A hard truth that most job candidates have to face is: You’re going to experience rejection during your search. At one point or another, you’ll be turned away from a role, and while you can’t control the decisions of other people, you can control how you respond. Upon receiving a rejection note from a recruiter or hiring manager, the best thing you can say is “thank you.”
I would love to keep in touch as the [Department/Team/Program] grows, so please let me know if you learn about other openings that would be a good fit. I would also be happy to chat one-on-one if you’re willing to share feedback on how I can improve my candidacy as I apply for other roles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!Following up this way is especially important if you interviewed directly with a hiring manager. You might as well take advantage while you still have their attention.
Thanks so much for your time last week. I appreciate your feedback on [area that needs improvement] and have [name specific actions you have taken] to grow my skills in that area. My LinkedIn profile [hyperlink your URL here] has been updated to include my latest work samples and certifications. Much of the hiring process is subjective, so it’s valuable to get feedback from decision-makers on how you’re being perceived as a candidate based on your application materials and your performance throughout the interview process.
Given how competitive the job market is right now, I’m wondering if you have any advice on how I can improve my chances for next time. Are there any specific areas you would advise me to work on or interview talking points I should revisit? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. If you would rather discuss over the phone, I’m happy to chat this week or next.