Within twenty minutes of sending an interview thank-you with a link to client kudos, I received a rejection email.

39 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 10:12PM UTC

   Hang in there and try not to take it as personal. These are extremely hard times and employers are really all over the map. So honestly it's not you.

2. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 10:14PM UTC

   I'm so sorry to hear that :( It is exhauuusting. I hope you're able to treat yourself to something nice to make up for the stress, like watching a movie or making your favorite meal for dinner.

   It's hard, but it's not over until it's over! I've been there too, and I promise it will get better. Rooting for you!

3. Susan RoblesNovember 17,2022 at 10:49PM UTC

   Totally hear that. Wish there was a world where we can say at the end of the interview, thank you, but I don't see a fit. It won't happen, but it would be nice.

   Sorry! I know how much I prepare for an interview and can only imagine how you're feeling. Sending hugs!

4. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 1:09AM UTC

   The struggle is real and I've been going through this May so I understand. For each interview, you put your heart into the process. By the final rounds, you're invested in the process. Please remember that it's a difficult market right now and be good to yourself. Yes, people are finding jobs but we don't know the back stories on LinkedIn and how long it took them to land that role. Treat yourself to your favorite dinner, take a break from job searching tomorrow and give yourself the weekend to grieve the opportunity. On Monday, start a new page. I have folders for each of the roles on my desktop for companies I'm interviewing with past the first round. Others just are organized my month on a 2022 folder. When an opportunity doesn't work, I move the job folder on my desktop to my closed position folder dump. Believe it or not, it helps to mentally close that chapter and then I start new folders with fresh possibilities. The interview process is draining and I'll admit I've shed a lot of tears over the 'ones' that got away. A few weeks from now, you'll think back that it wasn't perfect. Was there something off, what was the work environment like, staff etc. Then move on and it gets you closer to the right role. You've got this and although it's difficult, remember that you are valuable and they were the ones to miss out on having a great employee!

5. Crystal HowellNovember 18,2022 at 1:13AM UTC

   It's a coin toss, just know the right door will open. It's the wrong door, Rejection is Redirection, patience is a virtue. do your best, send your thank you email, even if they reject you, thank you for the opportunity and response. You never know when they will cross your path at a different time or company. Always be polite.

6. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 4:56PM UTC

   It's hard not to feel fatigue. Treat yourself with extra kindness this weekend.

7. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

   Keep going!!!! You have totally got this. If they couldn’t see what you have to offer then it’s not the place for you. I have been through so many shit jobs and rejections and finally landed my dream job. After 10 years of climbing that ladder. You got this. Keep believing. Keep going. I have seen some good comments below about having your CV looked at and maybe your thank you letter. Don’t take it personally. I know that’s hard but that’s the best thing I have learnt in business .

8. Karen LNovember 20,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

   It's nice that some are trying to be helpful by asking did you this, or this?

   It is NOT you! Facts are that it is very competitive right now, TA is being extremely selective, and hiring managers may not be as progressive thinkers seeking every single thing on their candidate wish list! Job loss is not a decrease in your value and while we should update resume, thank you, etc, sometimes when you do everything right, you are still not selected!!!! Keep your head up and dont give up. It's hard but I'm in the same boat as you! It's awful. We need to stay in the game!

9. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

   I feel you girl! I’ve been searching for about 6 months. My resume gets a lot of traction and first interviews seem to always go well. Somewhere after that it falls off the rails and I don’t know why. I’m actually currently awaiting an offer which I’m like 98% sure I’m getting, but That’s not 100% and this is after weeks of interviewing with them. Point is, the process is grueling! It’s unlikely that it’s your resume since you got the interview. They just probably didn’t see your greatness for whatever reason. With every no, (after a brief cry) I try to count it as a blessing. If they couldn’t see me as a valuable asset to their team, I don’t want ‘em! Keep your chin up. We got this!

10. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 8:06PM UTC

    THIS.... If they couldn’t see me as a valuable asset to their team, I don’t want ‘em!

11. Stephanie LekowskiNovember 26,2022 at 9:11PM UTC

    Great attitude :-)!

12. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

    The best piece of advice I received when I was job hunting was not to become emotionally invested until you sign off on a job offer. Do your best in each round of interviews, but do not make any plans or have any expectations about being hired until you have a written off her. And even then, with cutbacks, I would offer to stay wait until you start work. That is very, very difficult to do especially when people give us so many mixed signals. But it was the best thing for me to save my sanity! I experience ghosting at offer stage, which I learned from other friends was happening to them as well. Definitely stay positive and know that your door will eventually open.

13. Melissa AlvarezNovember 20,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

    The rejection is heart breaking especially since you sent an email right before.

    I’ve had this happen where 3 times (out of 20+ interviews since June) I interviewed & received the rejection email but 2 times it was actually an accident and I moved forward in the process and one time it was on purpose but bc I was more qualified for a position higher up.

    Also can you reach out to your contacts to see if there’s are any job opportunities at their employers. 4 out of 6 of my past employers I knew a contact who recommended me for the position.

