How to search Jobs
Make sure you’re taking a long-term view while searching for your next role – that’s how you build a career, not just land a job!
Three pro-moves:
1. Respond with grace to every rejection and use it as an opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the company more broadly.
Why: If you make it pretty far through a process (past the hiring manager), the company likes you and sees a strong match. You would likely do well there, even if another candidate wins out for this role.
A positive reaction to a rejection helps strengthen the relationship with the team, and let’s them know the door is open to the future.
Real Life Results: I’ve seen others share their successes; I can personally tell you I’ve received 3 offers from places that have previously rejected me, and 2 were when they circled back within a few weeks to months of a rejection, with another opportunity.
Ex. “Thank you so much for this update! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed because COMPANY was truly my top choice, and a place I know I would thrive, but I’m so glad you found a strong match for this opportunity, it’s an awesome role and team!! This process has been wonderful and only strengthened my interest in working with COMPANY so I hope you’ll keep me in mind for similar opportunities – I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled too. Careers are long and I hope we’ll have the chance to be colleagues one day!”
2. Take that interview, even if something about the opportunity is less than ideal.
Why: Maybe the comp is low, maybe title isn’t quite what you wanted. But it’s still a chance to learn more and network. If the company is of interest to you, take the chance to learn more. Yes there’s an opportunity cost in terms of your time, but it may be worth it to get some networking in.
Real Life Results: I’ve shared before that the initial salary range I was quoted for my job at Zapier was lower than what I would have expected…I continued any way, and fortunately managed to get leveled up which landed me an offer I was happy to accept!
In the past, accepting an interview for a job in a location I was not willing to go to also landed me a great opportunity.
Ex. There isn’t one. Just say yes if there’s something appealing – you might decline this opportunity, but open the door to an even better one!
3. Keep in touch with people after networking chats, interviews, etc.
Why: Anyone you’ve met with once is in your network. When you share updates, you keep the lines of communication open. This makes it easier to make an ask in the future, and also keeps you top of mind for them!
Real Life Results: This approach has helped me get referrals or connections to hiring managers, some of which have led to offers.
Ex. “I know we chatted a few months ago – since our conversation, I completed my certification through PMI, and moved into an agile-focused role in my dept. I’m still interested in opportunities with COMPANY in the future, so certainly keep me in mind in the future!”