Written by Vaclav Koranda

Keep Your Chances Alive: How to Overcome Rejection and Still Secure the Job

Rejection is a common and natural aspect of the job search. Based on average statistics, for every 100 applications you submit, you can expect 1-2 offers, resulting in rejection 98-99% of the time. Not a rosy outlook! Certainly, there are ways to improve your edge and achieve better results than the average statistics. You may learn more about them in my other articles, such as:

Nonetheless, facing more rejections than offers is inevitable. So, what can we do about it?

If you only submitted your application and never secured an interview with the company (excluding pre-screening interviews), it makes little sense to follow up; instead, consider simply moving on. However, if you have already had at least one interview, the way you handle the follow-up can make a significant difference. Understand that companies interview only a handful of candidates who meet their criteria because it is a highly time-consuming process. If they reject you, it usually doesn’t mean you are a bad fit, but perhaps they merely preferred another candidate slightly more. 

However, what if something went wrong with their top-choice candidate? Perhaps the candidate receives a counteroffer from their current employer, the new company’s offer doesn’t meet their expectations, or personal and other factors come into play. Studies suggest that the average candidate acceptance rate across industries falls between 50% and 70%. This implies that 30% to 50% of preferred candidates might decline an offer. It’s a substantial percentage, presenting a potential window of opportunity for you if you handle your rejection properly!

First, Process Your Emotions

Before taking any action, acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself time to process them healthily. It’s perfectly normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even angry, but you don’t want your emotions to cloud your mind and block rational thinking. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or an experienced career coach can be beneficial.

Follow Up Strategically

This is a crucial step. Instead of sending just a simple thank-you message, you should enhance the content a bit to increase the likelihood of landing the job later, despite initial rejection. Use the following outline as a guide:

  1. Express to the interviewers that you respect their decision.
  2. Thank them for their time and mention how great it was to meet them.
  3. Reiterate why you are a good fit for the job.
  4. Express openness to a discussion anytime later should circumstances change.

At the end of your message, you can also inquire (if you’re keen on working for the company) about other job opportunities that may align with your profile. Such an approach maximizes your chances and ensures the door to the company remains open.

Example:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for informing me of your decision regarding the Senior IT Consultant role. I am grateful for the opportunity to interview and appreciate the time and effort you and your team invested in the selection process.

While I am disappointed with the outcome, I remain very enthusiastic about the potential to contribute to NSS IT Solution Sdn Bhd. I believe my extensive experience in IT consulting and project management, along with my strong technical skills and ability to drive client-centered solutions, would bring considerable value to your team. I am confident that my background aligns well with your company’s objectives, and I would be thrilled to contribute to your projects and goals should circumstances allow for further consideration of my application.

Additionally, I would be very open to exploring any other current or future opportunities within NSS IT Solution Sdn Bhd where my skills and experience could be of benefit. Please keep me in mind for any such roles that may arise, as I would welcome the chance to be a part of your dynamic team.

Thank you once again for the opportunity and for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together in the future.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Pro Tip: You may want to use AI to help draft your follow-up conversation in a professional manner, tailored to the job and company. Check out my article ‘Harness the Power of AI in Your Job Search II.’ to learn how and get a free sheet with 10 proven ChatGPT prompts to save you time and effort.

Try to Solicit Feedback, Reflect and Learn

If you seek areas for improvement, politely ask the recruiter or hiring manager for constructive feedback. However, as I explained in my book ‘Get Your Dream Job’, most companies rarely provide detailed feedback, and some even have a strict no-feedback policy. If you applied through a recruitment agency or a headhunter, it may be more fruitful to seek feedback from them. Alternatively, working with a career coach is a great way to receive comprehensive feedback, help improve your interviewing skills, and streamline your path to the next job.

Analyze the feedback and replay your interview performance in your mind. Did you stumble on a particular question? Were you unprepared for something? Use this as a learning opportunity to improve your interview skills for the next time.

Network

Networking is a potent tool for landing a job. Stay connected with recruiters, follow the company on LinkedIn or Facebook (bearing in mind that some individuals restrict their Facebook for private use), and reach out to contacts in your field to see if they may be able to provide you with a recommendation.

Learn more in my article The Power of Networking.

Conclusion

Don’t let one rejection define you, and don’t take anything personally. Confidence is key in interviews. Focus on your strengths and achievements, and remember that rejection is an inseparable part of the job search process. Learn from the experience, brush yourself off, and continue applying for positions aligned with your skills and interests. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes”!

For best and fastest results, I highly recommend working with a recruitment agency or, even better, a career coach who can guide you through the process and shorten your learning curve.

Good luck!

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