Job search today can feel like a process of continuous rejection. It’s not a surprise since 98% of all online applications are rejected. 72% are never even viewed by a human.
That’s why it’s so critically important to have a process for dealing with not advancing after an interview.
1. Don’t get angry – You didn’t get the job but you didn’t waste your time interviewing. Stay calm about the situation and talk to friends to get perspective. Every candidate has faced some sort of rejection when seeking a job. If you become bitter, this can affect your whole job search.
2. Thank the interviewer – This is not only a polite gesture but also allow you to keep your foot in the door with that person in case their top candidate does not work out or if they have another role in mind that they think might be a better fit.
3. Ask the hiring manager or Recruiter for any feedback – This can significantly help your growth during a job search if the interviewer is willing to provide you with any tips on how to come across as a stronger candidate. This should be approached delicately, and not in a manner that comes across as if you are challenging the company’s decision. The interviewer might not be willing, or able, to give out any feedback based on policies or preference, but it can’t hurt to try.
4. Stay in contact – Treat the hiring manager as a new business contact, even when you do not get the position. Don’t bother them asking for updates but cultivate the relationship in case they might have an opportunity for you in the future. Keeping this person in your professional network by connecting on LinkedIn will allow you to show that you are a professional they should consider for future opportunities.
About The Career Launcher
After spending years managing Talent Acquisition for Fortune 500 companies, The Career Launcher created the CareerRx™ program along with ResumeGenie™ for resume optimization.
In CareerRx™, you will learn how recruiting and job search has been transformed by new recruiting technology including applicant tracking systems, social media, LinkedIn Recruiter, Indeed.com and how we must change our definition of “job search” to launch and continuously promote an Online Career Brand.
With over 20 years of hands on direct recruitment experience, The Career Launcher demystifies the online job application process and offers job seekers a comprehensive program to jump start their job searches. She provides an insider’s perspective to what companies are seeking from candidates in the interview process.
It’s time for you to go beyond the resume.