Here's What You Need to do If You Didn't Get the Job

After nailing multiple rounds of interviews, touring the company and meeting with management, it can feel like smooth sailing toward a job offer. In reality, the hiring manager has to make difficult decisions with priorities that aren't always transparent, which can lead to a job rejection. Instead of taking the rejection personally, use your rapport with the hiring manager to keep yourself in the running for future opportunities.

1. Reflect on Your Goals

Negativity can unintentionally come through in your tone — even when writing — so make sure you get rid of any lingering feelings of resentment before reaching out to the hiring manager. Think about why you wanted to work for the employer and how your passions tie in with the company's mission. Taking time to reflect on the big picture can help you decide if the company is still the right fit.

2. Show Gratitude

Remind the hiring manager why you were a top candidate with a thoughtful email or phone call showing your appreciation for being considered. Be mature and understanding about the hiring decision, letting the manager know you still have a positive opinion of the company. The person chosen for the job may refuse the offer or turn out to be a poor fit, giving you another shot at landing the position. Reopening the job search is costly and time-consuming, making hiring managers motivated to offer the job to impressive candidates they have already vetted.

3. Reinforce Your Value Proposition

Make your email stand out with a strong selling point, reinforcing your passion for the job. Employers don't want desperate or indifferent job seekers who bail as soon as they find a better position. They value candidates who share the company's specific values and goals, so include a short personal experience or belief stressing your compatibility. A smart tactic is to refer back to topics from your interview, such as "Our discussion about the company's costly outsourcing projects inspired me to enroll in a video marketing course to become a more versatile digital marketer."

4. Ask for Feedback

Show humility while making your future efforts more successful by asking the hiring manager how you can improve or be a better fit for the job. Taking initiative to ask for advice builds respect with employers, who gain reassurance that you're genuinely interested in the company and willing to work hard to meet their standards.

5. Keep In Touch

After devoting substantial energy to impressing a hiring manager, it's foolish to let your hard-won relationship fade away. Be proactive, and ask the hiring manager to keep you in mind for future opportunities, including freelance, temporary or consulting positions. Ask how you can keep in touch, and provide a link to online profiles, blogs or portfolios where employers can stay up to date on your growing skill set and achievements. Connecting on career networks such as LinkedIn can help you get notifications about job openings and alert employers to your career milestones, making them more likely to reach out when hiring.

Avoid giving up after a job rejection. Being optimistic and tactical can keep you on the hiring manager's radar, making you a go-to candidate if another position opens up.

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