Recently, a participant in a job application training asked me if it’s possible to apply to a company again after being rejected. YES!!!!!
The much more important question should be clarified before applying. How much do I really want this job? If you rate this question on a scale from 0 to 10 (where 0 means “I have to, but I don’t want to” and 10 means “I absolutely must have it, otherwise I won’t be happy”), and you rate it a 10, then there’s no reason for you to give up. And just to mention on the side: If your rating on this scale is below 8, please do yourself and the company a favor and don’t apply. You will be unhappy, and the company will gain nothing from it—both of you will be wasting valuable time.
Alfons Schubeck (a German Michelin-starred chef) is the best example of “achieving success through persistence.” Long before his career took off, he wanted to learn high culinary art from Eckart Witzigmann (an Austrian Michelin-starred chef who established Nouvelle Cuisine in Germany). He knew that only by working with Witzigmann would he advance professionally, and he was determined to learn from him. Schubeck applied to Witzigmann and, like many others, received a rejection. He didn’t give up but instead waited personally at the supplier’s entrance for Witzigmann. When Witzigmann came out, Schubeck introduced himself, mentioned that he had already sent a job application, and asked again if he could work for him. The answer was a brief “no.” This “no” did not deter him; he continued to position himself at the supplier’s entrance and asked Witzigmann repeatedly if he had an apprenticeship available. After about eight rejections, friends began to question which part of “no” he did not understand. But Schubeck remained committed to his goal of learning from Witzigmann. Then came day X. Witzigmann’s team often played soccer (he also cooked for soccer teams, as Schubeck does today), and he was short one man. When Schubeck started his pitch again, Witzigmann asked him briefly if he could play soccer. Schubeck knew he only had one answer. He politely said yes, even though he couldn’t play. That was his ticket into his dream job. During the game, the two grew closer, and shortly thereafter, Schubeck started working with Witzigmann. The rest is history.
When we really want something, whether it’s a specific position in a company, the company itself, or if we are completely behind a product or service, if we truly, truly want it, we will do everything to get it. But do we even know what our heart beats for in a professional context, and how well have we learned to persevere when we are convinced of something?
The participant also mentioned that asking too often can make you seem annoying. And this is purely a matter of attitude and a terribly limiting belief. We seem annoying when we are not convinced that we can bring value to others, when we don’t believe that companies, employees, customers, or products benefit from us, and that the world becomes a better place because of it. Stop applying based on your past (listing former companies and studies). Start creating an image in others’ minds that shows what can change in favor of the company due to your contribution. Don’t leave it to chance that recruiters, department heads, or CEOs make a wrong impression. You are responsible for ensuring that future companies see the value you bring. Only then will you get your dream job.
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