14. Anita GetzNovember 20,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    I am right there with you. I go through 3 or 4 interviews with a company only to be passed over. I have been out of work since January. I am about to be 60 next week I am worried, I won’t find a new iob….

15. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 3:17PM UTC

    I used to do the CL, all the time and found them useless. Now, I don't bother unless the required. Thank you notes are steadily the next off my list. The reconsideration began following my query to when might I hear from you and their response, " I have several occupants to interview" ~ they already decided against my candidacy to move me forward....why bother. Move onto the next opportunity, they moved to the next candidate

16. Julie Ann WilliamsNovember 20,2022 at 5:13PM UTC

    Coming from someone who hires frequently, you should always send a thank you. Having a number of people to interview is part of the process, and a hiring manager telling you that does not automatically mean you're no longer being considered. We typically sit down after all interviews are final to review everyone at once and make a final decision. And trust me, "did they send a thank you?" is always asked about candidates.

17. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 9:04PM UTC

    I don't see any reason to send thank you's after interviewing for positions you find out you don't want because of the people interviewing you. i had this tedious interview a while back with about 6 different people. one of them was pretty terrible to interview with and the final one disgusted me (he was the CFO or something) so I didn't bother to send a thank you. by the final interview, i was no longer interested in the position anyway so really didn't even try.

18. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 3:26PM UTC

    There are so many factors in the hiring process that are beyond our control. If you feel that you did all that you could do to showcase your special talents, qualities and experience that could have brought value to the team and overall organization, take solace in the thought that you had an interview - a chance to make new professional connections and to practice the fine art of self-promotion. That you took the time to express your gratitude after your interview, a step that some might overlook, demonstrates your willingness to follow the time-honored advice of career counselors and plain, old common sense and courtesy. It seems you are doing exactly what you should be doing to secure a job. Keep on keeping on! As others suggest, treat yourself kindly, pace yourself and try to keep in mind that this missed opportunity might be the sign that there is something better for you around the corner. Best of luck!!!

19. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 7:52PM UTC

    I like this response. Other "maybe it's you" responses put the blame back on the person that was rejected when in truth, that person may have followed all of the advice and put her best foot forward to no avail. Sometimes the job has already been filled but they are still interviewing just in case. Sometimes it's personal bias. You'll never really know unless they tell you. This is a numbers game. You'll eventually land something if you don't give up.

20. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 20,2022 at 3:42PM UTC

    Firstly, you were selected to interview and invited to interview based upon your resume so we know that you were considered qualified. You sent a thank you which is the classy thing to do and the right thing to do. I am going to say that the problem more than likely is in the interview itself. I wish i could help you as I know I could help you but there is something that is going on in there that is not resulting in an offer. Are you being engaging, warm, confident, prepared in your research of the company, is nervousness coming through? How are your answers?

21. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 4:29PM UTC

    I know how you feel. Getting the interviews. Saying you did well in the interview, but no offer. Someone was more qualified or liked better. It hurts. I am trying to be positive and continue to send out applications. Hoping I find my job soon. Was laid off in June 2022

22. Lauren RecchiaNovember 20,2022 at 4:42PM UTC

    Right there with you! It's a rough market out there right now! :(

23. Stephanie CayneNovember 20,2022 at 5:02PM UTC

    Give Yourself credit for what you’ve done so far! Perhaps this is an opportunity for change. Consider your mindset. Your skills. Your strength. your endurance. You’ve got this!

24. Shelby CNovember 20,2022 at 5:25PM UTC

    My best friend worked a temp job while she interviewed for 67 positions. She got the 67th and has been promoted twice.

    It can be exhausting, but it's better to be somewhere that's a good fit where they appreciate you.

25. Julie Ann WilliamsNovember 20,2022 at 5:37PM UTC

    Sorry you're feeling frustrated!
    Hang in there!

    There are a lot of comments on here about people who have been interviewing for a long time (many, many months - it does take some time, but longer than average), and I've got to say - the job market isn't THAT tough right now. There are so many people hiring. And yes, some industries are currently laying people off, but, in general, it is a job seeker's market. So, that poses the hard questions that I challenge you to ask yourselves:

    1 - Are you REALLY qualified for the positions you're applying for? If you're trying to make a career/industry change you may have to look at a lower position then you'd think, or it may just take more time.

    2 - What could you improve about your interview skills? Are you preparing ahead of time and doing your research? We recently had two final interviews and one candidate didn't even have answers to two pretty common interview questions. BE PREPARED.

    3 - Are you really excited about the actual job you're applying for, or are you just looking for a job? It comes through in interviews if it doesn't seem like you genuinely want to join the company or if you haven't done your research.

    I know it's hard to hear, but if you're not getting hired, there has to be a reason. Take this time for introspection and to figure out why, as challenging as it can be to do. There are a ton of great resources available to help with interview skills, or even consider consulting a career counselor or coach. I know job hunting gets emotional, but this should be a subjective process and it doesn't mean you don't bring great skills to the table. So, also consider what makes you unique and why a company should hire you and make sure that comes across in your interviews.

    One last thing to keep in mind is that it might not be about you at all. Maybe an internal candidate is in the pool, but, by law, the company has to interview outside people as well. 9 out of 10 times the internal person is going to be more qualified simply because they don't have the same learning curve.

