Got Rejected After 6 Interview Rounds. I'm Done.

Six rounds. That's a whole lot of polite smiles, rehearsed answers, and hopeful anticipation just to hit a wall. It’s like running a marathon only to find the finish line being moved further out each time you get close. Trust me, I get it. The frustration is real, and it’s disheartening enough to make anyone want to throw in the towel.

Yeah, This Is Real

Let's face it: the hiring process can be brutal. What started as a straightforward job application can quickly turn into an endurance test. The truth is, many companies haven't streamlined their interview processes, and they don’t realize—or maybe don’t care—that they’re stretching candidates to their limits. This leads to candidates investing a huge amount of time, energy, and even emotion, only to be left empty-handed.

Why does this happen? Sometimes it’s due to internal confusion—a lack of clarity about what exactly they’re looking for, or too many cooks in the hiring kitchen. Other times, it’s just poor management of the process, plain and simple. Whatever the reason, it’s not your fault, but it is your reality. And yes, it’s completely valid to feel frustrated by it.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Here’s the part that stings a little, but it’s important: the job market doesn’t owe any of us a fair process. Companies might take forever, ask too much, and communicate poorly. It seems unfair—and it is—but knowing this helps in planning how to deal with it.

Here's the thing: you’re always going to encounter processes that seem designed to test your patience more than your skills. This isn’t a reflection of your ability or worth; it’s a sign of inefficiencies on their end. What you need to hear—and probably don’t want to—is that accepting this as part of the journey helps in dealing with disappointment more constructively. It’s a frustrating truth, but being aware means you can better prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the marathon that a job search can sometimes be.

What Actually Helps

Time to pivot from frustrations to action. Start by being strategic in your job applications. Ask specific questions about the interview process upfront. If it’s a marathon, you deserve to know how many miles you’re running.

When you feel like you’re stuck in an endless loop of interviews, it might be time to reassess. Keep a concise version of your personal experiences and achievements that you can easily tailor to fit the specific role and company culture—this helps shorten prep time. Also, prioritize roles based on a combination of interest and realistic chances to get in, rather than applying to everything under the sun.

Finally, invest in networking. Sometimes getting an inside referral means bypassing some of those grueling rounds. Attend relevant industry events, join professional groups, and don't shy away from reaching out to people in roles you aspire to.

Real Talk

Look, job hunting is a grind, and there are days when the system feels stacked against you. But know that every single rejection is not a reflection of your potential. It’s part of navigating a flawed system. Keep refining your approach, keep asking questions, and remember, you bring value to the table just by showing up and persevering.

Ultimately, your persistence is your power. Lean on your network, seek out those shortcuts, and keep your focus on where you genuinely want to be. It’s tough, no doubt, but you’ve got this. Keep pushing forward, and when you find that right fit, it’ll feel all the more rewarding.

Community commentary from Hey, You're Hired.