It is important to form lifetime connections with every individual you meet throughout your job search process, even if you are not hired. This also includes the individuals who were involved in the interviewing process of companies who did not hire you. Hiring authorities are usually well connected and you never know what doors they could open for you in the future.

In this job market there are also five circumstances that often occur including:

1. The person they offered the job to, turned down the offer

With the Internet many job seekers are actively interviewing and often end up receiving more than one offer. When companies find out they have accepted an offer, they often make a “better offer” to entice the candidate to their company.

If you graciously handled the news they were hiring someone else and had a consistent follow-up, they could then offer you the job.

2. The person who accepted the offer, then accepted a counter-offer from their current employer.

When individuals who are working accept a new job offer, often the fear of change can encourage them to change their mind. Often employers only appreciate the value of their employees once they resign. They often offer them a raise and promotion to stay and turn down the offer.

Again this is positive for you if you have positioned yourself as the “runner-up” candidate for the job!

3. The person they hired did not work out and either quit or got fired.

There is no guarantee that the person who was hired is able to perform the responsibilities of the position. That is why it is so important that you follow up at least once a quarter with each employer that interviewed you.
So often, after three months they can’t remember the other candidates who were pending, unless you have kept your name in front of them.

4. They have a similar position open in their company

As the economy improves, companies are making multiple hires. There are often similar positions that do open that you could perform. When you keep your name in front of hiring authorities and display a high level of interest in working for them, you will often become the person they hire.

5. Another division of their company could use your skills and experience.

Many companies own several companies or have numerous divisions. When you are not hired, you want to inquire if any of their other locations, companies or divisions are hiring. This often encourages the hiring authority to make a few contacts on your behalf which can end up in additional interviews.

It is important to contact these hiring authorities at least quarterly. Always provide them with additional information and then let them know you are still involved in your search. Too often, hiring authorities think you have been hired which is why they would not call you for any additional opportunities.

It is the job seeker who stays in touch who often ends up being hired.

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