Dealing With Rejection (Part 2)

If you missed part one, check it out here.

 

	Strange		I’m so sorry about you and your friends not getting into college. But if they rejected you, and you tried to convince them to reconsider, there’s nothing else you can do.
	Peter		When you say “convince them,” you mean like I could have called them?
	Strange		Yeah.
	Peter		I can do that?
	Strange		You haven’t called the--
	Peter		Well, I mean, I got their letter and I assumed that that was--
	Strange		I’m sorry, are you telling me that you didn’t even think to plead your case with them first before you asked me to brainwash the entire world?!

I have received A LOT of rejection throughout all the applications to other companies I've submitted. Perhaps I have somewhat become lazy with how I apply. I mean I just submit my applications, then I forget that I ever even applied. I don't follow up if hiring managers don't email me back. Perhaps to me, it's just a swipe-right-and-on-to-the-next type of deal when it comes to applying. Perhaps I believe that hiring managers don't want hear me out, they don't deserve to (it's a waste of my time, my voice, and my energy). Perhaps it's being so comfortable with my backup plan, and forgetting that I need a better salary to provide for my family. Perhaps it's a defense mechanism to cope with anxiety of rejection. But oh yeah am I used to it -- and that should change.

But out of the dozens of rejections I've had so far -- some through ghosting, others through an impersonal email template that hiring managers send out to everyone they reject -- I just realized that there are actually quite a few times that I argued my case.

I'll try to do better. ChatGPT does give quite the advice. Most of it was pretty common; but the last bit, in particular is something I could try out.

Express your enthusiasm for the position: Finally, make sure the hiring manager knows how enthusiastic you are about the position and how you would be an asset to the company. Let them know how excited you are about the opportunity to contribute to the organization and make a difference in the role.

Enthusiasm is an interesting word. How can you be enthusiastic after a rejection of something you were so eager to get? How do I become genuinely enthusiastic in a situation like that? I don't have a definite answer to this at the moment, but perhaps if I were to plead my case, here is a sample outline I would follow:

1. Anyone can learn the job, and anyone can have the skills. I may not be as qualified when it comes to <technical skill>, but that can be learned. I have used more modern techniques to speed up my learning, such as the use of AI.
2. But technical skills can be learned very easily; attitude is harder to learn.
3. What you are looking for is perspective that can change an entire organization's culture for the better. You are not just looking for someone who can do the job well. You are looking for someone who can inspire others to do better, on top of it.
4. I know I have been a strong proponent to that in my organization in the recent years. I'm excited provide the same enthusiasm to your company, and I know I can make a difference.

I have an upcoming interview this week. I hope I finally find what I'm looking for.