

I'm reasonable looking, but also young-looking, female and foreign-looking (and applying to high-level positions). I hate to think that this has anything to do with it. More likely the cultural fit as you say (if anyone has tips on what comes across better in Swiss interviews vs other countries, I'm all ears - more aggressive vs less, etc)

Will just keep trying I think!

not to put too fine a point on it

Could they be thinking you're going to be dropping some babies some time soon?

also, have you posted up anything of facebook, twitter etc etc that could be doing you no favours, first thing a lot of companies do is check these once you get past the initial weed out stage, if you have a unique name, or have used the same email address to send out your cv etc as you use in facebook then you're simple to find and look up.

I've personally witnessed a woman swear blind she wasn't even thinking of having kids anytime soon, her career was all that mattered etc etc in an interview, then when looking her up on facebook she's telling her friends how much she's looking forward to being a mum now she's just got married.

and of course BS's on the CV then being caught out in the interview, sat in on waaaaaaaay too many of these

and of course dress, if you're turning up in jeans, tshirt and crappy old trainers you may as well not bother.

Thanks @BigBlue - I must be dumb because I totally forgot about the baby thing cause I was so focused on finding a job these weeks. Possible, possible - no one has asked outright, so it seems odd bringing it up, so will have to think about how to address the point subtly.

Not the dress (only Boss every time) and I don't really use social media (so no drunken pics).

Consider yourself lucky.

After over 100 applications, I only got asked for about 3 interviews. Those are easy for me, each one became a job opportunity. And I'm a significantly unattractive, un-confident, young-looking, obvious foreigner.

Remember for each question the ask you (positive, negative, neutral), you need not to answer the question directly, but direct your answer into one of talking about your strengths and examples which directly benefits their needs.

Listen to what the interviewer is saying or implying (about their needs, and requirements) and tailor each answer to specifically those as well.

This is essentially a$$-kissing, but present it as you've always been 'the best fit' rather than just agreeing with them.

It's not just selling yourself, but being exactly what they need.

I hope this helps a little bit---I realize it's pretty generic and bla-bla, but best of luck!

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Good food for thought Chemmie and that's some interview mojo! I will definitely give that some thought.

I'm working on another (one of many!!) job application at the moment....really hope that things turn around in 2015 and a good job comes my way.
Thanks for the advice Chemmie. And good luck to you AroundTown!!

Have you been interviewing with big corporation type places, or more small companies. I have the impression (from my own, admittedly limited perspective) that big corporations (well some at least) do value a certain degree of diversity. So if you're a quack with too many tattoos, strange hobbies and a penchant to unpredicatbility, they may just about think that your contribution might be enrichening. In small companies, its very much about, how well do you fit in. How compatible are you to existing leadership and value structures (because they're not going to change these for you). Often (especially in CH) the latter is a question of reading between the lines. So just as the company will have googled you and scrutinised your drunken photos, you can google the person who'se interviewing you (who is probably also the owner of the company) and then you may find a way to connect and demonstrate some compatibility. For example I once had an interview with a guy who I googled to be a retired military pilot and long-time FDP member and so I did a lot of arm waving on how wonderful the Swiss air force was and how I admired the Swiss political system and sure enough I was offered the job (but turned it down for other reasons)

As somebody who has done loads of interviews for a big international company.. I can quite honestly say that after interviewing a lady of "child bearing age", we've never discounted her because she might have a(another) baby some time in the future. It's not even in the thought process.

That's just us maybe..

We don't like asskissing or telling us buzzwords or generic interview rubbish answers.. We're looking for somebody who fits with us and somebody we think will 'enjoy' what they do. Sometimes it just clicks, sometimes not. And yeah we unofficially google people.

Are you American? The American "can do" attitude which is praised at home can come across as shallow and not fully understanding the problem over here. Switzerland rewards careful, reflective, risk-averse managers who seek consensus and walk softly.

Americans can come across as very sales-y, whereas in Switzerland (and Europe in general), it's important to get the relationship right. They don't always want the best solution -- they want the one that is most comfortable.

Having met you in person I know it is definitely not a lot of the things about how you're coming across on a personal level!! You are articulate, amiable and warm and definitely dont come across as the 'American' type described above (sweeping generalisations anyone?!)

I would imagine you're just lucking out and you know what my philosophy on these things are - you just have to manifest it! Believe it and go for it just as you are and the right opportunity will be along at precisely the right moment - that's how I am here in Switzerland for sure! Keep being you - I think your marvellous!

I think American business culture is often about rewarding individuals who jump in, move things and hopefully achieve things, even if this involves treading on toes and upsetting people or even stabbing them in the back. In Europe its more about the team. More the we than the I.

I was at a trade show once watching the demonstartion of a valve actuator and there was an American guy kicking up a huge fuss saying the control algorithm was wrong and there was a far simpler solution. Truth be told, he was right. There is a simpler solution and one which is widely used in the US. Only that solution isn't allowed in Europe. The European solution to this problem is more complex but also more precise and also more reactive and more energy efficient. So it was a confrontation of a rolls royce approach and a good enough approach. Trying to sell the US solution in Europe would have been about as futile as trying to sell the European one in the US. Americans sometimes make fools of themselves precisely because they fail to apprecaite this and end up going on some sort of a crusade against the stupidity of the rest of us rather than realizing they need to act within the context that is given.

But is the total package credible from a Swiss employer's point of view. 'Young looking' does not go well with senior positions in the Swiss mind. Just a thought, but believe me it does come up from time to time.

This is a blessed curse I feel is common world-wide. Almost every engineer/salesperson/marketing exec I meet on travels always say the same thing first: You're the specialist they sent from Switzerland??!?! How old are you?

I guess I enjoy it a bit---but not as much as being asked for ID when buying beer---that's always a pleasure when the poor cashier looks at the birth year and starts counting on their fingers till they realize how dumb they look.

I've had more interviews that I can count and flamed out, almost every single time, based on the fact that I required sponsorship. Is that the case with you?

Good feedback guys (thanks!!) and a diverse set of points to think about - I will move fwd and try to adjust accordingly! I did get my official work permit letter, but still have it on my CV as pending even though I've gotten the letter and done the biometric scan for the card @zerogre. People have asked about it, though.

being interviewed does not mean anything. Sometimes we know someone we want to hire and we are still going through posting job offers, hiring head hunter, inviting people for interviews... it's a huge waste of time and money for everybody but it justifies HR existence

That sounds pretty good! Just keep practicing

Actually you are doing the right thing asking for feedback, but don't be too hard on yourself, just because you are getting interviews it doesn't mean you fit the job, or on the other hand you might have been unlucky so far.

Important point is to keep them coming, statistics is on your side

On my end, I've send so far around 60 applications and had only 4 interview invites... pretty rough and those were discontinued due to factors like travel requirements or just better candidates.

Keep it up and best of lucks!

I am also trying to find a job, it is nice to know that I am not the only one who feels frustrated...

I'd say keep trying and learn from your previous experience, then landing on a job is just a matter of time :-)