Nicole hasn’t been having much success in her job search and has recently received a rejection letter

Question

from one of her interviewers. As graduation approaches, Nicole is starting to feel the stress of not yet
having a job, and she also is feeling frustrated. She knows rejection is part of the process, but she would
like to know how she can better handle the rejection she has experienced.

What strategies can you suggest to Nicole about how to turn the rejection into a job offer?

Answer 1

One of the most important steps for Nicole is to take immediate action by maintaining a positive
attitude, evaluating her performance and her self-marketing package, connecting with her network
to get support and to rework her contacts, and planning her next job search steps.
She can place a timely call to the interviewer to provide missing information, correct
misinformation, clarify qualifications, or restate interest. This can turn rejection into employment.
She can also call the interviewer and request a short follow-up meeting. She can explain that she has
additional information, portfolio examples, or other items she thinks the interviewer should consider
before making a hiring decision. She should ask for just 10 or 15 minutes to make her case. She
should do her homework and prepare her telephone script before calling. She should also make the
call organized and concise and speak with energy and enthusiasm.
She can also ask the interviewer to give her an honest evaluation of her interview performance. If
she is prepared, she can briefly clarify her qualifications or clear up any misunderstanding right
then. She should use a friendly tone and not react defensively, remembering that she asked for the
opinion.
She should try to set up another meeting. If the interviewer seems receptive, she should explain that
she did not convey her qualifications as completely as she had planned and suggest one more
meeting to review them. Handled well, this approach demonstrates confidence, competence, and
assertiveness.
Nicole can ask for referrals. If she reaches a point where no further action would get her this job,
she should ask for other referrals.