Keep the Door Open: Use Rejections to Build Relationships

Rejections are tough, but they don’t have to be the end of the road. In fact, if handled properly, they can be the beginning of a valuable professional relationship.

Even if you didn’t get the job, don’t let the connection go cold. Hiring managers and recruiters are people—and people remember professionalism. If you had a conversation, received positive feedback, or simply liked the vibe of the company, consider following up with a friendly message or LinkedIn connection request.

Here’s the key: Staying connected keeps you on their radar for future roles, and it can even open doors for other opportunities down the line. Biostatistics is a small world, and it’s important to nurture your network.

Here’s a message you can send:

Subject: Staying in Touch

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for the conversation around the [Job Title] role. I really appreciated learning more about your team and the impactful work you’re doing in [specific area].

I’d love to stay connected for future opportunities, and I hope we can cross paths again soon.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

By sending a simple, respectful message, you’re leaving a positive, lasting impression. And that’s how networks are built—one respectful, non-pushy message at a time.

💡 Action Step: Keep the Connection Alive
Even if you didn’t get the job, don’t let that relationship fade. Send a polite, respectful follow-up message or connect on LinkedIn. Building a network is a long-term game, and staying in touch can lead to new opportunities down the road.