What to say to someone who didn’t get a promotion
When a friend lets you know they didn’t get a job or promotion, say something kind and consoling. Keep your initial response succinct to give them the chance to elaborate if they so choose. Be sincere and heartfelt while keeping an awareness of their situation in mind. Here are a few phrases you can use:
How to reassure someone who missed a job opportunity
Although every person deals with disappointment in their own unique way, there are a few common ways to offer consolation and assurance to someone after they miss an opportunity. Here are 10 ways to comfort a friend who was rejected for a job:
1. Reach out
Take the initiative to contact that person and ask how they are doing if you are close to them and you learn that they didn’t get the job they wanted. Someone might feel awkward asking for more assistance after telling you they didn’t get a job or promotion.
Let them know that you’re available if they want to discuss the situation and that you’re happy to listen or offer advice by sending them a message. Receiving a message can be very meaningful and give them a sense of community support even if they don’t feel like talking about their employment.
2. Be a good listener
As your friend shares their story with you, pay attention. People frequently want to talk to others about their experience and express all of their feelings of hope, anticipation, and disappointment. By sharing the experience of applying for the job and getting rejected, you can help your friend process their feelings and explore some of their ideas. Keep the conversation focused on them and their experiences by paying attention to what they have to say and participating in what they have to say. Wait until they ask before sharing any suggestions or advice.
3. Recognize the disappointment
Start by acknowledging that your friend’s feelings of sadness, disappointment, or even anger are legitimate before offering comfort. When applying for a job they expect to get, people can respond in a variety of ways. Assuring your friend that their feelings are normal can assist them in moving on and beginning to adopt a more optimistic outlook. Eventually, you can start urging them to adopt a more optimistic outlook, but for now, let them acknowledge their initial response so they can move on in a healthy way.
4. Remind them of their value
Remind your friend of their positive qualities because experiencing rejection in a career can make people doubt themselves. Mention some of their qualities that you find admirable or some of their noteworthy professional accomplishments from the past. Tell them that their value as a person and a professional is not diminished by this failure, and that there will be many more opportunities for success in the future for someone with their skill. Receiving confirmation from others and seeing examples of their positive traits can help your friend begin to regain their confidence.
5. Ask them what they need
Ask your friend what kind of assistance they find most useful during trying times. While some people may just need a friend to listen to them vent their frustrations, others may need advice on how to get another promotion or job opportunity. Setting expectations for your friendship in a healthy way involves talking to your friend about their current needs and the kind of support they desire. Respect them when they state their needs, and try your best to abide by their requests.
6. Relate when relevant
Consider sharing information about how you overcame that trying time if you’ve ever been in a situation where you didn’t get a promotion or job that you really wanted. By connecting on a personal level, you can give your friend a sense of understanding and solidarity in the face of their difficulties. Make sure your friend seems receptive to hearing about your situation before deciding to talk about your experiences. When you’re done sharing, make sure to bring up your friend’s situation again to keep the conversation on them.
7. Offer encouragement
Keep in touch with your friend and offer regular words of inspiration to inspire them. Having someone who supports their goals can significantly impact their success as they move from the initial disappointment of not getting a job to deciding what to do next with their career. Pay attention to how they react to your encouragement because some people might prefer to be left alone. You can start regular conversations about their objectives and aspirations or share motivational videos and quotes with them if they appear receptive.
8. Provide a distraction
When you’re frustrated about not getting a promotion, it can sometimes be helpful to think about something completely unrelated to work. Ask your friend to join you at an event, for a movie, or for a meal or a cup of coffee. Even a few hours away from their work situation can help your friend feel less stressed and remind them that even if their professional life isn’t going well, they still have a fulfilling personal life to enjoy.
9. Share your skills
Inquire as to whether your friend needs assistance in looking for new employment opportunities. If they do, provide expertise in your field if you can. For instance, offer to edit their cover letter for upcoming job applications if you are a talented writer. If you’re good at research, think about assisting a friend in looking for jobs online that align with their career objectives. You demonstrate your concern for your friends’ long-term success and happiness by volunteering your time and effort to help them achieve their career goals.
10. Send something thoughtful
If you and your friend are particularly close, think about sending them a card with a kind note or a small gift to cheer them up. Giving your friend a motivating gift can help you convey your appreciation for them, regardless of their professional accomplishments. Pick a personal gift that promotes self-care, such as a book by one of their preferred authors or some baked goods you are aware they will like.
How To Tell A Direct Report They Didn’t Get Promoted – TalentTalks with Tim Sackett
FAQ
How do you motivate someone who didn’t get promoted?
- Prepare in Advance, But Don’t Delay. …
- Deliver the News in Person. …
- Explain in detail why another person received the job offer.
- Take the Candidate’s Feelings into Consideration. …
- Use it as an Employee Development Opportunity. …
- False Promises Are Not a Good Idea.
What to say to someone who didn’t get the job they wanted?
- Start with empathy. …
- Thank them for their time. …
- Personalize your response. …
- Explain that you’re pursuing other applicants. …
- Provide constructive feedback. …
- Mention the strengths of the other candidates. …
- Let them know that many qualified candidates applied.
How do you comfort someone who didn’t get the job?
- Let your friend know you empathize. You don’t know exactly how she feels.
- Tell your friend that you appreciate her. Sometimes it’s hard not to take a job rejection personally.
- Remind her of her strength and tenacity.
