Job Search Tip: 4 Actions To Go From Not Selected To Re-Approached

In your job search, a NO today doesn’t necessarily mean NO forever.  In fact, if you play your cards right, it can become a YES in a week, in a month, or in a year.  That’s right – employers circle back to job applicants and finalists all the time about the position they weren’t hired for.  Why?  Because selected candidates back out prior to starting their new role or ghost the employer on day one.  Or selected candidates and employers are such a mismatch that they part ways soon after the position is filled.  Or selected candidates move away.  Or leave for another job.  Or any one of a hundred other possibilities.   

Bottom line: If you weren’t selected for a position, but really want to work with the leader(s)/team/organization, it’s up to you to maintain the relationship so you are well positioned to be re-approached about the opportunity should it become available again. 

Here’s how:

·         Be open minded. Realize that not being selected isn’t personal, situations change, and timing is everything.  

·         Be gracious. After notification of non-selection, send a note thanking the recruiter and/or hiring manager for the opportunity to interview and re-state your interest in being a part of the team in the future.

·         Be Supportive. Start (or continue) to follow the company and pertinent employees on social media and like/retweet/share/comment on their posts when appropriate.

·         Get more connected. Start (or continue) to network with your contacts inside the company so you are kept in the loop on company news and potential opportunities, including the position you just missed out on.

Taking these actions 1.) showcases your professionalism, 2.) signifies support for, and interest in, the company, and 3.) builds relationships and provides access to information. 

When a hiring manager suddenly needs to hire for a recently filled position, they are likely to circle back to strong applicants and finalists.  If that is you, your actions between receiving an initial NO and the position becoming open again can determine whether you are re-approached about your desired job opportunity. 

Help yourself get to YES by being open minded, being gracious, being supportive, and getting more connected.