How to Use a Job Rejection to Your Advantage

Reader Comments
Back to blog

I am a professional that was hired for a position that was to be eliminated. All of the hiring managers were aware that this shift didn't exist but because they were desprite to hire I got caught in the mix. I feel that there should be legal recourse for the company that hires under fraudulant terms...Any suggestions?

Karen Briggs of NC 11:04AM January 19, 2011

Too many so called expert's are confusing potential job seekers on what type of resume is the correct form to send or what buzz words should be used to help your resume stand out from others.
Some times these gimmicks work and sometimes they don't. Managers find themselves spending too much time trying to figure out how creative you are in exaggerating whatever it is your trying to say about your self and the job you are applying for.
WalMart figured this out years ago that's why anyone willing to be trained can be promoted and many coming in with degrees don't cut it. Anyone fired from Walmart with a degree in management, say's you have other areas like your personality that needs work. If you are from the military as an officer or you think your smarter or better than your subordinates because you have a degree, isn't going to last long on any job. And if you don't like working with different types of people, don't seek a job in management. Remember, a company needs workers that feel appreciated so that they will do their very best and if your not the type to give constructive advice to help improve an employee's productivity, your in the wrong business and eventually out of a job.
Remember this if you haven't heard this or figured this out, "MANAGERS ARE A DIME A DOZEN". If you are creating a large turnover of employees, you're next on the chopping block. You are not hired to fire everyone that makes you upset or the worse case "you don't like them" because of whatever "your" reason is. If the employee is on time, hard working and not a problem, don't create one. Especially if they were there before you came and had no problems.
This letter came from an employee who was fired, after six years with my company. After looking at the turnover rate of employess since my new manager was hired, I fired him and hired the employee who wrote me this letter as my new manager in training.He opened my eyes about inflated resumes.
I went back and pulled his resume, it was very simple, no errors and one statement in his objective. If I'm hired, I will follow all of your directions, I will be here everyday on time, I will respect everyone, I will make you proud to have me as an employee, If I find a better way of doing something, I will ask you first. If this is too much to handle for you company, please feel free to never contact me!
I should have seen then a diamond in the rough.

Not hiring now of MI 2:19PM November 19, 2010

"They already have a candidate in mind and just want to meet a quota of the number of applicants they have interviewed for the position."
I ran afoul of this a while back. I interviewed with a major aerospace corporation (who shall remain nameless). My interview was completed around 12PM on Wednesday. The rejection letter came via US Mail on THURSDAY. It was postmarked 3PM on Wednesday afternoon.
To be honest, I really wish that they had called and cancelled the interview instead of jerking me around. It cost me a 1 hour drive each way, PLUS the PTO I had to use to go to the interview.

Been There, Done That of CA 12:24PM November 19, 2010

Also, be helpful to this employer when they’re hiring for other jobs. Maybe they’re hiring for a position that isn’t a good fit for your background, but you can forward them a resume of someone in your network who might work for them. In this way, you become a helpful resource, and you’re more likely to be on their mind when a position opens up that’s appropriate for you.
This is sooooooooooo not true. Once you walk out the door they literally forget about you. As the saying goes: "Out of sight, out of mind".

Maya of TX 11:43AM November 19, 2010

what about those of us who want to work but never get called back? online applications use filters that weed out anyone that does not suit thier exact needs or can word questions in such a way that being truthful (as required) can result in having the application not even being read, let alone considered.
Many of the questions themselves are worded in a vauge and nonspecific way and give a limited choice of responses or do not have a box for "other" to clarify the answer given. I am also not comfortable giving out SSN and drivers ID# on line because I have no way of knowing who will see them or where they may end up. These need to be given in person and eye contact needs to be made with someone. I' ve been looking for work for 21 months...I have had 5 call backs and nothing more...no one is hiring or they are cutting back...I hear this a lot...what can you say to that? I have no way of checking...os I look elsewhere. This has been difficult and humiliating, I can't even afford gas to canvas an area ro look for a job without a reasonable chance of getting one...a vicious circle. Someone is getting hired out there...its just not me.

Scott of TN 10:08AM November 19, 2010

In my opinion there are two reasons that you will not get any positive feedback from the employer.
1. They dont have any useful information to give you. They really dont know what to say or how to really deal with you after they have decided that you are not the match. Some employers tell hiring managers to just walk the candidates out of the door and say nothing more. They should delete follow up messages and continue on with the search. Sounds cold but the truth will always help you.
2. They already have a candidate in mind and just want to meet a quota of the number of applicants they have interviewed for the position. Sometimes this will come into play with nepotism or in-house promotions. They already know that "susie" is going to get promoted but they are required to advertise the position and interview other candidates so that they can make it appear to look fair. When you have an interview for management positions, this is usually the case because they will never overlook staff that they already have.
Bottom line this hiring business is tough cookies and only the strong survive. I say when looking dont be afraid to take a position that is beneath you and work your way to where you want to be. We all took a blow in this market and got knocked down. In order to be truly successful we may have to start all over again. Don't let your pride get in the way. Start again and thrust your way all the way to the top!

Sound Advice of NC 8:14AM November 19, 2010

Recently, I had what seemed like a very positive phone interview. I had gone into it with low/no expectations and was pleasantly surprised how interested they were in specific aspects of my background and potential unique contributions to the work they are doing. We ended on what I felt was a high note - I said I had additional questions that I'd prefer to save for when we met person and they agreed. Just a couple of hours after sending my thank you to the interviewers and recruiters, I had an email from one of the recruiters telling me that they would be continuing their search since I wasn't an exact match and wishing me the best. I was stunned. Still, I immediately emailed back, thanking that recruiter for getting back to me so quickly and asking for any possible feedback. She responded that she doesn't always get some but would ask. After hearing nothing for a week, I reached out to the other recruiter who had been out of the loop. He got back in touch with the interviewer and gave me some valuable feedback. Surprisingly, I'm still under consideration - they are just continuing to interview. The "best of luck" part of the first recruiters message had spelled rejection to me - when that was not the full story.
I can certainly empathize with Superman of Al's frustration. It's tough keeping a positive outlook after so many disappointments. If the only question is "How long have you been out of work?" Try answering, "A while. In the meantime I've been..." and have something positive to say about how you've been keeping current professionally, volunteering in the community - something that will peak their curiosity.

gsg of MD 7:00PM November 18, 2010

This advice is weak at best, not to mention, it seems to promote cyber stalking. How does this lady have credentials???

Chrissie J of NY 5:45PM November 18, 2010

Maybe you don't get any useful information because you type in all caps. LOL

MT of TX 4:51PM November 18, 2010

I was rejected after three consecutive interviews for a position that I really wanted. In the last interview, they narrowed down the candidates to two people and ended up choosing the other person. When I found out that I was very disappointed but I asked what was the reason for not choosing me and I would appreciate the feedback and advice. I also told them that I would really want to work for them in the future if there is any other opening. They told me that it was a very difficult decision for them as we were equally good.
Make the long story short; I was hired as the other person did not get the job for several reasons.
I now am happily employed for two years and I know that my questioning back gave me this job.
Good luck to all.!

Sasha of CA 12:34PM November 18, 2010