We’ve all been there where we apply for a position that we REALLY want! We are excited about the opportunity and confident it’s ours but then lo and behold, the position was offered to another person. Now what? Here are 4 tips on how move forward and land the job of your dreams!

Let Yourself Process First

We all process information differently. Some of us process slowly and some process very quickly. Some process out loud and some process internally. However we process, it’s best to work through how we feel first so we can proceed thoughtfully and productively. What do we NOT want to do? Get angry at the hiring manager and lash out to others. Needless to say, this is unprofessional and may risk the candidate’s chances for other positions since it’s a reflection on how a person handles adversity and their emotions. Handling disappointment with grace goes a very long way. There are reasons why the position was offered to another person so it’s best to seek this answer via feedback.

Seek Feedback

After we’ve processed the decision, we are ready to seek feedback with an open mind. Feedback is critical for our future success and shows our commitment to change or learn something new. Whether the feedback was improving technical skills, communication skills, organizational skills or a myriad of other skills, ask the hiring manager or decision maker for advice on how to bridge the gap. Participate in projects, learning opportunities, courses, task forces, etc to improve the necessary skill(s). Obtaining the feedback is one thing but actually taking action to improve is where we get noticed. As a hiring manager, I had to convey great news and disappointing news to employees. For the employee who did not obtain the position, the ones who made the commitment to improve, would almost always obtained the position the second time around.

There May Be Other Positions Available

Because a candidate was turned down for one position does not mean there are not others. Many times, especially for external candidates, the hiring manager may hand the resume and interview summary to another department. It is critical when interviewing that a candidate is not just interviewing for the posted position but possibly many others! I encourage any candidate, internal or external, to ALWAYS send a thank you note. This small gesture goes a long, long way and will set the candidate apart from others. There were numerous external candidates I interviewed which were passed to other hiring managers who hired them. Why? Because the candidate was already interviewed and we liked what the person had to offer and felt they may be a good match to other department!

Apply Again

Now that the candidate obtained feedback and took action steps to bridge the gap, if the position becomes available, apply again! The candidate MUST advise the hiring manager of the prior feedback and all the actions taken so the decision maker sees the commitment! Most likely the hiring manager will know since they may have been involved in the action steps however always toot your own horn!  Is the candidate a shoe in the second time around? No, but their chances of obtaining the position will dramatically improve!

Landing our dream job or obtaining the promotion may not always happen the first time around but if we process the emotions productively, ask and incorporate feedback, be open to other opportunities or apply again, we WILL obtain whatever we seek to achieve!