When a manager shows you respect, not getting the job can be a positive experience

Q: I want to share a wonderful story about how I did not get a job. Although I interviewed with a personnel clerk, the hiring manager called me himself to say it was a difficult decision, but I would not be hired. He was impressed with my qualifications and asked if I wanted to be considered for future openings. He also volunteered to help with my job search via his industry contacts. This is a busy person who has the same reasons as everyone else for not following up with people. Yet he made the time to tell me his decision himself.

In my whole life, this has never happened. The benefits of an employer handling a situation like this are tremendous. Would I send him business if I had the opportunity? Would I recommend this company to other people? Of course!

I hope other employers read this and act accordingly. You have everything to gain by being direct and honest with people who have invested time with you and your company regardless of the outcome.

To everyone who has ever been rejected for a job, I hope someday you get treated like this. Simple decency goes a long way. It changes everything.

NICK'S REPLY: It's important to note what happened here, what did not happen, and why you're happy after being rejected.

First, the manager took personal responsibility for notifying you of his decision. He established his credibility and earned a benefit because you'll recommend his company to others.

Second, he gave you the professional courtesy of introductions to his own contacts. He acknowledged your value. That's the benefit you got even though you were rejected.

Finally, you were treated respectfully. That left you with respect for the company.

I'd send this manager a thank-you note, and I'd copy the president of the company. Let's encourage high standards!

A note to managers: The next time you interview a job candidate, remember that the manager in this story is your competition. Are you as good as that?

THE HEADHUNTER TIP:

Three mistakes that can cost you a job

1. A boilerplate objective on your resume.

This always says the same thing: "I want to work for a good company that will enhance my career." A generic resume reveals that you'll take any kind of job that comes along. An employer is asking: What will you do to enhance my company?

Fix it: Make it your objective to produce benefits for the employer.

2. Too much emphasis on your expertise.

Talking about yourself isolates you from the company's broader business. Do you know how your work affects that business?

Fix it: Discuss the company's profitability. Discuss how the work you do fits into the bigger picture.

3. Saying you're tired of your old employer's problems.

The company you're talking to has problems just like your last one. The manager isn't interested in opportunists.

Fix it: Show how you can help the manager build a better company.

Copyright 2009. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate

Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job" and the host of www.asktheheadhunter.com. He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.