True story: A woman interviewed for a job with a pretty great company. She was well qualified, said all the right things, and presented herself with her best foot forward. In the end, she was perfect for the job...but there was just something missing.
What was it? The warm-fuzzies, the butterflies, the "this feels great" kind of flutters you get when you meet someone you want to welcome into your life. It's like dating (yes, I said it). You might go out with someone who fits all the criteria on your list, the conversation can be right on target and the food can be great—but if the chemistry isn't there, you kindly part ways and start looking for the next best fit.
This experience can happen in job interviews, too. Not only can it happen, but it does happen. Fortunately, well-trained interviewers will put aside any personal lack of interest to consider how well a candidate would fit in with department members they'd be working with on a daily basis. Because it's a proven fact that employees who enjoy their coworkers are more likely to enjoy their job and look forward to going to work every day.
Unfortunately, this "interview chemistry" concept is completely subjective. But whatever quality caused one interviewer to fail to make a connection with you may be the same quality that makes the next one adore you. However it turns out, remember to not take it personally. Keep searching and if it doesn't work out, consider it good practice for the interview that'll get you your next job!
I think the idea of paying attention to chemistry makes sense. Of course if you need a job right away, using this strategy may not be a strategy you have the luxury of employing.
Otherwise it makes sense to find a good fit. After all, the companies are not the only ones investing precious time and resources to fill positions. If you are going to make the investment you should try to get good value for your work.
The problem is, the jobseeker is not the one who always gets the option to employ this technique. If employers don't feel that you fit, and they don't get "warm fuzzies" when interviewing you, you may not be selected for the job.
My advice to my clients (even in this economy, no ESPECIALLY in this economy) is not to apply for jobs that you really don't want. Yes, a step or two down is one thing, even a change to something else you would enjoy is reasonable, but to apply for "just any job" is going to be sniffed out by the employer almost immediately -- resulting in guess what, NO JOB!
Your body language, tone and demeanor during the interview will let others know if you are not passionate about a job for which you are applying. Why waste your time? It will only lead to continued frustration, anger and possibly even depression. Spend time focusing on presenting the best representation of your experience for jobs that you actually want, and for which you are actually qualified, and you will see that the search will take a whole lot less time.
Yes, there are fewer jobs and more candidates out there, but someone is hiring someone. Those who focus on quality over quantity and take the time to do it right are getting hired - even in this economy.