    Sending you all good vibes and happy hunting!

26. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 6:34PM UTC

    All good points, but I will say that if you are mature in your career like me (30+ years experience), it CAN take months to land a new role. This year it took me 5 months and I ended up with several offers. Half of them were not even competitive. My salary requirements are well above average as it's aligned with my expertise. I remained flexible, but no way was I going back to what I was making with 10 years experience. Depending on where you're at in your career, it can take more time regardless of the market.

27. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 6:05PM UTC

    Wanted to share that it is tough out there! This is the hardest and longest job search journey that I have been on in my 20+ year career. I started looking actively in the spring.

    I've interviewed past the first round at 20+ companies and made it to the finalist round 2x. Really strong colleagues that were laid off in March 2022 are still looking as well which helps me to realize that it's not personal.

    I keep refining my approach as all of the interviewing has helped me to understand which opportunities truly play to my strengths. I also look to see who they hired (if anyone!) instead of me to understand a bit more about what I'm up against. Based on this I've created my own "objection handler."

    Hang in there! In this holiday time I'd recommend reaching out to your closer circle (those who will always take your calls and emails) to catch up and articulate what you're looking for.

    Remember you are not alone!

28. Susan MatheyNovember 20,2022 at 7:25PM UTC

    I hear you! I was laid off May 2022 and probably had about 50 interviews (sometimes getting to 4-5 round and one time I had to do a project). It is exhausting. If you are getting interviews your resume/cover letter is probably good. Despite all of my experience with interviewing, I know I'm not great at self promotion. I took a lot of Linkedin Learning on interviewing, which helped. It is important to have your situations prepared (STARS Interviewing). I think it is ridiculous what these panels are requiring, but it is what it is. Some of them can be so rude - like keeping their cameras off - but we are still expected to shine and send the thank you for the interview. I am 57 years old and recently went back to school to get an MBA, so I was looking for more money and responsibility. I think there is a lot of agism and places don't want to pay what I'm worth. They want to make sure you fit into their culture, which apparently means they want you to be a millennial and fit into their click - which is not very inclusive. But, I finally was offered the job of my dreams making $36,000 more than I had been making. I got through it by thinking positively and telling myself the job that rejected me just wasn't the right one and my time would come. Hang in there, prepare for your interviews, and think positively.

29. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluNovember 20,2022 at 8:46PM UTC

    Cheer up, and remind yourself that the process is not a negative reflection of you and your capabilities. This is "a numbers game", in that there are hundreds, of not thousands of candidates, applying for the same positions, and if you keep plugging away, you'd be bound to make a match . . . .

    With that taken into consideration, you can still be more proactive in your approach . . .

    Consider registering with a headhunter/recruitment agency that specializes in placements in your field

    Have a Career Coach review your resume and help you fine-tune your interviewing skills

    Dig into your networks: reach out to former colleagues and leaders, family and friends, community groups/organizations you are affiliated with, to find out if they know of any openings, or would connect you with individuals and/or organizations which could assist you with finding a new position . . .

    Best of luck!

30. Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)November 20,2022 at 10:52PM UTC

    Depending on the field you are looking into, it could be tough to find a job now. Can you- are you-able to expand the search in any way?

31. Jennifer TannerNovember 20,2022 at 11:59PM UTC

    I have been getting so many rejections and ghostings post-interview during my job search these past 6 months. It is especially aggravating when you see the job listing still circulating and open for months afterwards -- like, you turned me down knowing I'm available but still didn't fill the role either?

    Honestly it seems like so many of these companies are just not interested in actually filling roles unless they have THE perfect candidate who is willing to work for minimum wage or something.

    It is exhausting, disheartening, and just generally ridiculous. No advice (in fact I'm here to get advice too!) but I definitely feel you.

32. Stephanie LekowskiNovember 21,2022 at 3:21PM UTC

    The most frustrating part is when they need the "perfect" candidate and pay close to minimum wage. Who the hell can afford to work for 20K a year, especially in major cities?

33. BeaBoss645203November 21,2022 at 10:17AM UTC

    It took me at least 6 months to find my current position - and I was interviewing at least 2x a week. I also had the age thing going on -went entirely into a different field - so far it is working out - please don't give up

34. AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 9:34PM UTC

    I’ve gone from one to three interviews a week to NONE. My age is probably one of several factors.

35. AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 11:58AM UTC

    Have you asked for feedback after the interviews to figure out where it has been going wrong?

36. AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 9:25PM UTC

    Yes, I have. I never get a response.

37. AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 5:07PM UTC

    There seems more roles where the requirement is for developers and have titles of directors.

38. Sharon GrehanNovember 21,2022 at 8:37PM UTC

    Have you asked for feedback on what skill sets they are looking for that you can continue to develop? Might help for next interviews for a similar role to show experience and growth...

39. AnonymousNovember 23,2022 at 6:56PM UTC

    I feel your pain. After every interview I usually ask, "Do you have any concerns about my experience or skill set?" They are usually pretty honest about it and it gives you a sense of where you stand and what they might be looking for. It's tough out here, but you got this!