Jim LeVan ⋅ Port Monmouth, NJ Rubrik ⋅ 15 years experience

be aware of their culture and etiquette as well...even in email. A google search will outline the rules of engagement for even the simplest things, such as salutations and closings...

Karen Alexander ⋅ Chagrin Falls, OH Talis Clinical ⋅ 25 years experience

Excellent advise from all. With some firms, there may be recurring opportunities. The persistence of keeping in touch shows your commitment. Even if you have to take an interim opportunity, keep pinging the contact from your dream job. More than just "hey, I'm still here", engage in relevant communication to show your ideas, ingenuity, links to relevant articles or research that impacts their industry. Best of luck to you Brian.

Ted Mittelstaedt ⋅ Portland, OR Portlandia IT LLC ⋅ 20 years experience

If they emailed you a "not interested" response then I would say you may be better off not even responding at all. You actually do not owe them gratitude for their time, because from their point of view they haven't given you anything - from their point of view this was a straight business transaction - they spent some of their time to learn that you won't work out for them. If they had given you an interview with the understanding between both of you that no job could possibly result - such as an informational interview - then they would be giving you something and a thank you would be an expected return.

This can get a bit on the ridiculous side because your thanking them for thanking you so are they then expected to thank you for thanking them for thanking you?

Where the concept of thanking an interviewer comes into play is part of the "foot in the door" aspect of salesmanship. In other words, you know you don't owe them a thank you and they know you don't owe them a thank you - but you can use the excuse of sending them a thank you to either fish for another opportunity from them or give them a last sales job. That means, you would write a thank you that is about 5% thanks and 95% selling yourself and/or asking if they have another opportunity. How they are going to receive that is going to depend on how they viewed you.

If they thought you were really close then this kind of followup thank you could be very helpful. They may have extended an offer to someone who later does not work out and if you have been periodically contacting them asking if they have anything else available, they may go for you. You will need to keep after them, however.

Jeanine Boyle ⋅ West Chester, PA Johnson & Johnson ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Brian - Use it as an opportunity to reiterate your continued interest in the company. If you got to know the HR contact in the process, it could be useful to ask him/ her for feedback on how you could strengthen your candidacy if there was another opportunity. That would demonstrate your professionalism, learning agility and personal growth. Good luck - you'll get it next time!
Jeanine

J Leo ⋅ Fairfax, VA U.S. Navy, Lieutenant ⋅ 23 years served

Hi Brian, I know exactly how you feel. The "thank you" notes I send after interviews were all positive, and focused on what I gleaned from the interviewer(s), my excitement of what the company does, how much I would like to contribute to the organization and above all, my sincere gratitude. I know it seems weird to write a (hand written) "thank you" note for the interview, but one day you will be on the other side. You have to make time, prepare, and more often than not, put on the spot to do the interview. When you do many interviews, you will get the sense some interviewers do not know what to ask. A good mentor (here on ACP (thanks WR!)) told me I would have to "drive" the interview. I've heard that some people actually find out that they were hired because they sent a "thank you" note. I personally can say I had three very good feedbacks from my employers for sending them one, and yes, one of them hired me six months after the interview - the job I really wanted! "Thank you" notes/cards really do leave a good impression. [For "extra credit" , I inserted a business card (just in case they "misplaced" my contact info) with matching return labels. Cheesy, but some people really do take notice. It is weird when I see my "thank you" note stilled pinned up in their office.] Good luck.

David Buksh ⋅ Seattle, WA Mission Road Pharmacy ⋅ 20 years experience

Thanking them for the opportunity, but most important you need to find out information.
Ask if there was any quality or skill that you lacked and could work on for your next interview.
Most people are generous and understanding and would use this as an opportunity to help.
If you don't have many chances for people to judge you objectively this is an opportunity to grow.

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego, CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

Well, the best one is going to be the one you use right after the interview if you had one and it is a good idea to rehearse and plan for it as well as keeping it brief but sincere. Any others depend on what information you have to reach anyone that matters after the interview.........again brief and sincere. But if the deciders are someone you know personally and well, try to do it in person and if it seems appropriate, ask for feedback.

Rosemine Ward ⋅ Quincy, MA SCHOOL SPECIALTY INC. ⋅ 15 years experience

I would keep it short, concise and to the point. Thank them for considering your qualifications. Let them know that you are still very interested in their opportunity. Let them know if any future opportunities should arise in the same capacity that you would like to be considered for future roles.

