Rejection Letter?
What to do?
So, you got a rejection letter and after the disappointment, you’re thinking about ritualistically ripping into a thousand pieces and burning them one by one….
Don’t – there is an alternative!
What do the Top Recruitment Companies do to at this point and can you emulate them?
TOP CONSULTANTS
When you get that call telling you candidate X didn’t get the role, there are some things you do. You ask who was offered and why the decision went to them instead of your chap (if you already know it wasn’t personality based) and you ask when they will start in the role.
A good consultant will often know the person who got the position but either discounted them from their selection or was too late in sending their details.
The thing about being a top consultant is staying in touch with your chosen markets best people and top clients – But not believing that anything is guaranteed at this point.
The newly appointed employee has not yet started in the role. Their employer may not want to lose out and could still counter-offer, promise promotion or further development.
The thing is all about staying in touch – putting a note in the diary to call back. Reply to the letter you received and being the person that they will call if things don’t quite go to plan.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Firstly, reply to the letter and address your response to both the HR person who sent it to you and the person who interviewed you (The hiring Manager).
You letter should read something like;
Dear @@@,
Thank you for your letter dated @@@. I was disappointed to hear that my application for the position of @@@ was not successful but understand that the market place is very competitive at the moment.
I would however like to state that @@@@ Company Ltd remains a business that I am very keen to work for/with (depending on seniority) and would very much appreciate being notified of any further opportunities that may arise in the future. I have enclosed a copy of my CV for your records.
[NB: Take care when including a CV, yours may not look the same as one sent by a recruitment consultancy and there will be issues of direct contact if you are re-interviewed without the consultancies prior knowledge]
I would like to thank both you (HR) and Mr @@@ (Hiring Manager) for taking the time to meet with me on the @Day of @Month and hope that an opportunity will arise where we may meet again.
Yours sincerely,
Etc.
OK – You may find the above slightly sycophantic or overkill, but it doesn’t matter. This is not for you; it’s to continue the chance to make you stand out from the crowd.
If you take a pool of 100 candidates with offer letters, the trend will go something like this…
1 – Will drop dead before the chance to start work.
2 – Will find religion/sex/partner decides they can’t start.
3 – Will decide they just don’t want the new role.
5 – Will have alternative offers and take those.
9 – Will get counter offered by their current employer and stay put.
So, it pays to keep in touch. A note in the diary for 4 weeks time and a quick ‘catch-up’ with HR never goes amiss.
Your call may appear as welcome as spit in your cappuccino, but it doesn’t matter, be direct, ensure that they received your details, ask to be kept in touch and again thank them for their time.
You’d be surprised how many people interview like a lion and yet employ like a kitten. If there not right and you’re the very essence of tenacity, your going to make yourself the next obvious choice.
PERSONALITY
There are just some employers that you’re not going to jell with. No mater how good the offer, the business or the salary, there is no point in working for someone that you don’t get on with. They are out there, I know only too well. I have dealt with a Director of HR who was so antisocial, bad mannered and bad tempered, he made his employees cry! (Grown Men!).
Quit while you’re ahead and don’t bother with follow-ups or calls. Mark it down to experience, safe in the knowledge that this happens to everyone, no matter how sociable, amiable or pleasant you may be.
Now – Don’t think of a rejection as the end, more like a final opportunity to make an impression.