Trust the Process: Why Employers Sometimes Know Best
December 5, 2024
It’s never easy to face rejection, especially when it comes to your career. You’ve spent hours researching, preparing, and presenting your best self for a role, only to find out it’s not meant to be. It can feel disappointing and disheartening. But what if we reframed that rejection? What if, instead of taking it personally, you trusted that the employer might know something about the role, the company, or the team dynamics that you don’t?
Sometimes, it’s worth trusting the employer’s perspective, even when it stings. Here’s why.
Employers Know the Nuances of the Role
When you’re on the outside looking in, it’s impossible to know every detail about the job or the company culture. Employers, on the other hand, have the full picture. They understand the demands of the role, the team’s working style, and the long-term goals of the organization.
For example, I recently interviewed a candidate who was incredibly talented—someone who checked almost every box on paper. However, after the interview process, it became clear that her work style didn’t align with the team dynamic we needed for the position. When I shared this feedback with her, she responded with incredible grace, saying, “You know more about this role than I do.”
Her willingness to accept that we were making a decision in her best interest showed maturity and professionalism, qualities that make her a standout candidate for other opportunities.
A Rejection Today Doesn’t Close the Door Tomorrow
The way a candidate handles rejection can speak volumes. That candidate’s ability to gracefully accept our decision left such a positive impression that she’s someone we’d confidently represent for other roles. Why? Because she demonstrated that she trusted us to put her in a position to succeed.
Employers and staffing agencies are not in the business of simply filling seats. A good recruiter or hiring manager wants to see both the company and the candidate thrive. When we make decisions, they’re based on finding the right fit for everyone involved—one that leads to long-term success, not short-term fixes.
Feedback is a Gift—Use It to Grow
Receiving constructive feedback after an interview can be tough. However, it’s one of the most valuable tools you can use to improve your job search and professional growth. Whether it’s about your skill set, communication style, or cultural fit, use the insights to better position yourself for future opportunities. The candidate I mentioned earlier? She used our feedback to reflect on what types of roles she truly wanted, and we’re confident she’ll excel in one that aligns more closely with her strengths and personality.
Remember, feedback is not a critique of your worth—it’s an opportunity to refine your approach and land a role that’s genuinely the best fit for you.
Work with Employers, Not Against Them
It’s natural to feel disappointed when you don’t land a role. But try to see the decision as part of a bigger picture. Trust that employers and recruiters are working to set you up for success, even if that means making the difficult decision to say, “This isn’t the right fit.”
Work with Top Rated Recruiting Firm in the U.S.
At Murray Resources, we’re dedicated to helping candidates find roles where they can thrive. Even when a position isn’t the right fit, we’re here to guide you toward opportunities that align with your strengths, values, and goals. Take a look at our current job openings or contact us today to learn how we can help you find your next opportunity.