06/04/2024

rejecting my rejection

how to do it and why to do it

i posted a tweet about how i rejected my rejection and got accepted. it went viral, and thousands of people reached out to me in my replies, quotes, and DMs, asking what exactly I wrote to convince them.

many mistakenly believed this was for a job, but it was actually for a research program. the sentiment still applies and can be effective for job applications as well.

below, you will find examples and templates for various projects, programs, fellowships, and jobs you might be in the final rounds for.

HOW

here is the email from the tweet. i am not able to share details surrounding my Very Secret Project™ but they’re irrelevant in your case anyway:

template for a program/project

Dear <name>,

tell them an overview of your true intention
My name is <first name>, and I’d applied for <program/residency/whatever>. Although I was rejected, I am hoping to be reconsidered for <whatever your true goal is>.

outline the things you’ve done that show your resilience and passion toward the project/program. it is important here to show validation for why you are the right choice or why your project is good
<i have done x>, <y person has funded me>, <i have letters of interest from z>, <this other adjacent program just accepted me>

tell them a little about your interests in this field
<what interests me most in this field is x> <my thesis includes the intersection of y and z>

tell them about your ultimate goal and why this project is an important stepping stone to getting there
My goal is to build <entity/project> and i think this project would accelerate my journey by <however this project would play a role in your journey>.

write about what exactly you will gain out of this experience and how you will apply it to your project
The methods of <x>, <y>, <z> would be directly applicable to my work <further explanation>

write about other similar interests or success stories
I am interested in adjacent topics of <x>, <y>, <z>, and i have previously accomplished <a>

offer to provide further evidence of your work
I'd be happy to submit further materials to be reconsidered for a spot.

template for a job

Hi <hiring manager>,

tell them about what happened and how you remain interested
Hope you're well. I ended up passing the onsite and made it to the final round with <name>, where I learned that <what happened>. I ultimately did not end up passing the final round. However I still remain interested in <company name> as a company and want to contribute where I can.

I truly value the thoroughness and excellence of <company name>’s hiring process.

demonstrate your diligence and how you are a great fit for the company
Given my engagement in the interview process since <date> and having progressed through all stages except the final one, I'm curious if there might be another role within <company name> that aligns with my qualifications and aspirations. It seems like a no-brainer to explore alternative roles considering the investment of time and energy I've committed, reflecting my strong dedication to <company name> mission.

give them suggestions on other roles across the org you might be a good fit for, and make it easy for them to hire you
Here are a few positions I believe are synergistic with my background:
<link to position 1 on job board>
<link to position 2 on job board>
<link to position 3 on job board>

say something again to make it easier for them to hire you
<or anything else that you think might be a good starting role, as I know people tend to explore and move roles semi-frequently within the org>

Let me know, I'd be happy to have a conversation surrounding this.

WHY

why not? what do you have to lose? worst case you will hear a no, and they will hear your name one more time and see your persistence. it is not cringe to be seen trying (1).

rejection is redirection, but redirection can also look like creating what you want.

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Notes

1. Curiosity Without Insecurity
Notes on “cringe”, shame, and asking for what you want