Three Actions to Take When You Don't Get the Job

Simply put, virtually all job seekers receive a rejection at some point during a job search. When it comes to the interview process, small details are often the deciding factor between who gets the job and who gets the rejection letter. To turn a rejection into a learning experience and boost your job search, there are a few things you must do.

While no one feels especially thankful after interviewing for a job and getting a rejection letter, sending a thank you note can actually increase the odds of being considered for future openings. In fact, a recent CareerBuilder survey showed 86 percent of employers think not sending a thank you note shows a lack of interest. To maximize your chances, send a note of thanks to each person you encountered during the interview process. However, avoid generic responses; create a unique and tailored note for each recipient. A post-rejection thank you note needs to sincerely express appreciation for being considered for a position. It’s also okay – and even a good idea – to express disappointment in not getting the job, as long as it’s said in a way that conveys you have a genuine interest in working for the company.

Asking for feedback is also essential after a rejection letter. Running through interview questions with a colleague or friend can go a long way toward improving your interview skills, and it might just help you beat the competition during the next round of interviews. Get feedback on your responses to common interview questions as well as questions you had trouble answering in recent interviews. It’s even a good idea to ask a hiring manager for feedback in your post-rejection thank you note. Important things to touch on are the quality of your responses to interview questions and how well you conveyed your qualifications. Just make sure your request for feedback doesn't come off as demanding, or worse, accusatory.

If you feel the interview went well but still received a rejection letter, revisit your references. One lukewarm reference can really damage your chances of getting a job. Choose professional references with a solid understanding of your skills and a desire to help you further your career. Giving your references a copy of your current resume to keep on file enables them to focus on the qualifications you want to highlight. If possible, also provide your references with a copy of the job description of the position you are interviewing for. The more information the reference has, the better the recommendation.

Although asking for constructive criticism is difficult, especially after getting a rejection letter, it is essential to landing a job. After all, learning from a rejection letter is far more productive than not taking the time to figure out why you didn't get the job. Carefully analyzing your interview technique, reviewing your references and adding a personal touch to the interview process can make all the difference.

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