This is a common question anywhere. In our social life, at the work place, in our circles, rejection has become a part of our lives. Some people are very good at taking rejections, some do not know how to initially react. Some of us overreact.
We grow up and grow old with the notion that rejection is a part of the unending learning process. This is true as it is a vital component of how well do we allow ourselves to take action on things that went opposite of what we picture; when we are in the receiving end of something passive.
I applied for a job posting not a long time ago and few days later, I have been thanked for the interest I have shown in the position they have posted. They went on to say that they have proceeded with another successful hire. My initial reaction was, "Okay! What did they miss in my portfolio?", so I sat down in front of my computer and contemplated on their response, and I wrote this:
Dear (Addressee),
Thank you for the quick response regarding the status of my application for the (Job Title) you have posted online. I am happy to hear of your decision this early and, I congratulate and extend my best wishes to the successful hire."
With this, thank you for allowing me to take my skills elsewhere it is much needed.
More power!
(My Name)
Now, do we have to respond to a rejection letter for employment? The answer is, absolutely! However, our response depends on how confident we are in expressing our honest thoughts without sounding arrogant.
I have always responded with every rejection letter for employment I have received in the past. Some of my responses are longer than the other, but I have always been thankful. I have learned not to respond based on emotions. I was hurt. I am human but I instead choose to entertain the idea that my words will give them a better perspective of who am I as an applicant, as a person, and what could have I possibly brought to the table in case I was the successful hire.
So, your response will do the talking about you. It will either market you with the right reasons for the next possible job opportunity within the same company, or it will picture you as a conceited and bitter aspirant.
Remember that there is nothing wrong when replying "I am taking my expertise where it is much needed." to a job rejection letter. This is simply making a statement of confidence that a better opportunity awaits you ahead - somewhere. Do not be sorry for telling them, either. For most employers, this response gives them a second look at your portfolio because of the mystique pursuit of your words. It also makes employers realize that you deserve to have been given a second look. In an article published by the career website Indeed.com, while other applicants likely also received the same email rejection, most will not send a response, and by responding, you make yourself standout among the pool of applicants who were not selected.
End your letter with a thankful note for the time they have or have not spent perusing your file, of course with a cheerful wish to the lucky hire. Give them all the reasons to regret their decision for passing on you. Make your reply simple, straight-forward and brief. It is not condescension; it is competency - a premium fuel that accords you power.
Lastly, a blog written by Caitlin Proctor for Zipjob.com explains why applicants at times end up getting a rejection email. In her blog, she made emphasis on the importance of a properly written resume if you want to avoid getting an automated rejection email. So instead of browsing through you ex's social media network on your free time, take a moment to market your skills and expertise by re-doing your resumé. Who knows, the next reply you get is an opportunity of a sitdown to show them why you are qualified to fill in the position.