Sorry, We Selected Another Candidate.
Many people have heard these words, “Sorry, we selected another candidate.” The truth is, more people hear these words when compared with, “You’re hired!”
Jobs advertisements are everywhere. Hundreds and thousands of people applying. Often there is only one position, maybe two, to be filled.
Therefore, it is safe to say that most people won’t get the job. It is also true for the promotion.
Selected Another Candidate
Those applying often think about what it will feel like, how their family and friends will respond, and that satisfactory feeling of being chosen. There are opportunities that might change your life, your standard of living, or your ability to provide something more for your family.
All of it is often washed away in the moment you get the news.
Being the successful candidate means you’ve won. For the unsuccessful it is a loss.
That is exactly why it is so important to consider how you will navigate your loss. Will you blame someone else? Will you retreat back in to your shell and never take the chance again?
You certainly don’t want to create a self-fulfilled prophecy to lose, yet the statistics are almost never in your favor.
Navigating with Grace
Preparing to lose gracefully will create more opportunity. Being unprepared and losing without grace does not.
Remember all the basics. Reflect on what you’ve learned, what you can improve upon, and focus on how you might make some future changes.
Most of all, remember that persistence is enemy of complacency. Slowing down or doing nothing won’t help. You can’t coast because you’ll never coast uphill, only down.
Enter to win. If you don’t, be sure to lose with grace, dignity, and style.
Your next opportunity is waiting.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
