Regret Not Applying for a Job: Lessons Learned and Opportunities Missed

Have you ever hesitated to apply for a job and later felt regret when you learned who got the position? This is a common feeling among many professionals. In this article, we explore why such regret occurs, share personal stories from a former magazine editor, and provide insights on how to approach future job opportunities with confidence.

Why Do We Regret Not Applying for a Job?

When you don't apply for a job and later find out that the chosen candidate is less qualified or if the opportunity turns out to be a great one, it can lead to feelings of regret. These feelings often stem from fear of missing out on potential career advancements, self-doubt, or both. Understanding these emotions can help you reflect on past experiences and prepare better for future opportunities.

A Personal Story: Regret and Opportunity Lost

Let me share a personal experience that underscores these feelings of regret and the importance of not letting fear hold you back. A few years ago, one of my contacts was hired for a position that I would have recommended. The hiring company had refused to proceed with our search due to a contractual disagreement. Later, the fee was significantly higher than anticipated, and my contact was hired through his peers, not through me.

Fast forward to years later, and the candidate who was hired through the contacts of my former colleague was indeed someone I would have presented. This experience taught me the value of remaining persistent and staying connected with potential candidates and opportunities.

Lessons Learned from Career Regret

Here are some valuable lessons we can learn from such experiences:

Recognize Self-Doubt: Acknowledge and address your fears and insecurities. It’s natural to feel anxious about applying for a job, but these feelings can hold you back. Take Action: Don’t let fear prevent you from taking action. Even if an opportunity doesn’t materialize, applying shows that you are proactive and committed to your career growth. Build Relationships: Maintain professional relationships with colleagues and contacts. These connections can open doors to future opportunities. Reflect on Past Experiences: Use regret as an opportunity to learn. Reflect on what you could have done differently and incorporate those lessons into future job searches.

A Career Turning Point: A Missed Opportunity and a Favorable Outcome

Several years ago, I worked as a magazine editor for a consumer finance company. The company purchased a credit card business targeting travelers. The CEO of our new subsidiary asked my boss's boss if I could move to his company and learn under the editor-in-chief of their travel magazine for six months, after which I would become the editor-in-chief. My boss demanded an interview for this position but did not get the job.

Just two days before I was to make the lateral switch, my boss found a way to fire me for alleged impropriety. I was dismissed abruptly because I needed design types for a project and our regular vendor refused to send me a bill for the $22 cost. This firing was not taken well by another company VP, who made a call and arranged for me to have a job with a different company, which was much better and better paid but required a 40-mile commute. I was not perturbed by this.

A week later, my former boss was also dismissed. Without my boss, I agreed to work evenings and weekends to complete a special issue, and then hire two good people to take my place, promising to buy me a new car. Ten years later, by chance, I met the woman who had taken the job I was offered before my firing. She had quit after five years because the editor-in-chief, although ill, refused to retire, leaving her stuck with the scut work. It took her seven more years before she could leave and find a new position.

This experience taught me that sometimes, the things that happen to you can be orchestrated for a greater good. By not applying for that job, my former boss inadvertently helped me land a much more attractive job and eventually improved my career path.

Conclusion

Regret is a natural emotion when you miss out on job opportunities. However, these experiences can be valuable learning moments. By recognizing self-doubt, taking action, building relationships, and reflecting on past experiences, you can approach future job opportunities with confidence and make informed decisions.