Sloppy Seconds

Yesterday, I received a most unusual rejection email.

It went like this:

“Thank you so much for your terrific edit test, but we have decided to go with another candidate at this time.

It was a really tough call—I wish I could hire two editors! However, if things don’t work out as we have planned (and they sometimes don’t with freelance situations), I do hope you’d still consider the position.

I would like to keep the lines of communication open, as you are wonderful writer, and your experience and expertise would be a wonderful asset to our organization.

It was a pleasure speaking with you—so please stay in touch.”

Hey, at least it wasn’t the standard “We’ve decided to go with another candidate and good luck in your job search” (dis)missive. I mean, are companies truly sincere when they wish us good luck in our job search? If they really cared, they would hire us, right?

And I really don’t get upset when I receive a rejection email. It’s just part of the job-seeking process.

But I digress.

This particular job was for steady freelance work that would have paid $2,000 a month. I could have kept doing my other freelance gig, but probably would have had to give up the unemployment benefits.

The job entailed writing and editing for the website of a regional lifestyle consumer magazine. I’ve been trying to break into consumer publications for a while, so this would have been a good opportunity.

However, the job required a lot of technical expertise that I do not have at this time. Although when I spoke to the editor, I made it clear I was willing to learn and she said there would be a training period. My guess is she went with somebody who already had those technical skills, which is understandable.

I feel two ways about the email. On one hand, she did compliment my writing. We unemployed people get so little feedback—good or bad—that any positive reinforcement is welcome. Considering unemployed job seekers are treated with either indifference or outright rudeness, her email was quite nice. She didn’t have to explain anything to me. Most companies don’t even bother getting back to applicants.

Yet, I came in second and still don’t have a job. And sometimes coming in second can be just as devastating as finishing last (see the New York Mets, 2006-08). It’s extremely frustrating.

And what if the person she hired works out? There’s no guarantee she would hire me. I’m just sloppy seconds.

And frankly, I think it’s a bit presumptuous of her to think I’d wait around for her to offer me the job, a job she has already rejected me for. If another viable, full-time opportunity comes along, of course I would take it…although that is looking increasingly unlikely every passing day.

Nevertheless, I wrote back to her, thanking her for her kind words. I also said I would be available for any freelance writing projects. What else could I say?

Tell me about your unusual rejection emails or letters.