How to Reject Tech Companies Like They Reject Us

Photo by engin akyurt @enginakyurt on Unsplash

I’m currently dragging myself around asking companies for a job.

It’s a thankless task and as I bring my interview game up to speed I’m getting a few rejections, and they hurt. I comfort myself that at least I can learn something from these algorithm and trivia tests and I’ll be able to take my learnings to the next interview.

This article represents my learnings from those rejections, and how I think candidates should implement them in their dealings with tech companies.

The Preemptive Strike

Most applications are going to end in rejection (sorry).

So why not go in hard from the very first email?

Thank Them for Their Time:

From the first contact use generic appreciation. “Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.”

Put this in the footer of every email and say it at the end of every interview. After all, you don’t know when it will be the last contact you have with the company.

The Rejections

I’ve had bad interviews and still soldiered on. The interviewers gave each other a look and “we’ll discuss that later” was a recent one.

I’d love it if I felt able to just reject the company as I might just learn something along the way. Even if it’s a bad fit at least I’ve more interview experience (although I’m just getting more experience of failing interviews at the moment).

Chosen Another Employer

Inform them that you’ve chosen a different path. “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to go in another direction.”

Feedback

Provide vague and non-specific feedback. “I didn’t feel the position was the right fit for my career goals at this time.”

Ghost

Stop responding for a couple of weeks. Leave their emails and calls unanswered. Never, ever given an explanation for this.

Follow up with…

Sudden Re-engagement

Reach out suddenly after weeks of silence, expressing a renewed interest. Do not even acknowledge that the period of ghosting happened. “How can we move on with the process? 

Overly formal

Use overly formal language to distance yourself. “At this juncture, I must respectfully decline the opportunity to proceed further.”

Become Mysteriously Unavailable

Indicate that you’re unavailable for any follow-up discussions. “I’m currently fully committed and won’t be available for further discussions.”

Refuse to Give Feedback

Pros will simply ignore all contact at this point. But if you want to engage, tell them “Simply there were other better opportunities available” or that “I don’t offer feedback at this stage, but thank you for your interest”

Always, always

Suggest keeping in touch. “Look out on my LinkedIn page, and don’t hesitate to get in contact in the future.”

Conclusion

Job hunting is hard, isn’t it?