Job rejection: Finding the bright side
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There are different forms of rejection that can feel like a punch to the gut, and one can definitely be reserved for not landing a job you think you’d be a perfect fit for. For those on the hunt for a new career, job rejection can become so discouraging that the confidence to continue pushing toward your career goals begins to falter.
But you didn’t come this far to only come this far. What you want is still waiting for you, so here’s a carefully crafted pick me up to help get you back out there.
Practice makes perfect
It’s beneficial to your growth as a professional to take as much as you can in any given situation to help you better maneuver similar paths down the road. Unfortunately, a few misses are inevitable during one’s job search, but even job rejection is an opportunity to get one step closer to your career goals. In hindsight, the ups, as well as the downs of job hunting will be worth it for building your career.
For instance, if there’s an interview question you know you didn’t answer that well you can rehearse a mock interview to help you prepare for next time. Or if an unrevised resume kept you from getting one step further in a hiring process, consider having someone proofread the material you plan to bring or submit with your application. In any scenario, there’s an opportunity to learn where you can start improving.
Feedback for moving forward
Depending on how far you’ve gotten in the interview process and how personal or impersonal the rejection was, consider asking for feedback that can help identify areas you can work on while you continue surveying the job market.
Not quite sure how to ask for feedback after a job rejection? A professional email can do the trick. Thanking all involved for their time spent with you goes hand in hand when asking for a brief review of strong and weak interview skills they may have observed.
Maybe a job offer wasn’t on the table, but valuable feedback can help you put your best foot forward with new job opportunities down the road.
(Net)working around job rejection
Strengthen the bridges you’re building with hiring authorities by leaving as good a “last impression” as your first. Sure there are outstanding skills to highlight in a resume and during an interview, but good character and determination are attributes also highly sought after in the workforce.
Maybe you weren’t a right fit at this time, but should something open up or if they know of other offices hiring or opportunities in different departments… The point is, that a closed door isn’t really closed in the working world.
Stay connected and keep an open flow of communication with a company or even individual professionals you have in high regard. Even if you weren’t selected for the position you applied for, your time and effort aren’t going to waste if your network strategically grows.
Attitude is everything
Putting yourself in the best position to continue your job search is essential, and the right headspace to do so can be the most difficult task after job rejection. Questions that crush your confidence and give you self-doubt can keep you from opening your mind to the possibilities that still await.
Instead of going in circles about what didn’t go right, reframe the situation in a way that recognizes your potential and dedication to getting where you want to be. With all of the tangible and intangible obstacles in this world, a strong mindset to continue reaching toward your career goals will help get you back on your feet and excited for what’s next.
Whether applying for your first job or your 15th, job rejection can be expected, but if used to develop your professional repertoire, all avenues will lead to your dream job.
Contributed by Mary Dominguez
