MAKING A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Understand why the company rescinded your offer
Update your job search plan (and expand your search)
Before you start thinking the worst of the company, think about this simple truth: Companies don’t want to take back job offers once they send them out. They usually only retract offers when they have little to no choice. For instance, in pre-pandemic times, companies usually only revoked offers due to negative or unprofessional candidate behaviour postinterview. That’s because hiring processes aren’t just a strain on your time and resources – they’re hard on recruiters and company resources, too. Chances are, in the wake of slashed budgets in this new normal, their changed financial situation means that the role is either no longer available, or they’re forced to freeze hiring.
You can stick to the original plan you had adhered to during your job hunt in university. But if you think you need to update it, or even draw up a new one, please do so by all means! Also, consider casting a wider search net, and look at employers who offer roles related to your course of study, but may not be in the industry of your choice. For instance, if your degree is in accountancy and you were just about to step into a job in an accounting consultancy (that was rescinded), you can tweak your plan and apply to the accounting department in an IT company.
Jump back in In the wake of the severe blow dealt to the job market, schools have stepped up their efforts to help graduates. On top of the career advice that campus career centres typically offer graduates, they now also provide new modules and training. Leverage on the opportunity and familiarise yourself with video interviews, as well as how to tailor your resume and cover letter further before sending them out! Also, check in with your campus career centre for dates on physical and/or virtual networking sessions and career fairs, and make it a point to show your best self when you attend. Don’t disregard other methods of finding a job, too! For instance, you can take up a traineeship or graduate internship. If you do well, your manager may even offer you a full-time position at the end of your time there. Getting your job offer retracted is a painful experience. It will severely test your resilience, perseverance and mental fortitude. Keep your head up high, and don’t give up on yourself. While it’s unfortunate that your job offer has been rescinded, you can bounce back if you keep trying. After all, you still have much to give – you just need to let others know that!
directory 2022 | 101
