Hey all,

Back in March 2023, I interviewed with an office at State and in the end, did not get the position. The posting was for only two spots where later I found out my coworker (a vet) also interviewed for the job and got one of the spots. I reached out to one of the hiring managers (she would have been my boss’s boss if I was selected) and she was nice enough to have coffee with me in person and explained what I can do better in the interview.

Months later, there was another positing for the same job and the same hiring manger emailed me privately and encouraged me to apply. I even heard from my former coworker that they were hiring 16 spots for that position so I felt confident that I would at least get an interview. However, after being referred to the position, I found out that I wasn’t even selected for an interview this time.

I guess I’m just a bit distraught and confused as to what happened. I submitted the same exact resume so I had hoped to be considered again. I’m sure the hiring manager didn’t have the entire say in who was selected but it feels like a kick to the face especially when I was feeling more hopeful this time around.

My question is really, what can I really do to make my application better? I don’t have a problem getting referred to jobs but being selected or competing with folks in the inside or vets have been a real struggle. I already have competitive status in the government but even that hasn’t been helpful.