Graduate > Additional Correspondence > Rejection Response

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Responding to Rejection Notices

As the old saying goes, "You can't win 'em all." You may interview as well as you can for a position, only to lose out to another competitor. The outcome will likely be a letter or email from the employer that briefly informs you of the decision and wishes you luck in the future. At this point, you have two choices: forget about this employer and delete or throw away their communication, or acknowledge their message.

Why write back to a rejection notice? By showing a realistic, mature reaction to the news, you will retain a good image with them. If the chosen candidate doesn't work out, or if other positions arise, you might enjoy an inside track, especially if they know you have a genuine interest in this employer. Lastly, since they made a hard choice and didn't really reject you, i.e. they still like you, you may be able to draw one or more of the people you encountered into your network. We know that people find opportunities through other people, so why miss a chance to expand your network of advisors?

Here is one example of a rejection response:

12 Forman Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
January 31, 2XXX

Mr. Michael J. Brodle
Managing Partner
Martin & Weaver
100 State Street
Albany, NY 12000

Dear Mr. Brodle:

Thank you for your letter of January 11. Naturally, I was disappointed in the outcome of the selection process, especially since I am really interested in M&W. I think I can appreciate the hard choices that must be made in a hiring process, however, and can say I was pleased to be seriously considered for this position. I would, of course, be interested in other positions that might arise within M&W for which my qualifications might be a good fit.

I would also be interested in any feedback you might offer now or in the future about the presentation of my qualifications, my targets for employment, or any other issues that might impact my career path. If you were comfortable enough with my presentation to suggest others whom I might contact to expand my network, I would be most appreciative. I certainly hope to be able to help others get started in a career as my own career successfully unfolds.

Again, thank you for the consideration and the lessons I have already taken from our interactions. I wish you continued success in your recruiting efforts.

Sincerely,

William J. Bradley