Thanks for Interviewing With Us, But...

What To Do Next?

By Chris Bardwell

You excitedly placed your name on the list for an on-campus interview. You were happy to learn that you were selected for an interview from the pool of applicants who responded. You immediately recognized the importance of being prepared for your interview and being able to present yourself in the most positive light so that you’d be asked for a second interview – at the company’s offices. But now, despite your best efforts, you’ve received the dreaded rejection letter. In essence, the letter read something like this: “Thanks for interviewing with us, but no thanks!”

What a bummer!

So naturally you’re now questioning yourself and asking: What happened? What did I do wrong? How do I keep from feeling dejected and depressed? What are my next steps? How do I manage my expectations during the interviewing process?

We’re going to help you bounce back from the inevitable rejections that come after on-campus interviews. So, before you get too wound up about the rejection letter, let’s look at some possible reasons and solutions. These solutions are things you can do in the future to keep your confidence up and help you survive in today’s job market.

Put the On-Campus Interview in Proper Perspective

Like it or not, rejection is a normal part of life and the job search process. As the adage goes, “Life is like a baseball game. You win some, you lose some.” As it relates to the job search process, this means that despite preparation and interview savvy (or lack thereof), not everyone who interviews will get the job, internship or an offer of employment each time they suit up. But, by staying in the game, you enhance your chances of success because the more interview opportunities you have and the more you’re face-to-face with recruiters, the more chances you’ll have to move to the next step.

Also don’t forget that the on-campus interview is just one of the strategies that you’ll want to have in your job search arsenal. Don’t limit yourself to thinking that this is the only way you’re going to land the job. Launch a full-pronged job search strategy including looking for information through sources other than your Career Planning and Placement office. Use online job boards, networking, private employers, state employment service offices, America’s Job Bank and federal, state and local government HR offices and job banks. Local public libraries have books on occupations and often post local job announcements. Also include newspaper advertisements, churches, community organizations and other places where you can uncover job leads. By doing a varied job search you won’t become disappointed when one interview doesn’t pan out.

Reasons Candidates Are Rejected and Solutions

There are various reasons why applicants may be rejected once they’ve interviewed on campus. Only the interviewer knows for sure, but here are some reasons recruiters  may send a rejection letter after the interview.

REASON FOR REJECTION: Other candidates had better skills and qualifications.

SOLUTION: While you may position yourself for success and do everything you think is correct during your oncampus interview, the recruiter ultimately holds the decision-making power. If you happen to get a rejection letter, understand that you are competing with other candidates who may have just that little “edge” that pushes them forward.

REASON FOR REJECTION: Candidate lacked preparation.

SOLUTION: There’s nothing like a well-prepared candidate! Recruiters love them and can tell when you’re prepared and when a candidate is struggling. Approach your preparation for an oncampus interview in the same way you would for an interview on-site at the company. Research the company, arrive early (at least 15 minutes), make sure that you are professionally groomed and exude confidence. An easy way to research information is to visit the company’s website. There you will find a wealth of information about its history, mission, products, services and community/charitable involvement. If the annual report is on-line it is a treasure trove of information on the company’s profitability and plans. Preparation covers a multitude of areas. Work with your career planning and placement counselor on tips for success in this stage.

REASON FOR REJECTION: Candidate exhibited poor interviewing skills.

SOLUTION: Being able to communicate with the recruiter is key. Make sure you are able to express yourself clearly, project your voice and use proper grammar and English during the interview. Establish rapport with the recruiter and maintain direct eye contact. You should be prepared with questions to ask and be able to respond to questions posed by the interviewer. Your goal is to impress the recruiter. Your career planning and placement office can assist you with mock interviews, types of interview questions asked by recruiters and hiring managers and help you with developing answers to basic as well as more difficult questions. The key is practice, practice and more practice.

REASON FOR REJECTION: Candidate lacked professionalism, courtesy and/or respect.

SOLUTION: You want to ensure that the recruiter receives a favorable impression of you. What recruiter wants to hear why you’re late to the interview? The jangling of your cell phone music as a call comes through because you forgot to silence your phone? The recruiter will also no doubt be turned off watching you chew gum or look aimlessly around the room. Take your cues from the recruiter. “Know-it-all” aggressive candidates aren’t viewed well by recruiters. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t arrive late for the interview, have your cell phone ringer on, chew gum or exhibit any other distracting behavior.

REASON FOR REJECTION: Candidate lacked purpose, goals and/or career focus.

SOLUTION: If you don’t know where you’re headed, how will you know when you’ve gotten there? Be sure to communicate your career goals, interest in the employer and the career opportunity being discussed. After all, they are checking you out and want to see what you can contribute to their organization as well as what they can offer you.

Stay Positive in Light of Rejection: Market Your Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Today’s job market is very competitive. You need to consider what sets you apart from other applicants. In your preparation consider what specific knowledge, skills and abilities you possess that an employer will be interested in. The main things that an on-campus recruiter will be looking for are: 1) whether you have the skills and abilities
to do the job, 2) what the job specifications call for and 3) the potential that you have to meet those requirements. The bottom line: What value can you add or what contributions can you make to the organization? Remember to think of yourself as a product and continue marketing yourself to employers. Preparation and the proper mindset will help you to feel confident and allow you to believe in yourself and what you have to offer.

Receiving a rejection letter after your on-campus interview isn’t the end of the world (although it may feel like it at the time). You can and will overcome this and much more as you learn the ropes of finding that desired position.

We suggest that you lick your wounds quickly and bounce back confidently so that you can get back in the race and continue with your search. That confidence will come from doing all you can to learn about the job search process for both on- campus and on-site interviews. By doing this you will be able to overcome the pitfalls that come with interview rejection and gain skills in preparing and marketing yourself for future opportunities. Good luck!

Career & Executive Coach Chris Bardwell is head of The Career Connection, Ltd., a Chicago-based career development and consulting firm. You can send questions to Chris.Bardwell@yahoo.com or to 910 West Van Buren, Suite #166, Chicago, Il 60607