You aced your interview, tests, aaaand assessment centres… but you still didn’t get the job. It sucks, but sh*t happens. Now, pity party over, let’s get you through this and back on top!
So how do you deal with rejection? Well, firstly, know you’re not alone. No one likes rejection, it can stir up all sorts of negative feelings, but getting rejected from a job can actually turn out to be beneficial. So, instead of sulking with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s and binge watching all 10 series’ of Friends, focus on what you can gain from the rejection – and that’s plenty! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…right?
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Think Positive – you got rejected, now what!
Listen, rejection happens to everyone. There may be that odd exception to this, ok a small handful of people may have breezed through Oxford and into some high paying job, now owning a yacht in Monaco. But hey, we can’t all be like that… Unfortunately. But don’t be disheartened, stay positive. You will find the right job and it will all work out.
Resilience – defeat the job rejection!
The vast majority of successful people, current CEOs, directors, famous celebs and the likes (Oprah, Spielberg, Jobs, Walt Disney, even Elvis Presley and more) all experienced failure before success.
The trick is learning to be strong and treating it is as a learning curve, don’t let it knock you down. Interviewers have a specific ‘type’ of person that they are aiming for, and you unfortunately, don’t fit this time. No biggie. Chin up. Crack on.
And most importantly… feedback.
It might feel really tough to contact an employer after being rejected but keep in mind that doing so will only be beneficial in helping you deal with rejection. Maybe it was just that your interview didn’t go as planned. Maybe you were too nervous and weren’t able to show them your true colours – getting feedback will help you work out how to improve so that you know what you can improve for future interviews and assessment centres.
There are always ways to improve this, such as going through some practice interviews. Perhaps you have a friend who can help you, or even better – someone from your careers service.
How do you request feedback?
1. Relax and don’t forget your manners
When requesting feedback, it’s important to keep it short and simple. Oh and don’t forget your manners! Soak up all the comments they provide you. It’s worth making notes if you are receiving it over the phone! Don’t take offence and don’t disagree with them. Remember, they’re doing you a favour.
If you do disagree with them then make sure you try to consider their comments objectively, and figure out why they may have had that opinion about you. They may have decided your personality was just not suited for that particular role or environment. Just try your best to accept this and move forward. Oh and another thing… Always remember to express your gratitude for their time and feedback. Don’t burn your bridges!
It could be the case that you receive a lot of positive feedback as well. In this case, and if you’re still interested in other opportunities they may have, don’t forget to express this. Maybe you can even ask them to consider you for any of their upcoming roles.
2. Taking action!
It can be the case that a rejection derives from a shortage of necessary knowledge and/or skills. If you see that other roles you’re interested in could require these qualifications, then start finding ways to develop them!
Pick up a book or go to that evening workshop your careers service has to offer – you have nothing to lose. However, it’s also important to keep your limitations in mind. If you see that the required skills or knowledge is just too advanced for your current level, then adjust your expectations and keep applying for jobs that suit your capabilities.
Now you are ready to get back in the job hunting game and have dealt with being rejected, check out Magnet.me to connect with companies that are looking for someone like you!