We have all gotten the:
“Thank you for your application to [role] at [firm]. We appreciate the interest you have shown in our opportunity and our organization. Our team has reviewed your application, and while we remain impressed with your qualifications, we unfortunately will not be moving your application forward at this time. Best of luck in your career endeavors after graduation.”
Getting this email is always a let down, especially when you really wanted the job and felt that you and your experiences would be a good match for the company. While it is human nature to be disappointed and maybe even be upset, it is important to remember that the way you handle rejection is just as important as the skills on your resume. If allowing rejection to affect your confidence and make you self-doubt your abilities, it could have negative effects on your future performance.
If a rejection email does make its way into your inbox, here are a few things to keep in mind to remain positive, optimistic, and motivated:
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- Do not close the door with the employer: Receiving a rejection letter does not mean that the company does not like you, nor that you will never have a future with them. If you are really interested in working for this company, keep in contact with the individuals you’ve met during the recruitment process. Let them know that you unfortunately were unable to secure a position, but that you’ve enjoyed the recruitment process and meeting everyone, and express continual interest in the company. Keep in contact with them and grow your network
- Gain feedback for future interviews: All interviews and application process should be a learning experience. While you may have thought you excelled during this application process, there is always room for improvement. Upon receiving the rejection letter, contact your interviewers to see what you could have improved on- whether it is something during your interview, or general experiences that will make you a stronger candidate. This will not only help you grow as a job applicant, but it will also show the employer that you are someone who is resilient and who constantly looks for way to improve.
Lastly, don’t forget to be grateful. It is probably one of the hardest things to do after facing rejection, but it’s also one of the most important. Even if you only made it through the first round of interviews, be grateful that you were given that opportunity, because many applicants weren’t. So many applicants get so caught up in their disappointment that they sometimes forget to send the hiring manager a thank you. By sending a positive follow-up, showing your gratitude and asking for feedback, improves your chances of staying on the Hiring Manager’s radar.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/keep-door-open-after-interview-rejection-robert-bob-