Thank interviewer for time even when not offered job
You really were interested in that one job. You were a perfect fit, and you were sure you were going to be selected to take it. Then you received notice that the company chose someone else. How could they, when you were the obvious choice?
Actually, it happens every day. Individuals are not offered positions when they actually are the most qualified.
Was it a personality clash? Did you intimidate the decision maker during the interview? Did they mix you up with another person and make the offer to the wrong person? The answer may be “yes” to any of these questions. What really matters, however, is what you should do next.
If you really wanted that job and it’s worth the effort to follow up, consider the following:
Write a note to the decision makers congratulating them on finding a qualified person for the position. Wish them the best, and let them know you remain very interested in a position in the future. Be sure to include your contact information. You never know — by the time the note arrives to them, they may have an additional opening, the person they offered the job to may have later declined, or perhaps the employer has second thoughts about the person hired.
Also writing a note to anyone else with the company who was part of the hiring process could help your cause. Kind words and a simple sign-off that you hope you too can join their organization in the future may make the difference. Positioning yourself to be top-ofmind and assertive in your job search is good business on your part.
Be sure to avoid a judgmental or humorous tone to the note. Saying something like, ”When you realize you made a mistake and you’re ready to hire the best, give me a call” will do you little good and probably won’t be received well.
Keep the note short, upbeat and positive. It can be handwritten if you have good penmanship — or if you’re like me, it may be best to type out the note. Even a well-written email can have the same effect. Have the note arrive five to seven days after you receive the sad news.
Then it’s time for you to move on. There are plenty of other opportunities out there. Sure, you hope the note after “no” works in your favor, but don’t wait around. Continue your search, and do the right kind of activities that can make that special break for you.