How to handle rejection in the job search process

Let’s talk about how to handle rejection ❌

As a recruiter, I give bad news 99% of the time bc I can only hire 1 person per role.

I recently rejected a candidate and their first response was to go on a tirade to bad mouth the hiring manager, the company, and me. I gave them direct feedback that when asked about a specific experience they couldn’t speak about it, therefore not showcasing they had that skill.

This was not personal. We’re hiring for experience, so we ask about experience. When you don’t have the experience, the hiring manager will tell me it's time to let you go of the process.

If you have something to say regarding the decision, you are always welcome to say it, but 🙏🏼 PLEASE do it with tact and gracefulness. Why? Because your response is not a reflection of the hiring process but a reflection of YOU. It’s your reputation on the line 👈🏼

So if you choose to bad mouth, attack, get angry, and accuse, I’ve taken note and you’ve hurt your chances for future consideration.

And if you say you never want to work for this company, even if you don’t mean it and say it out of frustration, consider it noted. We won’t consider you.

Harsh? Well, sometimes THIS IS THE REALITY 🤯

My personal opinion is that people do deserve a 2nd chance. People say things out of turn and out of feelings. But hiring managers and especially other recruiters may not share the same sentiments.

All this to say, please consider how you respond to rejection. Rejecting you doesn’t mean I don’t like you as a person and means “no” for the current role. But I want to reconsider you for the future and if we stay in touch and stay on good terms, I can be an advocate for the next time!

💡 Bonus: here’s how you can respond even if you don’t agree with the decision:

📩 "Thank you for the feedback! I’m truly disappointed about the decision and would like to share my thoughts on why. I believe I do have the experience/skills. For example, <XYZ>. While I felt I expressed this in my interview, I understand if that wasn’t received the way I hoped for. I would love to keep in touch and have another chance to share my experience and excitement for this role and company. Happy to do my part to keep getting better to be considered again."

Rejections suck. It’s the thing I hate the most about my job. But I’ll drop the truth about unspoken rules because I want y’all to be your best selves out there! Don't hurt your changes because I can't hire everyone, even if I wish I could!

FALL FORWARD 👏🏼