How You Should Respond to Being Rejected

Happy Saturday, fam.

Welcome to week seven of The Rise and Grind. If you follow me on LinkedIn, you know I talk a lot about staying motivated and encouraged during a difficult job search.

Speaking of the job market, getting rejected by a company can be demoralizing. Though it's been happening for decades, and now that countless companies are laying off staff it’s been an even more challenging experience. We’ve all been rejected, including yours truly. I know what it's like to get rejected even when everything seems to go perfectly. Does that sound like your experience? Are you staring at multiple rejection emails wondering what to do next? Well, I have good news. Job application processes can make you feel totally out of control, but the good news is, YOU control how you respond. It may feel difficult to do so, but a gracious and professional response could do miracles for your career and even open a new opportunity.

Thank the recruiter for their time:

Even though it may be disappointing to receive a rejection email, it's important to acknowledge the recruiter's hard work in reviewing your application and taking the time to respond. Thanking them for their time and consideration shows your professionalism and may leave a good impression for any future opportunities. Thankfulness is something recruiters rarely receive, and trust me, it goes very far. Remember, oftentimes the recruiter and hiring manager disagree on who to select. I’ve had to reject candidates that I recommended for hire. The recruiter who rejected you, may have been advocating for you the whole time.

Ask for feedback:

It's okay to ask for feedback on why you were not selected for the position. This can help you better understand what skills or experiences you may need to work on for future job applications. Be open to any constructive criticism and take it as an opportunity to grow professionally Remember to consider the tone of your email as well. Make sure it’s gracious and that you’re appealing for feedback, not demanding it. I like to get feedback about my interviews and what the recruiter believed tipped a different candidate over the top. Here’s the big takeaway: Ask for a phone call from the recruiter. Why? Because the recruiter will likely be more candidate and share more details over the phone rather than in writing.

Express your continued interest: 

If you're truly interested in the company or position, express your continued interest and ask if there are any other opportunities that may be a better alignment for your skills and experiences. This shows the recruiter that you are still interested in working with their company and may keep you in their consideration for future roles. Oftentimes, the top candidate will change their mind or may not pass the background check. In that case, the recruiter may reach out to you! That’s why you want to ensure they know you’re interested in the role. Build bridges!

Stay professional: 

It's important to maintain a professional tone in your response, even if you're disappointed with the outcome. Avoid expressing any negative emotions or bad-mouthing the company or recruiter. This can damage your professional reputation and may hurt your chances for future opportunities. We’ve all been there, right? Maybe the process was long, difficult, and now you’re left standing with a rejection in your hand. You can stand out from the sea of candidates by simply showing kindness, grace, and a level of professionalism most recruiters rarely see nowadays.

Keep in touch: 

Even if there are no opportunities available, it's always a good idea to keep in touch with the recruiter and maintain a professional relationship. Connect with them on LinkedIn and engage with their content or share relevant industry news with them. This keeps you on their radar and may lead to future job opportunities. Practice building your relationships long before opportunity presents itself. Meaning, regular check-ins, messages, and interaction with their LinkedIn content can have huge benefits.

Practice responding with intentionality and grace. It always pays off.

Stay encouraged,

Mark