I had to turn down 2 job offers in June because of timing.

29 Comments

1. Alexis GladstoneAugust 11,2022 at 11:13AM UTC

   I would operate on the assumption that these hiring managers were sincere when they said to stay in touch. It doesn't mean that it will always work out, because there are timing issues on their end too, but if you were interested then it's worth the effort. I would say once every 2-3 months is appropriate. Just enough to keep your name in their mind.

   Some things you might do:

   Send articles or link to a blog that might be of interest to them.

   If you see something in the news about the company or a post they did on LinkedIn, comment on it.

   Send a Happy New Year email.

   I'm sure there are others who will have more ideas for you.

2. AnonymousAugust 11,2022 at 1:48PM UTC

   They mean it if their timing matches your timing in the future.

   The best way to stay in touch is to watch the company and when P.R. goes out with news, email the hiring manager with a congratulations and close the email with a short remark that you would love to be a part of their team at some point in the future.

   Also if you have a move or change in contact, use that as a reason to reach out.

   If you come across an industry announcement or trend, send the link with a note of interest.

   Use any reason to reach out every 6 months or so just to stay engaged.

3. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 1:58PM UTC

   Very true. Yet, I think it is really the other way around if your timing meets their needs.

4. Gretchen SkalkaAugust 11,2022 at 3:46PM UTC

   I was a hiring manager for more than 10 years and I can say that the answer to your questions is that they (we) generally do mean it.

   If you've gotten to the offer stage - you have already formed a relationship of sorts with the hiring manager. They recognize your value and potential increased value to their team and organization.

   So stay in touch!

   Connect with them on LinkedIn.

   Read their posts, comment, invite them to yours.

   Stay in touch!

   It's a relationship - and it's also keeping your network healthy.

   :)

5. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

   Good advice.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 12,2022 at 12:27AM UTC

   Connect with them through LinkedIn. When you start looking - or even 4 to 6 weeks before - reach out to them to let them know you're ramping your job search back up and that you'd still be interested in exploring any opportunities at their company that might be a fit.

   You can also go to their website and set up a profile and their system should push new job openings out to you.

7. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

   I means you didn’t get the job. It’s a common used line.

8. Crista ZivanovicAugust 14,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

   She said she turned them down.

9. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

   Yes.

10. froerden@yahoo.comAugust 14,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    Same thing as “we’ll keep your resume on file”…. False hope. Move on.

11. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

    Very true.

12. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

    What if the hiring manager sends you a request to connect on LinkedIn before informing you that you didn't get the job? What are your thoughts on that?

13. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 14,2022 at 7:27PM UTC

    What about that specifically is your question.

14. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 11:28PM UTC

    I was wondering how to read into that (like, did the hiring manager mean it when she said she'd like to connect and keep in touch?) but others have responded with very plausible answers and I appreciate their responses.

15. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 16,2022 at 11:50PM UTC

    I send candidates invitations to connect at various stages of the interview process. It really doesn't mean anything other than I'd like to connect with them.

16. AnonymousAugust 15,2022 at 2:11PM UTC

    They may have really liked you, but had a better candidate for that specific position.
    Maybe you were their second choice. They probably want to keep in touch in case they end up with an opening that you're better aligned for or the next time that position opens up.

17. AnonymousAugust 15,2022 at 6:27PM UTC

    Very true. Sometimes, at least in education, the HR managers change school districts or work at a different charter school. You could keep in contact with the recuriters if they choose to contact you on LinkedIn.

18. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 11:28PM UTC

    Thank you for responding. I appreciate it.

19. Jennifer VileyAugust 14,2022 at 4:35PM UTC

    I don’t think that accurate. She stated that she turned down the offer so she did “get the job”. As a manager, when this happens, I’m genuine when I say stay in touch. Send a hello every few months, connect on LI, share interesting content or articles related to the industry and when you’re ready to make a move, reach out and let them know! Good luck!

20. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

    I did get the offer

21. Jackie GhedineAugust 14,2022 at 12:57PM UTC

    It doesn't matter if they meant it or not, what matters is the action you take afterward. Here's how I teach my clients to stay in touch with people they meet durin gthe interview process;

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Put reminders on their calendar or an excel spreadsheet with names of people you met

    Every month or so send an article or video or something interesting in their industry.

    In a couple of months, ask for a cup of coffee conversation to discuss what's going on in the market

    Our network is our greatest asset.

22. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

    In my experience they do.
    I once interviewed for a position and didn’t end up getting an offer. About a year later, I applied for another position at that company with the same hiring manager and got the job. In your case, you had turned them down, so you know they wanted to hire you. Connect with them on LinkedIn and check back when you’re ready.

23. Maggie StoneAugust 14,2022 at 2:51PM UTC

    I had a similar experience.

24. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    I am sorry you had to turn down a job offer. I had a similar experience 2 years ago. As far as I understand, I could have accepted a full time job teaching during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Yet, at the same time I got infected with the coronavirus around the time that I got a call back from the teaching job.

    I had to turn the job down since I was not exactly myself back then.

    Thinking back, I feel bad that I turned down a good opportunity. Yet, the job was not exactly close by to my residence. So, it would have taken a while for me to commute to work.

25. KathrynAugust 14,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

    I am a hiring manager and when I say this I mean it. An email every two to three months then I know you are still interested. Stay in touch and let them know when you are ready. Easy

26. tiffany birchAugust 14,2022 at 10:22PM UTC

    Appreciate the straight forward answer.

27. AnonymousAugust 15,2022 at 3:42AM UTC

    Why were you interviewing if you were not going to accept a position for a year - just wondering

28. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 12:39PM UTC

    While I was interviewing, I found out additional information based on changes in regulations at my current organization that makes me want to stay in my role for a bit longer (retirement contribution implications).

29. AnonymousAugust 15,2022 at 6:57PM UTC

    As a HR manager when I say it I mean it. An update when you are ready I would suggest reaching out. Also looking at their careers site if something seems to align with you.

    Side note- There is a lot of hiring, recruiting, and everything going around a year is a far stretch out you want to build that relationship with the hiring team and you can share your timelines with the people you connect with to maintain positive relationships.