How to turn rejection into renewed opportunity

“Remember that candidate who came in six months ago…?”

This is how most conversations start when a job opens up in Singapore.

Previous interviewees have already passed a screening process, so they are often the first to come to a recruiter’s mind when a job opening pops up. Perhaps they didn’t get the job because they lacked experience or the timing didn’t work out. It doesn’t rule the ‘rejected’ candidate out for the future. Keep your name on decision makers' minds by checking in several months after you were rejected for the job.

While there's no guarantee this follow-up will work, these letters are meant to show your graciousness for the time and opportunity given to you by the employer, and reiterate your strong interest in their company. Following up can send a powerful message about your resiliency as a professional and your heartfelt interest in the company.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, right?

Who to send it to?
Normally in an application process, there are at least a couple of people who will interview you. Although they all deserve a thank you note, your rejection follow-up letter must be addressed to the hiring manager who made the final decision. Hiring managers are the people to impress, as they are the ones who can easily pull up your CV when there’s a new opening or take it for endorsement to a different team.

What’s the right thing to say?
It’s perfectly fine to express your disappointment for being turned down, but watch your words so they won’t appear sarcastic, rude, or bitter. Reiterate how thankful you are for the opportunity and your appreciation for being considered for the job. Be honest and let them know that your interest to become a part of their company remains and that would like to be considered for future openings.

Sample
Mr. N. A Wei
Sales Manager, Hedge Hog Associates
XXXX
Hong Kong

September 26, 2016

Dear Mr. Eckold:

We met in July when I was one of five finalists interviewing for your regional sales representative opening and I would like to thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the job opening. Although I was not selected for the position, my interest in joining your team has remained strong. I would like to touch base with you to see if you plan on expanding your sales force in the near future.

As you may remember, my background includes five years of sales experience, a consistent track record of exceeding quotas and a bachelor's degree in communications.

Since our meeting, I have completed Miller Heiman's Strategic Account Management training program, and I have become self-taught in ACT! contact management software.

While things continue to go well for me at XYZ Company, I am highly motivated to transition into medical sales. Given the opportunity, I am confident in my ability to deliver the kind of aggressive account growth you outlined as a priority during our interview.

I have recently updated my resume, and I am enclosing it so that you will have the most current version. I welcome the chance to speak with you again about future opportunities. Feel free to call me at (+65) 123-4567 or email me at Natalie@Wei.com.

Thank you for your time, and I hope your third quarter is off to a great start.

Sincerely,
Natalie Wei

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