Published on Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007
In your endless job search, you finally stumble on the perfect job. You dash off a resume immediately and maybe even land an interview. Sadly, no job offer follows
You get either a standard rejection letter, a cautiously worded elimination call or even worse, are left hanging never to hear from the organisation again.
Well, nobody likes rejection, especially when it comes to being passed over for a dream job. This loaded feeling leads to unprecedented frustration, anger and bitterness. But do not dejectedly cross off the job just yet. The initial rebuff does not necessarily draw a permanent curtain on the job. Why not fight tooth and nail for the ‘much wanted’ job rather than letting the opportunity sink without a trace?
As Shelia Gray, a leading director of global talent acquisition advises, “If there’s an organisation you really want to work for, don’t let your first rejection be your defining moment. Continue to pursue the organisation.”
You get either a standard rejection letter, a cautiously worded elimination call or even worse, are left hanging never to hear from the organisation again.
Well, nobody likes rejection, especially when it comes to being passed over for a dream job. This loaded feeling leads to unprecedented frustration, anger and bitterness. But do not dejectedly cross off the job just yet. The initial rebuff does not necessarily draw a permanent curtain on the job. Why not fight tooth and nail for the ‘much wanted’ job rather than letting the opportunity sink without a trace?
As Shelia Gray, a leading director of global talent acquisition advises, “If there’s an organisation you really want to work for, don’t let your first rejection be your defining moment. Continue to pursue the organisation.”
A good dose of logic
Always keep in mind that a job worth having will attract umpteen candidates, that too mostly well-qualified ones. You are just one among the crowd that was eliminated. This does not necessarily reflect on your abilities or achievements in any way. Someone may just be better qualified, more suitable or having something else going for him.
If you overcome the disappointment and respond professionally in the face of the rejection, you may actually get the company to retract the rejection and offer you a job! After all, you never know - the chosen candidate may fall through, not turn up or even decline the job. Even so, a positive reaction will keep you on the recruiters’ radar for when the position falls vacant again or a different one becomes available.
Always keep in mind that a job worth having will attract umpteen candidates, that too mostly well-qualified ones. You are just one among the crowd that was eliminated. This does not necessarily reflect on your abilities or achievements in any way. Someone may just be better qualified, more suitable or having something else going for him.
If you overcome the disappointment and respond professionally in the face of the rejection, you may actually get the company to retract the rejection and offer you a job! After all, you never know - the chosen candidate may fall through, not turn up or even decline the job. Even so, a positive reaction will keep you on the recruiters’ radar for when the position falls vacant again or a different one becomes available.
Keep a cool head
A rejection will hurt terribly, but never make the mistake of expressing your anger or resentment at the hiring managers. Candidates who fling abuses, accusations or argue vociferously squander their possible chance of being reconsidered for the job. To stand out from the crowd, it’s important to accept the rejection gracefully.
A rejection will hurt terribly, but never make the mistake of expressing your anger or resentment at the hiring managers. Candidates who fling abuses, accusations or argue vociferously squander their possible chance of being reconsidered for the job. To stand out from the crowd, it’s important to accept the rejection gracefully.
Go ahead and ‘thank’
Ironically, the first thing to do after being denied the job is to say ‘thank you’. Writing, emailing or calling to extend this simple courtesy will effectively distinguish you from other rejected contenders. Express your sincere gratitude for having been considered for the position even while reinforcing your strong desire to work for the company.
Carefully word a polite and professional appreciation to reiterate your continuing interest in the opportunity and the value you can bring to the job. This thoughtful communiqué will spotlight your initiative, enthusiasm, grit and sincerity.
A top HR director recalls inviting a rejected candidate for another interview and subsequently hiring him, “He acknowledged that it would have been a great company to work for, but that he understood he was not the right person for the particular opportunity. Most recruiters remember great candidates, and this letter kept him top of mind!”
Ironically, the first thing to do after being denied the job is to say ‘thank you’. Writing, emailing or calling to extend this simple courtesy will effectively distinguish you from other rejected contenders. Express your sincere gratitude for having been considered for the position even while reinforcing your strong desire to work for the company.
Carefully word a polite and professional appreciation to reiterate your continuing interest in the opportunity and the value you can bring to the job. This thoughtful communiqué will spotlight your initiative, enthusiasm, grit and sincerity.
A top HR director recalls inviting a rejected candidate for another interview and subsequently hiring him, “He acknowledged that it would have been a great company to work for, but that he understood he was not the right person for the particular opportunity. Most recruiters remember great candidates, and this letter kept him top of mind!”
Keep in touch
Continue to send friendly reminders about your job status and interest level in the organisation. Demonstrate an easy familiarity with the company and encourage them to keep you in mind for future positions. In the follow-up, tailor your approach to the job and company; at times, you can even go as far as subtly requesting reconsideration.
For instance, a recently rejected soul urged the organisation to label him a backup candidate and relating what he did says, “I said that I was really disappointed because the company was my No. 1 choice and asked them to reconsider me if somebody backs out or if another position opens up. A week later, the company retracted its rejection and offered me the job, which I accepted!” But, the trick is to soft sell yourself without overdoing it and infuriating them unnecessarily.
Continue to send friendly reminders about your job status and interest level in the organisation. Demonstrate an easy familiarity with the company and encourage them to keep you in mind for future positions. In the follow-up, tailor your approach to the job and company; at times, you can even go as far as subtly requesting reconsideration.
For instance, a recently rejected soul urged the organisation to label him a backup candidate and relating what he did says, “I said that I was really disappointed because the company was my No. 1 choice and asked them to reconsider me if somebody backs out or if another position opens up. A week later, the company retracted its rejection and offered me the job, which I accepted!” But, the trick is to soft sell yourself without overdoing it and infuriating them unnecessarily.
Pick their brains
A charming way out is to call the hiring manager and ask him/her for feedback. Pose questions like where you went wrong, why you were not a good fit for the position and what you lack. Soliciting suggestions and advice for subsequent interviews will demonstrate your sincere interest in personal development and career progression.
All said and done, tackling a rejection with maturity, objectivity and persistence will keep your name in front of the recruiters and can turn the defeat into ultimate victory!
Last but not the least; remember that a rejection is not the end of the world. Learn to take the disappointment in your stride and you will benefit in the future.
A charming way out is to call the hiring manager and ask him/her for feedback. Pose questions like where you went wrong, why you were not a good fit for the position and what you lack. Soliciting suggestions and advice for subsequent interviews will demonstrate your sincere interest in personal development and career progression.
All said and done, tackling a rejection with maturity, objectivity and persistence will keep your name in front of the recruiters and can turn the defeat into ultimate victory!
Last but not the least; remember that a rejection is not the end of the world. Learn to take the disappointment in your stride and you will benefit in the future.
PAYAL CHANANIA
No comments:
Post a Comment