Rejection Follow-Ups Can Change Your Life + Career

✨ 2025 GOAL: THRIVE NOW!✨ 

2025 is the year to THRIVE! This year I’m dedicated to sharing valuable gems and resources to help you make this your best year yet. Let’s commit to asking ourselves one powerful question all year long: “How can I thrive right now?”

This Month’s Theme: Rejection as Redirection!

💌 Rejection emails hurt.

That sting you feel? It’s not just disappointment; it’s the story you start telling yourself. “Maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe I’ll never get it right.”

I’ve been there, sitting with that gut-punch of a “Thank you, but…” message. It’s not easy. But over time, I’ve learned something crucial: rejection isn’t the end—it’s an invitation to grow.

I’m all about action, and I find it difficult to wallow and not do something to change my situation. If you’re like me keep reading!

Here are 5 Follow-Up Actions You Can Do to Stop That Rejection Sting:

1 | Follow Up with a Value-Add

Instead of simply asking for feedback, share something of value related to the company or individual. For example:

• Reference an article, report, or trend that aligns with their industry or recent work.

• Mention an idea or insight you had based on your research about their company.

Hit Reply, and Type This

"Thank you for the opportunity and for reviewing my application. I came across [resource/idea] recently, and it made me think of [specific challenge or initiative the company is addressing]. I’d love to keep the door open to future conversations if there’s ever a chance to contribute to [company/project]."

*Bonus Power Move: Show Up and Show Out

After that door closes temporarily, it’s time to make yourself undeniable.

I don’t believe in begging, and I wholeheartedly believe that we have more power than we think. So my motto has always been Show Up and Show Out.

One of the best ways to do this? Go live on your favorite platform consistently and showcase your expertise where decision-makers are watching.

My go-to tool for this is Riverside, it makes streaming on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram super easy. I also use it’s AI-powered video editing tool to help me repurpose my content on LinkedIn.

My top goal when doing this: Consistently showing up. Instead of annoying a company by consistently sending them follow-up emails, I can instead annoy them on LinkedIn. 🙂 lol. And get this, not only am I consistently re-engaging companies that once rejected me, but I’m now also attracting their competitors who are facing the same challenges that they are.

SAY THIS WITH ME:

Visibility creates opportunity. Visibility creates opportunity.

So, why not take the mic and own your narrative?

*affiliate content

2 | Request a Networking Chat

Instead of dwelling on the rejection, pivot to building a relationship. Politely ask for a quick coffee chat or virtual meeting to learn more about the industry or their career path.

Hit Reply, and Type This

"I truly value the time and consideration given to my application. While this wasn’t the right fit, I admire your work at [company] and would love the chance to learn more about your journey in [field]. If you’re open to a 15-minute chat, I’d deeply appreciate it."

3 | Offer to Stay Engaged

Let them know you’re still interested and willing to contribute in other ways, such as freelance work, consulting, or future openings.

Hit Reply, and Type This

"Thank you for your thoughtful response. I remain passionate about [specific industry/project], and while this role didn’t work out, I’d love to be considered for freelance or future opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if a need arises!"

4 | Send a Personalized Thank-You Video

Instead of a generic email, send a a short, personalized video. Acknowledge the rejection but express gratitude and your ongoing interest.

Hit Record, and Then Send

"I wanted to personally thank you for considering my application for [role]. I deeply admire [specific aspect of their work/culture], and I hope to cross paths again in the future. Best wishes to you and your team as you [specific project/goal they’re working on]."

*Bonus Power Move: Keep Your Head Up (and Your Pockets Full)

We already know rejection is tough, but what really makes it even more challenging?

The financial strain that can come with it. That’s why I started wondering: “are there jobs out there that don’t require a résumé, interview, or endless test assignments?”

Turns out, there are.

Enter Kelly Education: a platform that places interim instructors in K-12 schools. Whether it’s teaching an art class or helping out in a local library, you can step into a role quickly, gain instant access to health insurance (with no strings attached), join a community of professionals, and even get discounts on resources.

The best part? No interviews. No test assignments. Just an opportunity to stay engaged, earn, and maybe even see the world through fresh eyes. Being around the future leaders of tomorrow can spark new ideas and perspectives, ones that just might help you connect the dots in ways that make businesses start to take notice.

If you need a quick pivot while keeping your energy up, this could be the move. Try out Kelly Education today!

*affiliate content

5 | Send a Follow-Up After Some Time

Instead of responding immediately, revisit the relationship after a few months. Share updates about your work or projects, and reaffirm your interest.

Hit Reply, and Type This

"I hope this note finds you well! I recently [describe a new accomplishment, skill, or experience] and thought of our previous conversation about [company/project]. If any new opportunities have opened up at [company], I’d love to discuss how I can contribute."

Rejection emails are not a judgment of your value. They’re proof you’re in the arena, trying, learning, and moving forward.

Question for You: What’s your go-to strategy for handling rejection? Have you ever turned a “no” into a “yes”? Hit reply and let me know! 🙂 

More 2025 Thrive Now Resources

Momentum Sessions

Thriving isn’t just about having a plan, it’s about taking action.

Introducing: Momentum Sessions

These sessions are your opportunity to finally take action on what’s stopping you from reaching your biggest goals. This is your space to experiment boldly, push past roadblocks, and see results in your life. Ready to get started?

Thriving isn’t a one-time event. We’re creating our own opportunities all 2025!

Deja White
Founder, Breakroom Buddha
breakroombuddha.com/thrive