If You Didn't Get the Job, Here's What You Need to Do

It's common for job seekers to feel defeated when dealing with rejection, but you can use this experience to transform your job search efforts. Even if you didn't get the job, it doesn't mean you did something wrong during the interview. Stiff competition can be tough to overcome; however, with a positive attitude, you can turn a rejection into a new opportunity by building relationships with professionals who chose another candidate.

Show Appreciation

It may be tempting to sit and sulk when you learn that someone else has been chosen for the job, but in reality, you are missing out on future possibilities if you don't seize the opportunity to continue a relationship with the hiring manager. Boost your job search efforts even when you are not offered the job by staying in contact. Send a letter or email of thanks to show you can remain professional when dealing with rejection. Write a personal note that outlines how much you appreciate the time the hiring manager spent with you reviewing your qualifications. Hiring managers are likely to appreciate the gesture. A letter of thanks also puts your name in front of potential employers once again, which may come in handy if another position opens up that matches your qualifications.

Understand the Difficulty of the Situation

It's never easy for a hiring manager to deliver a rejection to a qualified candidate. Avoid making the conversation hasty or awkward. Instead, show that you understand that another candidate may have been more qualified to make the experience easier for the hiring manager. Indicate that you appreciate the time taken to deliver the news and that you hope to continue networking with this individual as you continue your job search. Although you may be disappointed that your job search needs to continue, a positive and supportive attitude shown toward hiring managers can actually increase your future opportunities.

Ask for Feedback

Show that you genuinely want to improve your efforts during the job search by asking for feedback when you are not offered a position. Let the hiring manager know that you want to learn from this experience. Inquire about additional skills you need and potential classes or seminars from which you could benefit. Show the potential employer you value advice from professionals in the field to improve your chances.

When speaking with the hiring manager, reiterate that you admire the company and hope to eventually acquire a position on staff. Put your passion on display, and outline how you can impact the company as a future employee. Focus your job search on other opportunities, too, but do not rule out a potential opening at this company just because you're faced with a rejection at the moment.

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