“We have reviewed your application. Unfortunately, you are not the right fit for the position at this time. I am sorry for the disappointing news. Best of luck in your job search.”
It was the same automated message response, after response cordially thanking me for my interest in the available position at the time with their company.
Did they even bother to review my application? Glance at my resume? Did they even show any empathy regarding their disappointing news?
When it came time finishing up another semester, the bittersweet feeling of summer was in full swing. I made sure to submit my resume and applications with several companies in advance before dead week and finals began. The thought process that the local area employers would be interested and then I could secure that internship up and start immediately. I continued my search and found online websites that posted jobs and would apply to at least 10-15 every other 4-5 days. I had several phone and in-person interviews at companies but after a week follow up they chose to offer to other candidates. I kept wasting my days filling out applications and applying for more available jobs. I was desperate. I needed an out of my hometown and living back at home. It got to the point that when an employer did reach out to call I basically “zoned-out” and would forget what company they were calling from. When they would ask me why I chose this position or my interest, I concluded the same response and became burnt out with having to explain myself.
All I wanted was the follow up, that led to the next step in the interview process. With only one more semester left of college, acquiring an internship in my degree area would benefit myself. I was ready to face the challenges and obtain new information and skills. I wanted to let the professional setting motivate and drive me into achieving the organization’s mission. I wanted to be a part of something bigger, paid or not. I wanted to add an extra bullet of skills onto my resume. I had so much hope, but reminded myself not to get discouraged if a company I was interested in didn’t get back to me. I had to keep moving on. I made the unfortunate discovery, that for all the reasons I reflected on “how could they of not choose me?” or “I would’ve been perfect for that position.” Am I just not qualified? Are my skills lacking in any way? I’m not familiar with this process, but willing to learn. When my inbox started piling up with the same automated response, I began to really ask myself, “What is the right fit?”
I lost valuable time in discovering that my contributions to myself were far more important.
The countless seconds and minutes I wasted planning on moving if offered a position was terrible upon my health. I spent the majority first half of summer hanging on a thread with waiting to hear any exciting news. So it be, my car ended up getting rear-ended by another vehicle. This is when I realized, I need to slow down. I was out of luck with no job and now no car. Instead of complaining, I adjusted to the situation. I didn’t want to be stuck at the place I currently I was in, then I realized this is where I’m supposed to be in the meantime. I kept stressing over situations that I had no control in. In these times that I felt defeated, I knew that the right opportunity will happen and that everything will soon fall into place.
The “right fit” will never exist.
Your company is good. Is it great? Has your company reached its full potential in benefiting your organizational team in its essential needs? I’m not the right fit for a reason, and that’s understandable. Your lack of management style in interpreting what defines the qualities for the “right fit” are not identified or met. Your lack of interest suggests overall the management team to demonstrate the same aspects aren’t met. Your lack of interest in my ability to dream and hope, dwindled a bit, but I am more than just the requirements in your job description. My tendency to be rejected and to keep applying, shows that I’m motivated. The right fit is an unethical and morally wrong to basically say we're not interested in you.
Do not get discouraged.
My good friends who graduated within the last couple of years, either went on to continue their education and accept their first adult job. The others were still searching, I wasn’t the only one. Money has stressed myself making it hard to accept that I’m basically screwed financially in the long run. There was this thought that of pressure in getting an internship or related part-time job over the summer because of the debt I’m in. I had to be reminded that money eventually will be paid off, but we owe credit to ourselves in saving how we devote our time understanding the value in retrospect. I just had to receive an internship because then I felt this stress would go away that has built up over the years. It was my escape. If you don’t necessarily meet the qualifications for a position, you are more worthy than you know it and a company will strive to keep you under their radar.
