Application: Asking questions can turn a rejection into a commitment

Created: 07/09/2022, 17:11

By: Carina Blumenroth

Writing applications is a nuisance when looking for a new job.

Often there is no reaction at all or a standard answer.

This is how you react to it correctly.

Important to-dos when writing an application: adjust the CV, tailor the letter of application to the company you want to apply to.

You have also selected the right contact person for the application and you are already one step further.

Then the waiting time begins – do you get individual feedback or a standard letter?

Will your application be rejected or will you be called for an interview?

Here's how to respond appropriately to a rejection.

When an application is rejected, you will often receive a standard message.

Actively ask why.

This will help you for the next application.

(Iconic image) © Lopolo/Imago

Application: A rejection does not go against your personality

First of all, a rejection of an application is normal and does not represent a rejection of your personality - it simply means that another applicant is currently a better fit for the advertised position.

This may be due to the fact that your CV or your hard or soft skills do not match the requirements that are relevant to the advertised job.

However, it is also possible that you had formal errors in your application.

If so, learn from it so you can do better next time.

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Standard rejection of applications

In most cases, as an applicant, you will no longer hear from the company you applied to - this is annoying and a pity, as you will not get an accurate assessment of what you can possibly improve.

However, feedback alone does not mean that you can do something with it directly.

It is also often the case that companies issue standardized rejections.

Maybe you've already received one, then the text probably read something like this: "We have decided on another applicant".

This leaves you with many unanswered questions.

On the one hand, a standard answer saves companies time and, on the other hand, it also protects them, since there could hardly be any accusation that the rejection was discriminatory.

Application: If you are rejected, ask why

If you receive a rejection, contact the company again and ask why - the best contact person is the HR manager.

If you are reluctant to follow up by phone, then write a friendly e-mail and ask how you can improve the next time you apply.

Not all companies will then provide a viable answer, but it is worth trying.

For example, an applicant in the USA was still invited to an interview when she reacted to the rejection with a meme.

With this body language, the job interview goes wrong

View photo gallery

Turn the application rejection into an acceptance

By making contact after a rejection, you show courage and the will to improve - if you are friendly and open to criticism, then you leave the company with a good impression.

The contact after the rejection is probably not very frequent, so you stand out from the crowd and stay in the mind of the HR manager.

This can be an advantage for a possible next application.

Even if you don't want to apply to this company again, you will gain valuable insights that can help you with your next application.