‘No’ does not mean never: why being declined for a job can be a good thing

A few weeks ago, on the brink of a new search, I contacted a candidate – who we had placed last year in another role – for recommendations. Based on the location and scope of the role, I was pretty sure she would know some interesting leads to potential candidates. .

And she did. She actually recommended someone who she had seen in a recruitment process a while ago and explained why the panel had really liked and appreciated that individual, even though they eventually chose someone else.

We then got in touch with that person, assessed her interest and evaluated her as part of the process for a client. A few weeks later she was hired.

So, what is the takeaway?

Once you join a recruitment process, you are keen to explore the role and see if this is for you – and you are the right fit for the organisation. You imagine yourself in this role, you prepare, you have conversations about it and you feel ready for the challenge. But not everyone can be the perfect fit. However positive and constructive the feedback might be, being declined can hit hard.

But there is a bright side: you have been out there and demonstrated your capabilities! The advantage of that is that even if you were not the right fit for that particular role, people will remember you for your capabilities, expertise and passion.

While it may seem little comfort after rejection, it is important to remember that being declined for a job is just that—it’s not about you, but simply your fit for that one post. Staying positive and engaged will mean there are many more chances for the future.