Job search can be one place where we get more rejection than in any other place in our life. (For me, match.com was the only place that came close!)
But there are two ways to have something positive come out of this awful thing called “rejection.”
First, if the recruiter calls to give you the bad news, it’s a great time to get some job search assistance. If they can share with you what the reason is they have decided you’re not their candidate, you will be able to make some changes to make the next interview better.
As a recruiter, I know nearly everyone wants to avoid hearing any critique of their interview. But maybe you should know. It’s a little like the “spinach in your teeth” situation. Embarrassing but better to know now.
I had a fabulous candidate who was not moved forward after her interview for a VP position because she gave an impression that she was not up for the challenge. Nothing could be further from the truth, but the way she explained her job transitions seemed to demonstrate a pattern of leaving when things got tough.
Hard to change things if you don’t know they are happening.
It’s going to be helpful for you to know about the spinach here, so ask for feedback. Promise the recruiter you aren’t planning to try to argue about the decision or convince them they are wrong. The time to do that is long gone.
Your second opportunity is to do some networking with the hiring manager. The one who didn’t want you! If you built any amount of rapport during the interview (and you did, right?) call. Assure them you aren’t trying to talk them out of their decision. Ask them for advice on what they think you should do next in your search. What would they do if they were in your shoes.
You never know when you might get some fabulous advice. And now you have a networking relationship with the hiring manager.
Lots of good things can come out of rejection if you will just take these unusual steps. Of course, you won’t want to do this if you and that spinach have formed a close relationship.
So pick someone to call, get your script out, and pick up the phone. Get your FREE scripts here.
Let me know how it is going, and never hesitate to give me a call if you have any questions.
Wishing you the best!
Katherine
And of course, be sure to get this interview guide. Use it and your next interview could be your last interview!