Don’t take initial feedback (re: rejection) at face value
Isn’t it annoying when you see someone breezing through a networking event handing out business cards (or worse) like they were drink coupons? Typically those individuals are so shallow that they barely introduce themselves before they’re moving on to their next victim.
Not only have they made a bad – strike that, make it a “horrible” first impression, but they haven’t taken the time to learn anything from the people with whom they’re interacting.
Of course there’s a better way
When you talk to a recruiter – or even someone from the HR department at a potential employer – you don’t need to focus only on what may be available on that particular day. Speak to them with the idea that, even though you may not have something today, keep me in mind when something does arise. Remember, that HR person doesn’t know who might be resigning within the next week or so. That resignation could open up the ideal job for you.
The same holds true for networking. The person with whom you’re speaking may not know of any suitable openings, but he may know someone else who does. And that’s the person with whom you want to be speaking and to whom you need an introduction. And that first person may be able to make that happen.
Similar to the person who knows someone else, a recruiter or HR person may not have anything for you today, but you always can ask for a referral to someone else who may be better positioned to help you in your job search. Also, be certain that they’re aware of your full arsenal of skills and experience. They may know of something perfect for you that may never have crossed your mind.
If you keep peeling back the layers on that onion, you never know what you may find underneath.