Best way to keep the connection after being rejected?
Recently got to the last round of interviews for a job and wasn't quite the right fit this time. Any opinions on what to do moving forward if it's a company you really like?
Replies13
- @Milly Gallacher Being in touch with several recruiters (as friends, not as professionals), I sometime discuss this. I feel there is no point in using recruitment agencies as the approach from both sises is completely antitetic. You apply as an individual full of enthusiasm and that wants to change the world (ideally) but on the other side what they see is a simple number. And worst... if this number is not completely in line with the standards they have/want to follow, doesn't deserve even the courtesy of feedback...Personally I feel that this sistem is completely wrong and it frustrates me over the limit the fact that companies speak about inclusiveness and social responsability while in reality what they (want to) see is a glith in the Matrix.The best opportunities come connecting with people for completely different reasons... after all no one finds the perfect partner when they are looking for it... Usually you find your soulmate in that exact moment when you give up and connect with that special person just because you are interested in him/her without ulterior motives.
- @Daniele Daldoss fair points. The recruitment process is definitely harder than it was before...
- @Javier Navarro great advice, thanks so much Javier!
- I think there is little importance isn keeping connected to companies after rejection. In the UK at least, companies don't really focus on talents (you can see that from the job specs that are all the same).In the past I had the most different experiences with comanies... recruiters that didn't send my application but years after the company asking me to work for them as I was perfect (for the same role), companies that asked me to do a test job, not hiring me but selling the result of my task (also for a lot of money), companies putting out roles just to see how the market is going but without intention to really hjire people.I found a lot more beneficial connecting with people... not for the job they have in their company, but out of real interest in what they do.I believe that honesty is more powerful than standard work talk (like answering questions not the way you feel but the way the company would like to hear, etc.)Maybe mine is a voice outside the choir... but I feel that a lot of job seekers may get frustrated and damaged in this soulless recruiting process...
- Hi Milly,Great advice here. If you really like the company I suggest keeping them updated every 3 months with your updated portfolio, share your latest projects, etc. and make sure you show them your knowledge of their DNA. Study them online and channel the right communication with them (use their lingo, etc.), and make sure you contact the key/decision-making roles in the company who might appreciate your work.Also involving them as partners in a project you are working on is also a good place to start.Hope this helps!
- @Julia Fenwick @John McGarvey @Vikki Ross Thank you so much! Great advice - will definitely be doing all of this.
- I'd follow up with an email thanking interviewers for their time and telling them how I'm still interested in working with them should anything come up in the future.Then I'd stalk them!Follow the company and the people on here and LinkedIn and if they have one, sign up to their email newsletters so you always know what they're up to because if something does come up, you want to be ready and you want to know your stuff.
- I'm usually happy to connect on LinkedIn (and here, of course!) with people who I've interviewed for roles, although it's only a small majority of people who actually reach out following the interview.Other than that, at most big companies it's recruitment teams who tend to manage all contacts and comms with candidates.It's fine to reach out to these people once in a while to remind them that you're still looking, especially if they've indicated that they're open to it and/or that you might be a good candidate to reapply in future.
- Oh yes and check in with them every so often.
- It's always horrible breing rejected but it's good to stay in touch. I would send a message thanking them for their time and considering you for the position. I would then add something about you really liking the company and the great work it does. I would end it with how you'd love to be considered for any future positions and to please keep your details on file.Hope this is helpful.
- @Rebecca Duncan @Nicholas Castle Great advice thank you!
- I'd set a reminder to check in with them in around 6 months time – If you have any new work to share and you're still looking then you can always offer your services again. Personally, I wouldn't ask permission to do this – the worst that can can happen is that they don't respond – but totally your call here!In the meantime, follow the company on LinkedIn, and if you feel comfortable, add or follow the people you interviewed with.Hope that helps!
- During the interview, did anyone say 'we'd like to stay in touch'? If so, that's your invitation.If not, you could always ask to connect with the people you met via LinkedIn. If accepted, when you next complete a project that you think sits within their sphere, ask your connect if you can send them a copy of the project for feedback.Just be mindful that the person(s) who conducted the interviews might have to follow company policy and not be allowed to connect with you.
You must sign up or log in before you
add a comment.