Turning Job Search Rejection into Opportunity: How to respond professionally and why it matters

Receiving a rejection email for a job you were excited to apply to is the worst. It can lead to a loss of confidence and questioning your career path.

The smartest candidates, however, understand that a rejection email is also an opportunity.

It’s an opportunity to show professionalism during a difficult time and keep your hat in the ring for other openings.

I’ve had many clients who responded to a rejection email in a kind, professional way that led to them:

• being selected for a different job at the same company,
• having the recruiter share their resume with a colleague for another opportunity,
• receiving a call-back when the original choice didn’t work out, or;
• being selected by the recruiter for another role they’re filling.

Often these roles are even better (title, salary, culture) than the original one. If you need to step away and take some time to regroup before responding, take that time.

Then respond, keeping it above-board and remembering that:

This is a relationship that can ultimately help you and...

Email is forever.

Here’s a template to help you get started:

Dear [Recruiter/Hiring Manager name],

Thank you for your time interviewing me/reviewing my candidacy for the [Job title] position at [Company]. While I’d like to move forward in this search, I understand your process.

At this time, I’d like to be considered for other roles with [X company] [or] as a [Job title]. I know my [list skills, strengths, impact here] will be a huge asset to my next employer.

Can you keep my information on file and contact me with any similar openings? Do you have any colleagues recruiting for similar roles that you can pass my resume to or provide me with their contact info? the meantime, I’ll connect with you on LinkedIn, so I can see any new roles you may post there.

Thank you again, and have a great week/weekend.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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