A Story About Boldness and Second Chances
Key Takeaways:
- Ask the hard questions
- Show confidence
- Time it right
- Be your own advocate
Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it. One moment, you’re giving a glowing reference for a former colleague, and the next, you’re advocating for yourself. That’s exactly what happened to me this week, and I’ll tell you this: sometimes, boldness is the game-changer you never knew you needed.
Here’s the story of how I turned a routine reference check into an opportunity—and why you should never shy away from putting yourself out there.
The call that took a turn
When a recruiter reached out for a reference about someone I used to work with, I didn’t think twice about it. I was happy to provide a stellar recommendation—this person deserved it, and I knew my words carried weight.
But after we wrapped up the reference portion of the call, I couldn’t resist. This was the same recruiter who had ghosted me after I’d applied for a role at their company. So, I asked:
“By the way, perhaps a bit bold on my part - but I must take this opportunity to get feedback from you - why did [company name] reject me upon CV receipt alone?”
Now, this could have gone several ways. Playing it safe would have meant staying quiet, but let’s face it—playing safe never changed anyone’s life.
Boldness opens doors
After a quick back-and-forth, she pulled up my application. What followed wasn’t regret or awkwardness—but something even better: honest feedback.
“Here’s the thing,” she explained. “You were clearly overqualified for the role. We had to make fast decisions, balancing expectations like budget, seniority, and timeline.”
And while I didn’t love hearing that I’d been passed over for being “too senior,” I appreciated her transparency. More importantly, it opened the door for a new conversation.
She asked if I’d be open to discussing a different opportunity. Within minutes, the call shifted from a reference check to scheduling an interview for me.
Lessons learned: don’t wait for permission
This isn’t just a lucky break—it’s a testament to the power of speaking up. Here’s what I learned, and why you should embrace boldness in your own career:
- Ask for Feedback—Even When It’s Uncomfortable. Sometimes, you just need to ask. If I hadn’t mentioned my application, I’d still be in the dark about why I wasn’t considered—and I wouldn’t have this new opportunity on the table. Honest feedback can lead to better opportunities, even if it stings at first.
- Confidence Changes the Narrative. By bringing up my application in a confident, non-confrontational way, I showed that I believed in my value. That confidence not only sparked their interest but also reframed me as a proactive, self-assured candidate.
- Be Open to the Unexpected. When you’re bold, you create opportunities for conversations that might not have otherwise happened. Even though I wasn’t right for the first role, my willingness to advocate for myself made them rethink where I might fit in.
- Transparency Builds Trust. The recruiter’s honest explanation didn’t feel like rejection—it felt like clarity. That transparency helped build trust, which laid the groundwork for our next conversation.
Why boldness pays off
Let me be clear: speaking up always carries some risk. But the rewards? They’re worth it. Boldness shows you’re unafraid to take control of your narrative and demonstrates the kind of initiative that companies want in their employees.
The truth is, a recruiter’s job is to connect great talent with great opportunities. Sometimes things fall through the cracks. By asking one simple question, I reminded them that I’m not just great talent—I’m someone worth fighting for.
What’s next?
Now, I have an interview on Wednesday. I’m walking into that room not just as a candidate, but as someone who turned a missed opportunity into a second chance.
To anyone reading this: if there’s something you want, don’t wait for it to come to you. Ask the question. Make the call. Send the email. Be bold.
Because sometimes, life rewards those who step up and say, “Hey, what about me?”
And trust me—when you do, the results might just surprise you.
Have you ever turned an awkward situation into an opportunity? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it!
