The Multitude of Rejections

Rejection emails are appreciated in my book. It's a confirmation that I did not get the job. I can stop hoping, the decision has been made. Most every job I have interviewed for has sent me a rejection email or given a call, and every time I feel a sense of closure once the email is read or the call is taken. Now, when I am given two or more rejection notices for the same job... well, that just makes me feel like a failure.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I applied to a grant writing position about a year ago which I didn't get. I applied to the exact same position a few weeks ago when the position was posted on a job site. I was called in for an interview after a phone interview. The interviewers said they remembered me and my application has changed so little since the last time I applied. I have altered some things, but nothing has drastically changed. I have the same experience in writing as I did a year ago. I was pretty sure they just wanted some confirmation that I was the right person for the job.

The interview went well, besides a hiccup or two. I was confident as I walked out to my car. A week or so later I received a rejection email...

Dear Amber,

Thank you for applying to [Organization]. [Organization] is fortunate to have many qualified candidates apply to each of our positions and we regret to inform you that the Grant Writer position is now filled. We encourage you to apply for any other openings that are of interest to you now or in the future. Good luck in your job search and thank you again for your interest in our [Organization].

Sincerely, Human Resources 

...and a day after that, another rejection email from the organization reading the exact same thing...

Dear Amber,

Thank you for interviewing with us for the [Organization] Grant Writer.  We are fortunate to have many qualified candidates apply to each of our positions.  We have reviewed the qualifications of each candidate, and, after careful consideration, we have determined that other candidates better fit our needs at this time. 

Sincerely, Human Resources

Sheesh, I get it! I didn't get the job. I'm half waiting for a third email to come in:

Dear Amber,  

Thank you for applying once again to [Organization].  Unfortunately, your personality has not changed as much as we thought it would in a years time.  You are still not a good fit with [Organization].  Maybe stop trying.  

Sincerely, Human Resources 

I had a similar experience with another company to which I have applied to 3 times.  Did you catch that? 3.  Each time I applied, I received the exact same reject email.  The third time, it seemed like I received the rejection email a bit quicker than usual.  I imagine that this specific company now sees my resume and says, "OMG, it's this Amber girl AGAIN. Get a hint, Amber!" [Sends rejection email template with the push of a button].

I still stand by my appreciation of reject emails and/or calls.  They're rough to take sometimes, but they are welcomed.