Have you heard this lately in your job search? “We have decided to move forward with another candidate…Our search has been put on hold…We think you are a great fit for our company, but just not the right one for this position….Let’s keep in touch.” I know how frustrating the job search can be and these statements usually take the wind right out of you. Today we are going to talk about a few techniques to turn this into something positive – sometimes immediately!
Every time you make a connection in your interviews, think about it in terms of building your network. All too often, we look at the process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not. I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating. But, how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.
A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport – winning hearts and minds. Instead of seeing another door closing when you do not get the job, look at it as another door opening. You have worked hard to make a new connection - professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed. Shouldn’t you capitalize on it? Here are some pointers on how to do so:
- They know you are looking – ask for help networking. If you have just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks and gladly refer you.
- Keep in touch. Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search. This is no different than a sales campaign. And the person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (hire) tomorrow.
- Get to know the people with whom you interview. This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker.
- Pay it forward. Find out what you can do for them. Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear you to them. They will seek you out to return the favor!
Not getting the offer – particularly after several rounds of interviews – is frustrating, no doubt. But you have worked hard to make it that far. In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough. So, when you do make a connection treat it like gold. Managed well, this network can drive your job search for you.
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I totally agree with you on using rejection as a chance to network. Thanks!
Very insightful suggestion that I don't think I've ever seen in print. Great "lemon-aid out lemons" reaction.
Funny story that relates: I used to work for a top-tier exec who consulted with large companies, flew on corporate jets to attend golf outings, etc. At the suggestion of a friend of his, an exec in transition sent him an email asking for networking help. My boss didn't want to take the time, so he forwarded to me with a note saying "get rid of her." Problem was, he accidentally copied her. Oops! (My boss was actually a great guy, and he had never responded like this before. She just caught him on a bad day.)
He was embarrassed, but what could he do? The offended exec had the choice of not taking herself or the situation too seriously/personally...and LEVERAGING the heck out of my bosses mistake. Given his connections, this would have been a really smart thing to do! Instead, she chose to play the "I'm offended" card. She got to vent...but squandered a chance to turn lemons into lemon-aid on STEROIDS
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"Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search." Any suggestions on how to do this that is not labor intensive (e.g. transcribing all the contact information on EVERYONE that you talk to, capturing all their interests, tracking when you contacted them last, when you should contact them next, etc. can consume a great deal of time), easy to maintain and use?
We have passed on people and turned around and hired them at another time. Sometimes you have two great candidated and need to make a choice/ But as soon as another position becomes available, that great candidate will be foremost in our minds. Great advice.
Good advice, Kevin, on making the most of a no.
It's also important to be clear how much you still want to work for the organization, in a full-time or contract job or even as a vacation or maternity-leave relief. Start with some small project and build it into a full-time assignment.
Use what you learned through the interviews to target an employer's growth areas and needs.
Some people in my network are the runner-up candidates who never got hired. They're great people - and we still connect seven or more years after they went through an interview and tryout at Newsday and other places.
And, send a thank you! Yes, for rejecting you! It works! Just in case candidate #1 disappears, there you are, top of mind. More information on writing this thank you note: http://bit.ly/Lia5L
Great perspective on a situation we all face many times during a job search.
Great advice, Kevin. Thanks! I used the process in one occasion that helped me make a new connection and continue my discovery. And, who knows, if the other candidate doesn't work out...
Bravo! I constantly advise clients to take the ego out of a "rejection" by turning the new "contacts" they make during the interview process into members of their professional network. Also, by indicating to them in your own words/actions that you don't mind being "second choice" and would like to hear about future opportunities, they might just call you back for new opportunities at the company. Excellent advice, Kevin!
Kevin makes another great point. Why not try and build on these connections we have worked so hard to obtain. Making another connection is a wonderful thing. What a great way to showcase your talent by helping someone else. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
No matter how nicely worded, rejection always stings, but it doesn't always mean that you should hang your head and meekly say, "Okay" and look for the next opportunity. An opportunity is right in front of you, even if you don't get the job, and you've already made a great connection during your interview alone.
Thanks, Kevin. This is great advise! And thanks to Susan Joyce for the suggestion of thanking them for a rejection. As someone who has recently been responsible for recruiting, I can tell you these are rare. Remember though, the thank you must be geniune!