I've been rejected 172 times in my job search journey. Here is 1 thing I did that turned one of those rejections into an offer:
I always ask for feedback on the same day I get rejected.
Why ask for feedback after a job rejection
There's a 50% chance they won't even reply. But if you land on the other 50%, you get:
Feedback. You know why you fell short and can improve next time.
A good impression. You show that you are the type to always ask for feedback, which is a trait recruiters look for.
A connection. They remember you as someone with a good attitude and willingness to learn, and you stay on their radar for the next grad or junior role.
Worst case? You get ghosted. But you get ghosted daily anyway, so what's the harm in trying?
How one rejection turned into an offer
I got rejected from a role that fit me perfectly. I was gutted for 10 minutes, sent a short follow-up asking for feedback, and moved on.
1 month later, HR from that same company called asking if I was still interested. The person they hired had left after 2 weeks because she received another offer. My name went back on their radar, and 2 more rounds later, I got the role.
There was nothing wrong with my application the first time. The situation changed.
If you want a mentor who has been exactly in your position to look at where you're falling short, book a free 15-minute call.
What to send after a rejection
Reply within 24 hours. Thank them for the process, ask one specific question about where you fell short, and ask to stay in touch for future roles.
One paragraph, no desperation. That is the whole move.
Rejection is almost never no forever
It is no for this role, right now. Sometimes it isn't about you at all: a headcount frozen the week before offer day, an internal candidate taking the role at the last minute, a budget cut mid-process. Those things are not your fault.
It's natural to have negative feelings when you get rejected. But keeping the relationship warm even after a rejection can open doors you would have missed.
For the biggest change I made after failing my first final interviews, read: How to Prepare for a Job Interview Without Sounding Rehearsed.