Did you open your email and see the words “Thank you for applying to our organization but…”?
It is disappointing and saddening to see that in your email. You think about how your interview went well, and you even managed to make the interviewer laugh. You were a lock for the job too!
But alas! They picked someone else. Dang!
So, now what?
Well, you take this rejection from a job with grace and move on to the next great opportunity waiting for you.
But why don’t you first try to transform this rejection into an opportunity? Wondering how you can do that? Let’s find out!
What To Do After Being Rejected From A Job?
How to deal with rejection is a tough question without a simple answer. But the tips below can certainly help ease the pain of not being chosen. You never know; this could also turn into an opportunity.
1. Take A Step Back
“Why am I getting rejected from jobs?” is a question that most people ponder after being rejected. They feel disappointed and want to spend time wallowing in self-pity. But there is also another side to this.
Instead of taking the time to think about your failures, recall the things that went well. Remind yourself that it is no small feat to make it to the interview rounds, given that companies receive tens and hundreds of applications.
So, pat yourself on the back for being capable and qualified for the job. You may not have been the right fit right now, but you have managed to achieve this milestone. Feel proud of yourself because this kind of positive attitude will help you move forward.
2. Send A Thank You Email
Send a thank you note to the organization you interviewed for and let them know that you are grateful for the opportunity to interview with them. Add a line congratulating them on finding the right candidate for the job.
This is a great way to show that you have a strong character and keep a healthy relationship with the company. You can also ask them what you should do to make sure that you are on their radar for any future opportunities.
3. Ask For Feedback
You did not get the job, but that does not mean you can’t ask for feedback. However, instead of just questioning them bluntly, form pointed and strategic questions that employers are likely to respond to. Here are some examples.
- Was something missing from my resume?
- Was there a particular skill that I did not have?
- Can you provide some pointers for improvement?
This can help you pinpoint the problem areas, which other employers may also focus on. You can then focus on improving yourself.
Can’t figure out how to start or what to write? Check out the sample email below.
“Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for getting back to me about your hiring decision. While I’m disappointed to hear that I was not selected for the [Job Title] position, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to interview for the job and meet some of the members of your team. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about your organization and would love to be considered for any future job openings that may become available.
If you have a moment to spare, I would be interested to hear any feedback you have regarding my application and interview. I’m sure any details you can provide would be helpful to my job search.
Thank you again for your time and consideration, [Hiring Manager Name]. I hope our paths cross again, and I wish you and the rest of the team at [Company] all the best moving forward.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]”
4. Review Your Materials
Getting calls for interviews means that your resume, LinkedIn profile, and preparation are in good shape. However, being rejected from a job could mean that there is something missing. It does not hurt to go over all your materials one more time to make sure that you have covered all your bases.
Remember, an interview is a great learning opportunity. After giving one, you may have thought about some skills that you want to highlight more than others. So, take some time out to adjust your profile and resume accordingly.
5. Think Strategically
Once you move past the initial disappointment and hurt of being rejected for a job, you can take a good look at your career strategy.
Think about the following questions especially.
- How does work fit into my overall plan?
- Which values do I want my new job to have?
- Which roles am I good at?
- What kind of a job would I enjoy?
- Are there any organizations that would help me achieve my goals?
- Was the organization I got rejected from a good fit for me?
Once you have figured out the answers to the questions above, see if you can answer the additional ones below.
- How do I improve my attractiveness as a potential candidate?
- How do I network and forge meaningful connections with people in the industry?
- How do I learn about new job opportunities?
- What should be my approach when applying to other jobs?
Completing this exercise will allow you to be more organized and develop a focused approach toward the job hunt. You can also streamline the opportunities that will be a good fit for you.
6. Move Forward
You are allowed to take a day off to regroup and think about your career before going back on the hunt for a job. You have worked hard to get where you are, so it would be wise to keep the momentum going. Remember, these experiences happen to teach you something valuable, and everything will eventually come together.
So, Ready To Get Back On Track?
There is no one perfect formula to land a job. But if you happen to get rejected from a job, you can use the tips above to deal with despair and disappointment.
They will also help you move towards hearing the six words that you have been waiting for.
“Congratulations! We are pleased to inform….”