So, what do you do when you receive a rejection call or email from an employer after you interview for a job?
You’ve spent hours, sacrificing lunch breaks, family time, outings with friends, and precious sleep to prepare for your big interview. You showed up, interviewed well, and now you’re being told that you did not emerge as the candidate of choice.
You’re understandably devastated. So, do you respond? If so, how?
The answer to your question is, “Yes respond;” however, there should be a method to your response. Here are four ways to do so with class and make your memorable impression on the employer last even longer.
- Although you are eagerly awaiting follow-up about your interview, do not answer the phone when it rings. Even if you recognize the number, let the call go to voice mail. Just like when you’re waiting for an interview invitation after you apply to jobs, you need to maintain your composure. Remember, you actually don’t know what the caller has to say to you. So, by letting the call go to voicemail, then listening to it when you’re in a private place, you allow yourself to get your game face on, return the call, and not have a breakdown while on the phone with the employer.
- If the recruiter or hiring manager leaves a detailed voice message that they’ve chosen another candidate, do call them back, but before doing so, take a deep breath, get your emotions in check, then rehearse your response. Tell them that you received their message. And while they can imagine that the outcome was not the one that you were hoping for, you enjoyed meeting them, you wish them and their team well, and you appreciate the time they took to call you personally. Why do this, because other opportunities with this employer could become available in the future and you want them to remember you in a positive light. So, you want to continue to display your grace and professionalism. Believe me, you will make an awesome positive impression and possibly have them second-guessing their decision.
- If the notice is sent via email, do take the time to digest the information, again, get your emotions in check. Then, within twenty-four hours, preferably at the
beginning of their work day, send a reply email. Thank them for the opportunity to meet them. Tell them you’d appreciate their consideration for future opportunities. If you want to go one step further, send a similar email to the other interviewers to thank them for interviewing you and to ask for their consideration for future opportunities, as well. You won’t believe the positive impact that can have in your favor.
- Do follow the rules of common sense and appropriate personal and professional etiquette. So, do not go on social media and criticize the interviewer(s) or the organization, or complain that you did not get the job. Not only will you hurt your chances of future employment with that organization, but possibly with other organizations. Why? Because you don’t know who knows whom. Also, because once you post it, it is fair game that could be forwarded by God knows whom, to only God knows who else. Plus, many of your social media contacts could be in supervisory positions. All it takes is one incidence of bad judgement and you will have potentially blocked your chances of consideration for employment with a number of employers. Being a manager can be challenging enough without added workplace drama. So, most hiring managers will not knowingly hire someone who could prove to be a negative influence on their team. If you must post something on social media to help you deal with the let down, go to their Facebook page or web page and comment that you had the awesome opportunity to interview for a position with ABC company and you met some great people. Continue by saying that, although you didn’t get the job, you can’t wait for another opportunity to come available so that you can apply.
Remember, making a positive impression on a potential employer does not stop when your interview ends. Today’s connected world is smaller than you could possibly imagine. More than once, I’ve told a hiring manager about someone who impressed me during their interview, but was our number-two candidate. One hiring manager’s verbal stamp of confidence can be powerful during another hiring manager’s search for their next team member. Showcase your resilience and character by continuing to treat that unwelcome non-selection news as an opportunity…not a closed door that no longer matters.
Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
