Aftermath of rejections - thoughts?

ionapaul

Over the past month I interviewed with a company I really want to work for, and for a position I am sure I would do well at (and have relevant experience for). Did my final interview on Monday and heard this morning that they did not go for me. I have sent (as I always would do in this circumstance) a nice, professional email to the main HR person I dealt with, thanking them for their help, and saying that despite the decision, I remain very interested in the job and hope to be considered in the future. I received an equally professional response to this, in that the HR person didn't say anything of substance and just wished me well in the future. I really want this job, and there will be more of the same position becoming available over the next few months...what should I do? Email/call the HR person every few weeks seeing what is available and could I apply again? Straight out ask if they think I am not suitable (and therefore shouldn't apply again with them)? I also have the managers of the specific division I was going for email addresses, should I ever contact them directly, or only the HR person? I ask that because I feel maybe the HR person wasn't such a huge fan of my personality, and that could have been the reason for their final choice...

ToxicPaddy

To be honest, if you feel that the you and the HR person didnt "click" or so to speak
then I think the best thing to do is move on..

Even if there are a number of positions coming up, you probably wont be considered
as you werent successful for the first one..

Tox

jesus_thats_gre

Originally posted by ToxicPaddy
Even if there are a number of positions coming up, you probably wont be considered as you werent successful for the first one..

Nonsence. It is perfectly concievable that you could be the best man for the job the next time the same positions become available. Email them and just be frank, ask them will there be future positions available and will you be considered for these automatically or will you be required to apply again.

Are they gonna put a black mark on your name for being enthusiastic about working for their company? I don't think so!

Ancient1

I also have the managers of the specific division I was going for email addresses, should I ever contact them directly, or only the HR person?

You should give it a bit of time and most definitely contact the other managers as well - you can always refer to your previous contact/interview with them. That will not only give you a bit of leverage but will show your continuing interest. Another manager might feel differently about you and might recognize another quality that the HR person has overlooked. Leave no stone unturned - it's something you really want, after all.

Also, i really think you should back off the email - in my opinion it could be conceived as a bit intrusive. Send them a really professional letter addressed to the manager and not just the department. I've never ever received a response to emails - letters, on the other hand, tend to be taken more seriously. It also shows that you took more time to contact them rather than just lashing out an email.
That's my 2c.

ionapaul

Wow, thanks for the thoughts...gave me something to think about. I think I will step back for a month and then follow Ancient's advice regarding letters to the two managers. It is something I really want and know I would succeed at, just need to fully convince them I guess!

casper-

My vote is for ancient1's approach as well; (a) bypass HR and talk to managers directly and (b) send a written letter instead of an email. Solid advice

Ancient1

I never understood the "science" of HR - try to keep in touch with the managers. They will have their say at the end of the day.

If you dont mind me asking - does this company have anything to do with your nick? Iona? As far as i know you will be able to catch them at the ICT Expo in Dublin. I'm not sure about the link www.ictexpo.ie or something like that.

Dont know if they'll be exhibiting, but they'll be there, so you could approach someone and "network" (chat - in plain English) - if we're talking about Iona, that is, if not - disregard .

ionapaul

No, it's not Iona I wouldn't mind interviewing at Iona just for the excuse to tell them why I use their company name as part of my nick (and most of my email addresses) - they were the first company I ever owned stock in (and made a packet off), back in the days of the internet bubble! Hmmm....'I used to own part of the company, please give me a job'....! Could be a new tactic for me, buy some shares before interviewing at each company

ionapaul

Another quick question:

Am drafting the letter I will send to the group managers at the moment - expressing my continued interest, desire to be re-considered for the position as they continue to expand, my belief that I would succeed in the role, etc... Should I mention that I am applying/interviewing for positions that pay several thousand more per annum, but that I still would rather the position I have been rejected from? It is true, I know I can get more money, but I would much rather do something I would like and be excited about and get a little less. Or is this too cheesy (though true) to mention? I might paste my final draft in a day or two to let you good people read it and offer suggestions!

Ancient1

This is something that you should mention at the interview - when your time comes.

I would not include it in the letter unless you know how to phrase it very very delicately - if you dont you will come across as an arrogant bullsh1tter. I think it will be enough if you effectively stress that you are very interested etc, rather than including stuff that might be misinterpreted - keep it simple!

The fact that you're willing to sacrifice better paying jobs is a strong selling point for the interview, but as i said, be careful if you decide to mention it in the letter.