At Shiken, we are dedicated to helping job seekers find clarity, purpose, and passion in their lives. We understand that job searching can be time-consuming and the rejections can be hard to bear, but that doesn't have to be the end. Job seekers can make the most of their efforts by responding thoughtfully to rejection emails and staying in contact with recruiters in case future openings become available.
Job search depression is very real, and each rejection can take its toll. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of the US job seekers feel pessimistic about their future prospects. Furthermore, since our jobs are so closely tied to our identities, the pressure to find a new one can result in numerous forms of stress. Here are some tips to cope with rejection:
Impactful change starts with the right mindsets, skills, and behavior. By understanding and managing job search rejections in the right ways, you can increase your success rate in the job market. Join us at Shiken to unlock maximum business potential and create a thriving workplace.
You might not feel like it, but after receiving job rejection news, it's important to be honest, accurate, and kind to yourself. Here are some questions to ponder:
It may be hard to believe, but even after a rejection, it's important to reply to the rejection email. It doesn't mean you're a bad candidate, it might just be that another applicant had more experience with a specific skill. Responding positively and thoughtfully to a rejection helps to maintain a good impression and keeps the door open for future opportunities. It shows the hiring manager you can stay professional even in the face of discomfort and disappointment. If future openings come up or the previous hire doesn't work out, the chances that they will think of you first are higher. They may even have other job roles that fit your profile better.
When writing a job rejection email response, you should follow the same etiquette as any other professional email - concise, polite and to the point.
Job rejection can be tough to deal with, and it's tempting to simply delete the email and move on without any further thought. But job rejection is a normal part of the job seeking process. Taking a moment to consider what you can learn from the experience and how to use it to help you move forward is an invaluable use of your time.
The most important thing to include in your rejection response is gratitude. After all, it takes a lot of work to plan interviews. Your hiring manager read through your resume, maybe examined work samples or a portfolio, likely thought of questions to get to know you, and worked to make you feel comfortable. Showing your appreciation for the effort they put into the process is an excellent way to finish off on a positive note. For example, you could say:
It's also important to demonstrate your continued interest in the company. Reinforcing that you would like to be considered for future opportunities confirms that you've done your research and you know what you want. It increases the chances that they will reach out to you about future roles.
Finally, asking for feedback is a great way to get a better understanding of where you can improve. Hearing criticism can be difficult, but the only way to fix an issue is to know it exists. Requesting some honest feedback about your interview performance and the skills and experiences you'd need to become the right candidate can give you useful insights.
Make sure to leave your contact information in your email signature, such as a phone number, LinkedIn profile, and Calendly link. This will ensure they have multiple ways of getting in touch if there are future openings.
Hiring managers often have a lot on their plate, so keeping your message short and sweet is the key to success. A good structure to follow is:
Here are a few email samples:
Example 1:
Dear [hiring manager name],
I hope this email finds you well.
Thank you for the opportunity to get to know [company name] and for taking the time to interview me. I really appreciate you working around my schedule to fit in an interview.
I was looking forward to joining the [sector title] team, and it's disappointing not to have been picked for the role. I'd still love to work with [Company Name] and would really appreciate it if you could keep me in mind for future roles. If you have the time, I'd also be grateful for some feedback to help me be a more successful candidate in the future.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything else. You can contact me via this email or at [insert phone number].
Best regards,
[Full name]
Example 2:
Dear [hiring manager name],
I hope you had a great weekend.Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview for [job title]. It was really interesting to learn more about the company and the responsibilities of the role.
I understand and accept your decision. Even though I was excited to be joining the [sector title] team, I'm still interested in working with [Company Name], so I'd be really grateful if you could consider me for any future openings. If you have the time, I'd also appreciate any feedback you could give me after the interview process.
Again, thank you for the opportunity. If there is any additional information I can provide or if you'd like to get in touch, please find my contact information below.
Best regards,
[Full name]
Rejection can be a difficult part of job searching, however understanding the experience and using it to your advantage can create a lasting impression and be an invaluable tool for improving your professional development.
It's important to remember that dealing with rejection is a normal part of the job seeking process. Taking the time to reflect on the experience and use it to your advantage can create a positive impression and help to create success in the future.
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