JobScribble

The dreaded rejection letter, we all get them.  If you applied for a job, you will eventually get a letter from the Human Resource Department that goes a little like this "Although your experience is impressive, another  candidate has been selected  ... we wish you success in your job search ,,, ". Sometimes the letter comes after you complete an application, or it may be sent to you after your interview. So what do you do now?

Most people throw the letters away and do nothing because they think all hope is lost  Well, you can still keep your foot in the door by following up after receiving a rejection letter.  Here are some tips:

• If you went to a job interview, call the person who interviewed you and let him or her know that although you were disappointed that you did not get the job, you want to let them know that if another position becomes available, you would like to be considered for it  (who knows maybe the person they hired won't work out). Guess who they will remember next?
• Ask the interviewer if he or she can give you some tips on how you can do better in an interview or what skills or knowledge can you gain in order to be better prepared for the field you are seeking employment in.  Simply let him or her know that you are still interviewing and would appreciate their feedback and help.  I know this takes guts, but you will be surprised at how many people will be willing to help you. 
• Don't forget to ask them if they know of anybody who may be hiring with their company or if they can refer you to anybody else who may be looking for someone with your skill sets.
• If you cannot get up the courage to call, send a "thank you for the rejection letter".  Or better yet, call and send a letter.

Here is an example of what you might want to say in your letter;

Dear Mr. Brown:

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Assistant position. I enjoyed meeting with you and discussing your company's goals to expand into the Canada Market.

Although,  I was not selected for the job, I remain  very interested in working for  you.  Please keep me in mind should another position become available.  I would like to be part of your team in the future!

Thank you for your time and consideration.  I am enclosing another copy of my resume.  

Sincerely,

Now, if you didn't get to the interview stage, first try and call  the person you sent the resume to or the person you think may have been in charge of hiring for that position.  If you applied through the human resource department, call them.   Ask if they can give you some feedback on why you were not selected for the position because you would really like to work for them and you need some help identifying how you can become better prepared for applying for jobs in your career field.    More often than not, you will get a response like "we hired the most qualified candidate".  However, you may get someone on the phone who is willing to give you some feedback on where you fell short (not enough experience, education, needed someone that was bilingual, needed someone with had HTML skills, etc.). 

This information you receive after being rejected for a job can help you.  For instance, you may be given indicators that you need to upgrade your skills.    Or, the feedback you receive may help you apply for positions that you are more qualified for. Don't get discouraged after receiving a rejection letter, use it as an opportunity to follow-up one more time time and gain some personal insight on how you can better prepare for your next job interview.  Your follow-up after being rejected will leave the employer with a lasting positive impression of your  willingness to obtain constructive feedback and eagerness to join their company.