Application rejection dos and don’ts

Receiving an email informing you that your application has been unsuccessful is not a good experience but it is one you can learn from. A few months ago I had the unfortunate task of contacting applicants who had not been successful in their applications to attend the CityLawLIVE and NationalLawLIVE student conferences - this is not something I enjoy doing and I’m sure that no other recruiter does either. I understand that receiving a rejection email can be both upsetting and frustrating, but I was surprised at some of the responses I received. Below I’ve shared with you some dos and don'ts for contacting recruiters after you have received a rejection email.

• Do thank the recruiter for taking the time to consider your application.
• Don't tell the recruiter that they have made the wrong decision and you are the best candidate.
• Don't respond inappropriately - examples that I received included: "what a surprise", "oh, another rejection email", "another disappointment" and "don't know why I bothered in the first place".
• Don't beg.
• Don’t respond with an assumption as to why you have been rejected, for example “it must be my non-Russell Group university” or “it must be that I’m not English”.  Recruiters will consider applications from all backgrounds and universities.  Also, please note that equal opportunities data is held separately from your application form and is used for reporting purposes only.
• Don't say you never applied in the first place.
• Do politely ask for feedback if the recruiter has time to offer it.
• Don't argue with the feedback offered.
• Don't offer further information in support of your application after you've been rejected (this should have been in your original application).
• Do thank the recruiter for feedback and use the recruiter's advice in future applications.
• Don't abuse the recruiter (yes, really!).
• Do behave in an acceptable manner as befitting a business environment (for this is how you should view it).

A final word of warning: many firms have online application forms that allow them to keep notes about applicants and they will include details of any correspondence they have with an applicant. You may wish to apply to a firm again in the future (or indeed to CityLawLIVE or NationalLawLIVE), so don't respond in a manner that you may regret!