Why is rejection a good thing?

The very best letter or phone message that you can receive is the job offer.  Short of that, the next best contact you can receive from a business is the rejection letter.  You are thinking that I must be crazy right?? But, the reasons I am going to share will help you understand why it is such a good thing for your job search.

Rejection letters, phone calls, or emails are good for you because:

1. They let you know that the company has made a decision and you can move forward.
2. They give you a contact at the business and a way to network to similar businesses.
3. They give you an opportunity to find out what you could have done better.

Let's discuss the ways to find out what you could have done better.

In hiring situations today, the employer has the reigns.  They have the open position and with so many applicants, they can be super selective in their final choice.  In housing its called a buyer's market.  Finding out how to improve your personal "curb appeal" is what you are after.

• In no way shape or form should your request for feedback sound like sour grapes, be defensive or argumentative.
• Not every employer will give you an answer.
• Personalize your feedback request, just as you personalized your cover letter to the job posting.
• Thank them in advance for any feedback they may give you.

So as an example, perhaps you might say:

Thank you for letting me know that you have filled the XYZ position.  I would really like a position in the MNOP field.

If you have a few spare moments I would be most appreciative if you would be willing to provide insights about my interviewing skills, resume, cover letter, or salary expectations (whichever level of contact you achieved) to help me improve in those areas of my job search.

If you approach the communication as a learning experience for you, you will be more successful in getting an answer from your rejector.  Who knows - the letter you send may just give you a leg up if the person they chose doesn't take the job offer.

Have you been successful with this type of communication?