Rejection emails after a job interview can be painful. From the stomach-churning moment you read the subject line to the eventual slow burn of disappointment, it's not an easy experience.
But don’t worry - I'm here to help! With a few tips and tricks, you can handle job interview rejection like a pro and come out looking like a total champ.
Now, I know that no amount of advice can ever truly take away the sting of rejection. But with a little bit of focus and perspective, you'll be able to approach job interview rejection with tact and poise and use it as an opportunity for growth in your career.
In this post, I'm going to show you essential things to keep in mind when dealing with job interview rejection.
Getting a “we’re sorry but no” email after a job interview can feel like a punch in the gut, especially if you had your hopes up. But don’t take it personally! This is an opportunity for growth and learning, not to be taken as a sign of failure.
After all, the average online job posting receives 250 resumes and only 2-3% of applicants will receive an interview on average.
Not to forget to mention that the average number of interviews before getting a job offer is anywhere between 10 and 20.
Also, these odds could be worse for higher paying and competitive roles, like Software Engineering roles at Meta that earn up to $23,100 per month!
Instead, use this moment to reflect on your core values and sharpen your interview skills for future interviews. With time, strategy and practice, you will definitely increase your chances of finding success!
Rejection is a part of life, but there's still a silver lining to consider. After all, you had the opportunity to go to an interview in the first place – that's something to be proud of!
So, make sure you thank the interviewer for taking the time out of their day to meet with you and learn more about what you have to offer.
You could also include any details about how your experience was positive in your thank you note—for example, how well-prepared or engaged the interviewer was, or other points that stood out.
This is an opportunity to not only highlight your interest in the role but also demonstrate proper etiquette and appreciation.
Here's a snippet on how you can express your gratitude:
"I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Position] at [Company Name]. Although I'm disappointed to hear that I wasn't selected for the role, I understand and respect your decision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the time and effort you and the hiring team dedicated to the interview process. It was a valuable experience for me, and I genuinely appreciate the chance to showcase my skills and qualifications."
If not getting the job wasn't a bitter enough pill to swallow, how about having the added challenge of asking for feedback?
Not easy, right? Don't worry—you've got this!
Here's a snippet on how you can ask for feedback:
"While it's natural to feel disappointed, I believe that every interview presents an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. I am committed to enhancing my skills and abilities, and I will reflect upon this experience to identify areas where I can further develop. I would be grateful if you could provide me with more specific feedback or suggestions that could assist me in my professional growth."
By expressing your interest in staying connected, you're leaving the door open for potential opportunities down the road. Who knows? Another similar role might just open up sooner than you think.
Here's a snippet on how you can ask to stay in touch:
"Additionally, I wanted to express my sincere interest in staying connected with [Company Name]. I admire the company's values, culture, and the remarkable work it does in the industry. If there are any future opportunities that align with my qualifications, I would be honored to be considered for such positions. I firmly believe that my skills and experience could contribute positively to the team at [Company Name]."
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Position] at [Company Name]. Although I'm disappointed to hear that I wasn't selected for the role, I understand and respect your decision.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the time and effort you and the hiring team dedicated to the interview process. It was a valuable experience for me, and I genuinely appreciate the chance to showcase my skills and qualifications.
While it's natural to feel disappointed, I believe that every interview presents an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. I am committed to enhancing my skills and abilities, and I will reflect upon this experience to identify areas where I can further develop. I would be grateful if you could provide me with more specific feedback or suggestions that could assist me in my professional growth.
I remain enthusiastic about future opportunities with [Company Name] and I am open to any potential roles that may align with my qualifications. If there are any other suitable positions that arise in the future, I would greatly appreciate being notified and given the chance to reapply.
Thank you once again for considering me for the [Job Position] and for the feedback you provided. I wish you and the entire team at [Company Name] continued success.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
It's time to turn that frown upside down—it's time to move on and apply for other jobs! Your job search journey might not have gone as expected, but there's always a different route to your ultimate career goals.
When it comes to job interviews, it's highly likely you've developed valuable skills from each interaction.
So, why not use this knowledge and leverage it? Now is the perfect opportunity to:
There's no reason why you can't come out of this stronger than ever, ready to tackle every interview that comes your way.
You can also increase your odds of getting a job offer by doing thorough research about the interview. For example, we prepare interview questions compilation for popular companies like Bytedance.
Rejection is never fun, but at least you had the courage to go for the job and now you have the experience of a job interview under your belt. The next time you find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to use the tips in this article to handle the rejection with tact and poise.
Remember, it’s not the end of the world. Whether you’re responding to a rejection email or just not feeling the job, don’t take it personally. Instead, take the rejection as an opportunity to explore other possibilities. Who knows, the job you thought was perfect may end up turning into an even better position down the line. So chin up, and keep your head up, you never know what amazing things may come your way!
