Turning Rejection into Opportunities Kevin Kermes

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater !

How to turn rejection into opportunity in your job search




Have you heard this lately in your job search? “We have decided to move forward with another candidate…Our search has been put on hold…We think you are a great fit for our company, but just not the right one for this position….Let’s keep in touch.”




I know how frustrating the job search can be and these statements usually take the wind right out of you. But, what if I could show you a few techniques to turn this into something positive – sometimes immediately!

Every time you make a connection in your interview process you need to think about it in terms of building your network. All too often, job seekers look at the process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not. I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating. But how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.

A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport – winning hearts and minds. Instead of seeing another door closing when you do not get the job, look at it as another door opening. You have worked hard to make a new connection - professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed. Shouldn’t you capitalize on it?

Here are some pointers on how to do so:
• They know you are looking – ask for help networking. If you have just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks.
• Keep in touch. Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search. This is no different than a sales campaign. And the person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (hire) tomorrow.
• Get to know the people you interview with. This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker.
• Pay it forward. Find out what you can do for them. Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear you to them. They will seek you out to return the favor!
Not getting the offer – particularly after several rounds of interviews – is frustrating, no doubt. But you have worked hard to make it that far.

In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough. So, when you do make a connection treat it like gold. Managed well, this network can drive your job search for you.

Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career You Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com