It is never easy to get rejected from a job. You set your heart on the perfect role, perfected your resume, nailed the interview but for some reason you still didn’t make the cut. The best thing you can do in this situation is to leverage the opportunity with the company to your benefit. Make the hiring manager your personal advocate and foster a good professional relationship to keep the door open in case another opportunity arises. Here’s 5 easy tips to make the most of a job rejection.
1. Send thanks.
The hiring process is long and arduous for many people involved. Even though you didn’t get the job, send a thank note or email to everyone who took the time to interview you. They will appreciate you respect your professionalism and keep you in mind for the next opportunity.
2. Be understanding.
Nobody likes to be the bearer of bad news especially when you know how much the person wanted the job. It is just as tough for the hiring manager to reject you as it is for you to receive. Through being understanding, positive and compassionate, they may call you up if the candidate doesn’t work out or create another role that is better suited to you.
3. Be passionate.
Convince the hiring manager that you’re deeply passionate about working for their company and it’s not just about the money or role is hugely important. This way they will believe that if you’re hired you’ll be in it for the long haul. Explain what it is exactly that makes you feel connected to the job, your “connection story” and the hiring manager will be more inclined to help.
4. Seek advice.
Just because you didn’t fit the bill for this job doesn’t mean there won’t be other opportunities. At the moment you’re a “warm lead” because they already know you and like you. The next step now is to make it clear that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to mould yourself for the company.
Ask questions like…
“What can I do to become a better fit for this company?”
“How can I improve to satisfy more requirements?”
Show keen and find out what you need to do to tick off as many attributes on their list as possible and you never know. The next available job might just be yours.
5. Stay in touch.
Now that you’ve established a relationship you need to keep it warm. Ask your interviewer how best you should stay in contact with the company without being annoying so that you remain on their radar. They will appreciate your proactivity and keenness to take ownership of the process.
Remember that just because the door was closed in your face this time, does not mean a window of opportunity will not open further down the line. Act with professionalism and class and the next time there is a position it could be yours.