Just got rejected from an MM after a superday that I thought went well. Team seemed to like me and we had a good conversation. I'll be at a different firm for the summer but could be interested in FT at the firm that rejected me.
Is it typical to follow up after rejection? If so, what would be the best way to make a good impression? I did this with a firm last year, and they all took it very well, and I have formed relationships with them now.
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Following up after a rejection can be a strategic move, especially if you genuinely connected with the team and are interested in future opportunities. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key insights and actionable steps:
Timing and Tone:
Content of the Follow-Up:
Example:
"Thank you for the opportunity to interview with [Firm Name]. I truly enjoyed meeting the team and learning more about the culture and work at Firm. While I’m disappointed by the outcome, I greatly appreciate the feedback provided and will use it to improve moving forward. I remain very interested in Firm and would love to stay in touch for potential future opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s ever a way I can contribute or connect further."
Building Relationships:
Long-Term Strategy:
Remember, as highlighted in WSO threads, rejection is often not the end but a stepping stone. Many professionals have turned rejections into future offers by maintaining persistence, professionalism, and a growth mindset.
Sources: How Many Rejections Are Normal for Internships?, Unemployed and living in parents' basement, losing hope, Resilience in the face of rejection, What to make of a rejection call?
connect with the people you interviewed with on linkedin. make some small talk throughout the year so that when you comeback to them looking for FT, you’ll have those connections
Sounds like you have a play book that worked. May go with that. Would keep it mildly warm and realize majority of incoming class will be filled by interns - so not an easy hill - and need to balance time spent there vs elsewhere actionable (including your own internship / time). Also realize a view may have been formed on cultural or other elements and hard to gauge sans feedback. So would do enough to keep an option warm but balanced as may not be a role and someone over-eager may not sit well.
Good advice, thank you sir.
Ignore title, would you recommend connecting with interviewers on LI even if this was for lateral? Was one of 4-5 finalists after 10 interviews with EB and feel like I just barely missed the cut but connected well with my interviewers
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