Are you handling job rejections the right way?
Everyone would have experienced those days when we frequently check mails with anxiety looking for an update from the recruiter to that most exciting job that we applied. Most days your hard work pays off and then there are days with mails that sound “…we decided to move on with other candidates…”. Ouch! That’s all right. Just not your day.
Wonder how to make the best out of it and become the ‘other candidate’? All it takes is it to go that extra mile!
- First and foremost: Mindset matters!
You didn't lose anything. Either you get the job or an experience. Both are equally going to get you close to the next stage of your dreams. Channeling the disappointment to tune your strategies, can take you to places. - Secondly: Respond to that mail.
It was be disappointing but still take a deep breath and respond. Appreciate their time and effort towards considering you. If you got to know the team during the process, tell them how you feel about it. Wish them for their upcoming project. Finish with a positive note saying you are looking forward to the future opportunities to work with them.
Hi <xxxxx>,
Thanks for your transparent feedback and the smooth process. It was great getting to know < you/ the recruiter’s name with whom you spoken with earlier> and the team (if you were introduced with/to). Hope to work with the <wonderful/creative/challenging> team in the future soon.
Best wishes for you continued success.
Warm regards, <yyyyy>
3. Important: Look for the feedback in the rejection mail.
Sometimes it will be subtle like “…proceed with other candidates who we believe is an even closer match to our requirements…”, or sometimes transparent like “..the hiring manager was not convinced that the position fits your ambitions…”. Translate that to what you learn from that, how you want to present yourself the next time. Update resume if required.
4. Next: Retrospect!
Did you give so much information that the recruiter is not clear where your strengths lie? Is it the way you spoke about your future plans that confused the recruiter with ‘why are you applying here then’? Did you clearly touch base with how you add value? Is it the tone/ pace/ language?
If its’ a technical/ business round, what are the perspectives that needed improvement? Recall the conversations and touch points that you feel you might have did differently. Note them down! Work on it!
4. Almost there: Create a professional network
Find the recruiter/ the team member you connected with during the process, add them to your professional network in LinkedIn. Not just ‘Connect’! That’s the worst way to connect with anyone I would say unless it is a social network. Craft a message saying why do you want to connect. It will be helpful in the most unexpected time and way like a referral / job update/ perspective. Go for it!
Hi <xxx>,
Glad to have known you through the <Interview Position> I applied for earlier. Would like to connect with you to keep in touch for <the upcoming job updates / your inspiring career updates>.
Regards, <yyyy>
5. Finally: The bitter truth!
Hoy, You did great! There are numerous reasons why a rejection happens even if you are a perfect fit for the job. So, don’t be hard on yourself. There is always an X factor involved. It’s not 100% on you.
Cheers to all the rejections and the better places it’s gonna take you to!
Did you do something differently? Let me know in comments. Love to learn what worked for you.
