“Rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough;
it means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer.”
– Mark Amend
ACTUAL “CASE HISTORIES”: Every now and then I come upon a workplace-related idea that is so simple and sensible that I just can’t help but pass it along to my readers. In a recent edition of Bottom Line Personal magazine, I came across one such idea submitted to the magazine by Susan P. Joyce, President of a company named NETability, Inc.
Her idea is this: Job applicants who are rejected from a hoped-for position should send “Thank You” notes to their interviewers or Hiring Manager. Why? It seems there are lots of good reasons to do so, among them:
1. To express gratitude for being considered.
2. To exhibit your continued interest in working for the company, perhaps in another position or capacity.
3. To “keep the conversation going.”
4. To bring up your name to those with hiring authority just one more time.
5. To stand out from the crowd, that is, the majority who do not say “Thank you.”
6. To show maturity, humility and depth of personality.
7. To express continued interest in case the person chosen decides not to accept the position.
8. To share a sense of disappointment but not one of discouragement.
9. Perhaps to share a thought about something that came up in your interview.
10. To illustrate that you are a person who does not “give up” easily.
11. Because it costs nothing and may be worth a lot.
12. Perhaps a much better question is: Why not?
LESSON TO LEARN: When hunting for a job, don’t let rejection get you down. Instead see it as an opportunity to show others that you are not someone who is easily discouraged. If the name of the game is to get a job, keep at it, and if you do so the chances are only increased that you will, in the end, get the job. Say “Thank you.” There’s no downside to it. And keeping in touch sure can’t hurt. Everyone’s been rejected; successful people don’t give up. It’s that simple.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: If you are rejected for a position you really wanted, by a company you really wanted to work for, in a role you thought would “fit you like a glove,” don’t give up. Don’t give in. Don’t take rejection personally. Instead, give it another shot, and another shot after that. Keep the conversation going. Send a “Thank You” note, and keep in touch. The world belongs to the perseverant. Here are six more thoughts:
1. Keep a list of those who interviewed you, and anyone else who might have helped you get the interview.
2. If rejected for the position, send a “Thank You” note to each one for the time, attention and courtesies shown you.
3. Express gratitude, determination and a positive disposition; never seem negative.
25 Great Excuses to Attend a Job Interview during the Workday. Arranged in six convenient categories, from “An Honest Excuse” to “Last Minute Matters.” Original, creative and so very useful! “What to Say, and How to Say It.™ To obtain your copy, [click here.] Delivered by Email – Instantly!
4. Expressing compassion – mentioning that you know how hard it can be to say “No” – can even build a bond between people.
5. Don’t be afraid to make contact again in a few months; think of doing so as continued “advertising” for your “brand.”
6. Make your determination to get a job at the company into something of a personal, internal challenge, but without being annoying to others.
Not comfortable writing? We offer a Model Letter entitled “Thank You, Despite Job Rejection” that shows you “What to Say, and How to Say It.” To obtain a copy, just [click here.] Delivered instantly – by email!
By consciously, mindfully and thoughtfully dealing with the trials and tribulations of the experience and relation we call “employment” you are doing all that you can do to ensure a successful outcome, to everyone’s betterment. Job Security and Career Success – those are the goals we always strive for, and those are the goals that best serves us all. Welcome to SkloverWorkingWisdom.™
P.S.: Be prepared for a job offer . . . Consider our Model Letter Confirming Basic Terms of Job Offer it shows you “What to Say, and How to Say It.™” To obtain a copy, just [click here.] Delivered by Email – Instantly!
We also offer a “Model Response to Job Offer,” which shows how to address the most common problems with job offer letters. Just [click here.] [jobsearch]
SkloverWorkingWisdom™ emphasizes smart negotiating – and navigating – for yourself at work. Negotiation and navigation of work and career issues requires that you think “out of the box,” and build value and avoid risks at every point in your career. We strive to help you understand what is commonly before you – traps and pitfalls, included – and to avoid the bumps in the road. Knowing how to navigate to achieve success in applying for jobs is a crucial part of that “navigating,” an important part of that knowledge and understanding you need.
Always be proactive. Always be creative. Always be persistent. Always be vigilant. And always do what you can to achieve for yourself, your family, and your career. Take all available steps to increase and secure employment “rewards” and eliminate or reduce employment “risks.” That’s what SkloverWorkingWisdom™ is all about.
*A note about our Actual Case Histories: In order to preserve client confidences, and protect client identities, we alter certain facts, including the name, age, gender, position, date, geographical location, and industry of our clients. The essential facts, the point illustrated and the lesson to be learned, remain actual.
Please Note: This Email Newsletter is not legal advice, but only an effort to provide generalized information about important topics related to employment and the law. Legal advice can only be rendered after formal retention of counsel, and must take into account the facts and circumstances of a particular case. Those in need of legal advice, counsel or representation should retain competent legal counsel licensed to practice law in their locale.
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© 2014, Alan L. Sklover All Rights Reserved. Commercial Use Prohibited.