Rejection is an aspect of the job application process that we’d all like to avoid. Unfortunately, it happens. Since rejection is a likely occurrence, it’s best that we prepare for them prior. Here are some phrases you might encounter when applying for a position:
1. We’re not hiring.
2. Just apply online.
3. I’m too busy to talk to you.
4. Just send me your résumé.
5. I don’t have any leads for you.
6. I don’t handle this type of thing. Call HR.
7. Don’t call us. We’ll call you.
Here are some responses that could serve as a rebuttal for rejection that you may encounter:
Objection: We’re not hiring.
Response: That’s okay. I’m not applying for a job with you anyway. I am just interested in your advice.
Objection: Just apply online.
Response: Actually, I’m going to be applying through official channels, as well, but I wondered if you could give me a little inside information.
Objection: I’m too busy to talk to you.
Response: This will only take a moment.
Objection: Just send me your résumé.
Response: Great. What’s your e-mail. I’ll send it to you while we’re talking.
Objection: I don’t have any leads for you.
Response: No problem at all. I wonder if you could share any advice with me. What’s the best thing I could be doing to find a job in this field?
Objection: I don’t handle this type of thing. Call HR.
Response: Who should I be talking to about this? I appreciate the referral. May I mention your name?
Objection: Don’t call us. We’ll call you.
Response: Great. No problem at all. But when, if I have not heard from you by then, should I check back in with you to see where I stand? Two weeks? A month? What’s best?
Remember, don’t take the roadblocks personally. You just have to think of clever ways to keep the conversation open. Persistence is key!
S. Blackwell
