You’d be surprised how many stories I hear about people getting callbacks after a rejection.

Sometimes the chosen candidate declines the offer, a new role opens up on a sister team, or someone goes on unexpected leave.

Save my non-AI-generated scripts to build positive rapport & keep the door open for future opportunities!

Email the hiring manager separately

Thank you for informing me of your decision.

As someone who would love to keep the door open, could you please share any feedback on 1-2 skills & experiences that the chosen candidate had that I could work on for the future?

I really enjoyed learning about [something about the role] and hope to stay connected for future openings on your team!

Email the recruiter separately

Thank you for taking the time to share this update.

As someone who would love to keep the door open, could you please share any feedback on 1-2 things that I could work on to improve my chances of landing a role in the future?

I really enjoyed learning about [something about the company] and hope to stay connected for future opportunities!

Message the hiring manager on LinkedIn

Hello X!

While I did not land the role on your team this time around, I’d love to stay connected on LinkedIn as I continue to learn and grow in my career.

I’ve already started taking a course on [relevant skill to the team] based on your feedback in the interview and am excited to skill up in this area.

Have a great day!

Message the recruiter on LinkedIn

Hello X!

Thanks again for being a part of my recruitment process at [COMPANY].

Although I didn’t land the job on [TEAM] this time around, I’d love to stay connected as new opportunities open up in [ROLES / TEAMS].

Have a wonderful day!

Follow up with any other interviewers

Hi X! Hope you’ve been well since the interview last month.

Sharing an update that I did not end up getting the role, but I enjoyed learning more about [SOMETHING] from you and the team.

I hope to stay connected and am always open to feedback if you have any. For my next steps, I am going to work on [something skilling/experience related].

Thanks again for your time as part of the process!

Follow up with anyone who supported you

Hi X! Hope you’ve been well since we last connected.

Just wanted to share an update that I did not end up getting the [ROLE NAME] at [COMPANY] but I really appreciate the time you invested in sharing [tips, resources, advice, etc] with me.

For my next steps, I will work on [something they gave you advice on]. I hope to stay connected and please let me know if there’s an opportunity to thank you or pay it forward one day.

Connect with 5 people who have the job title you want

Hello X!

I’m an aspiring [job title] and saw that you’ve been in this career for X years.

While I recently got rejected from a role at your company, I thought I’d reach out and see if you have any tips/resources to share based on your knowledge and experience.

I understand you’re super busy and may not have time to reply right now so please let me know if I can follow up at another time. Thanks in advance!

Update your job search log

→ Reflect on the application/interview process and what you would start, stop, continue for next time

→ Identify where you might’ve fallen short in the eyes of the hiring manager (skills, experience, attitude) and think about how you could work on these things for the future

→ Write down your thoughts and feelings of disappointment because this really sucks!!!

Tap into your support network

→ Share your news with your support network when you’re ready (it may help ease the disappointment)

→ Having a community to share struggles and make it through these tough times together can be helpful so that you’re not feeling alone on the journey

P.S. you’re welcome to join my career community at kkarenism.com/substack if you don’t have one yet

Treat yourself to something nice!

→ You deserve a reward for making it to this point

→ Think of this rejection as another practice opportunity for the dream job that’s meant for you

→ Rest up because you’re probably feeling burnt out

Important Reminders

→ Prioritize your mental health. Your mind needs to stay strong and resilient to make it through this insane job market.

→ Be positive: You are your biggest champion. Make sure to hype yourself up with positive affirmations so your brain feels confident!

→ Create a career walking deck. Try this out because I’ve been seeing a lot of job seekers make positive progress and land job offers with one (lots of tips on my blog)!