Getting a rejection letter doesn’t necessarily mean the opportunity is gone forever.
Companies often send rejection notices after they’ve selected their top candidate or after that candidate has accepted the offer. But hiring doesn’t always go as planned.
The first-choice candidate may decline the offer. They may accept and never start. The new hire may leave after a few months or simply not work out. Meanwhile, the company itself keeps changing.
So, don’t disappear after a rejection.
- Don’t let your ego get in the way. Everyone gets rejected. Think about products or services you’ve initially rejected and later decided to purchase. Hiring decisions aren’t that different. A “no” today doesn’t necessarily mean “no” forever.
- Don’t take it personally. You may have been a strong candidate and simply weren’t the company’s first choice for that particular opening. That’s business. Stay professional and keep the relationship intact.
- Stay on their radar. Every few months, tap them on the shoulder. Let them know you’re still interested and available. Don’t pester them, but don’t assume they’ll remember you’re still looking.
- Remember that hiring plans change. New positions are created. Employees resign, retire or get promoted. Budgets change. Contract needs arise. The person they hired instead of you may not work out.
- Don’t advertise your rejection on social media. Venting publicly about a company, hiring manager or recruiting process may feel good for five minutes, but prospective employers may see it. Most companies don’t want to hire someone they think could create unnecessary drama if things don’t go their way.
- Keep the door open. Companies often assume that candidates who were available a few months ago have moved on. A simple follow-up reminds them that you’re still interested if the right opportunity develops.
A rejection may close one position. Don’t let it close the relationship.