I Got Rejected From My Dream Company… What Should I Do Now?
You’ve gone through several interviews at your dream company and thought you had it in the bag. You even had the outfit picked out in your head for your 1st day. But then you get the dreaded call or email that they decided to go with someone else. Ouch. The tears might sting your eyes, or you’ll be angry and want to throw anything around you. I’ve been there and it sucks. But before you fire off the “jokes on you, I didn’t want the job anyway” snarky email, remember that getting to a final interview is impressive. That means that you beat out nearly everyone and the company was impressed with what you were bringing to the table. And sometimes, there is nothing you could have done better or differently. Because there are other people involved, there is an element of luck that is out of your control.
If this happens there is one really important thing you should do before digging into that carton of Rocky Road ice cream and drowning your sorrows.
Respond to the Rejection.
Now, I know it is tempting to slink off to the corner and lick your wounds, and it is bad enough to get the “thanks, but no thanks” email without having to do what I am telling you to do: Swallow your pride, paste on a smile, and write something friendly and professional in return.
But my friend, this is a game changer. Why? Because no decision is final. Hear me out.
When I was in recruiting, sometimes we would make a hiring decision and feel so confident about our decision but then… something would change. Our #1 would turn out to be not so great or they finally got the offer they were waiting for… at another company. So then, sometimes we would look to our #2. This is if they were still on good terms with us.
Sometimes, we would even consider a previously interviewed candidate who maybe wasn’t right for the original role but would be a perfect fit for this new job. And how you responded to that rejection will show them your maturity, and professionalism, and that you truly do want to work for that company.
Okay, you get it now. But now comes the hard part – drafting the email.
There are two critical things that your response should include:
1. A thank you. The interview process takes time and effort and a heck of a lot of coordination (thank you organizational skills!). And while you might not have landed this job, it doesn’t mean that the people you met didn’t try to make your experience a positive one. So, make sure you thank them for the chance to interview, what they shared with you about the company and the role, and your opportunity to meet the team. If you can, make this personal. Pull out a story that you talked about, a project that was intriguing, or an element of their culture that you were like, “hell yes, this is awesome”. You don’t need to go into details, just mention it.
2. Reiterate your interest. Reiterating your interest in the company and asking for them to keep you in mind for future openings is not desperate, it is showing interest which will keep the door open.
Now, you might have noticed that I didn’t include asking for feedback. If you feel the company would share, then ask away, but as a former recruiter, we are trained to be careful of our feedback. You have a legal obligation to your company so you have to be selective of the information you share back with the candidate. This is why you get the “we decided to go another way” or “unfortunately, we decided to move ahead with another candidate with more experience.” These are just canned answers that soften the blow. Kind of like the “It’s not you, it’s me” line in dating.
So, we are at the point of what should I actually say. Don’t worry, my friend, I got you. Here is a sample email that you can send:
Thank you for letting me know your decision, (name).
While I’ll admit that I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to work as part of the (company) team, it was truly great to meet you and the team and learn more about the work that you are doing. I especially loved hearing about (story, project, or cultural element that was discussed during the interview).
I look forward to following what (company name) is doing. As we discussed in the interview, (company name’s name 2-3 things in terms of mission, values, type of projects, etc.) aligns with what I am looking for. If any future positions come up, I would love to be considered for the position.
Thank you once again for the opportunity. I send you a connection request on LinkedIn and I look forward to staying in touch.
Sincerely,
Your Name
While a rejection from your dream company is disappointing, responding with gratitude and professionalism can leave a lasting impression. Swallow your pride, express appreciation for the opportunity, and reiterate your interest in the company's mission and values. By showcasing maturity and a genuine desire to stay connected, you keep the door open for potential future opportunities. Remember, success often involves overcoming setbacks, and your response to rejection can be a powerful catalyst for future success. Stay positive, stay engaged, and keep your eyes on the possibilities that lie ahead.