Todd Seager ⋅ Orem, UT IBM ⋅ 20 years experience

Brian,

My brother has worked in Japan off and on for many years. Do you mind sharing your qualifications for teaching? You could also reach out to me directly.

In particular, do you have a teaching degree? What do you want to teach? Is it ESL? Have you taught before? Have you taught at a university?

He says you may have a shot at an English speaking high school if you have a masters or PhD. Salary would be higher than what you'd find in the US, but the standard of living would be equal. (Taxes, high cost of living.) He has less experience at the university level.

His first job in Japan was 20 years ago, and he says it's much more difficult for an expatriate to get a job in Japan today. Japan can be a great place to live and work, as you know.

Depending on your qualifications, he may have a contact or two for you, but the folks he knows are very specialized.

Glenn Stanger ⋅ Kendall Park, NJ AECOM ⋅ 49 years experience

Brian,
Remember that the response was a reply to your application to work at the institution.
Your respect towards the Person who sent the email will need to be Total Respect because they will remember that from that moment going forward. (I am from Brooklyn, I do not know how to show respect to someone from Japan other than in a way they would expect it – do not mess that up).
Schools have a “Next term” coming up and the future instructor needs will be different then, so you must try to keep the door open for future communications.
I have taken two contracts because the client had hired their first choice, “someone who failed to be able to do the job properly” and the client called several weeks later and offered me the job to replace their first hire. Often the position will be shelved for a later time and then if you are ready you may be able to reapply.
The contacts you made are valuable for your next step weather at this institution of their competitor’s school.
If you had good communication with the institution they may possibly give you feedback that you can use going forward. Record the reasons they give for saying No. Then figure how to turn those points around for your next effort. I consider every interview a positive and try to gain from it.
Best of luck.

Barbara Stern ⋅ Boulder, CO Affordable Closets,llc ⋅ 35 years experience

Of course you will be positive about not getting the job, however, consider asking for the opporutnity to discuss with the employer what you could have done differently or better to get the job. This will show your desire to grow in the field and possibly be in line for the next position that comes along or be referred to another company that may be hiring.

Wade Robinson ⋅ Great Falls, VA Glen Associates, LLC ⋅ 36 years experience

Brian,
Keep all your response positive. You can express your disappointment in not being selected, Indicate that you would be pleased if they would keep you in mind for future opportunities and you would like to stay in touch with them going forward.

Smart employers keep resumes of individuals they may have interest in revisiting in the future.
I have seen it work time after time.

W. Robinson

Alisa DeJoseph ⋅ Durham, NC Measurement Incorporated ⋅ 15 years experience

Hey Brian!
Yes, persistence is the key, especially with education. Teachers and education professionals are dedicated individuals and showing that you are still interested no matter the outcome speaks volumes. Take a day or two to mull over your thoughts before you respond. Come from the heart and you'll do great!!
Alisa

Cyril Reif ⋅ Mckinney, TX Sun Microsystems ⋅ 41 years experience

All good advice......I would definitely mention the possibility of future openings and that you would very much like to be considered for them and "why".

Michael Wilken ⋅ Keller, TX Service Experts ⋅ 15 years experience

Out of frustration, it can be tempting to immediately send a response that could be misconstrued by the employer. It is a very valuable skill to be able to recognize how bummed out you are and give yourself time to compose your thoughts and deliver a heartfelt message. The other tips are excellent for content purposes as well. Best of luck Brian!

Doug Williams ⋅ Dundee, IL Schneider Electric ⋅ 20 years experience

Agree with the other responses and have only one thing to add -

If this is really a target company for you and you are still looking in a few months, send them a follow-up email stating something specific about the company that impressed you and you were reaching out to see if there were any potential opportunities open or in the near future that you might be qualified for. and include a brief 1 page overview of your cv again.

Kayla Strupp ⋅ Schaumburg, IL Liberty Mutual ⋅ 8 years experience

Agree with what Janey has recomended.

A blend of appreciation for their time, what they shared with you, what you learned, etc. and seeking feedback to make yourself a better candidate in the future.

I can't speak for everyone but I know when I get this type of response from a candidate I am more likely to think of them in the future. It shows you're truly seeking the position.

Janey McCarthy ⋅ Pikesville, MD Retex Retail Technology Consortium ⋅ 25 years experience

Gratitude for their time. What you learned: about the interviewer/what you could learn from them; if the corp. culture is a good fit for you; and what you would need to do educationally/experientially/personally to be a more attractive candidate for the position.
Good luck to you, Janey McCarthy