Job rejection can be a really difficult time, especially when you’ve had your heart set on a particular role.
The best thing to do is to try and not take it personally, I bet if you asked every person you knew if they’ve ever been unsuccessful at a job interview nearly 100% would say yes! Unfortunately, it’s one of those situations we have to face at some point in our lives.
It can be really easy to let yourself get down and lose your confidence after a job rejection, but it can also be turned into a positive experience too as there are many ways you can grow and develop from a job rejection…
1. Use it as a development opportunity
Yes, job rejections aren’t desirable but the more interviews you experience the more experience you gain on being in those situations and answering interview questions. The more interviews you do, the more resilient you will become to handling rejections.
2. Ask for genuine detailed feedback
If you ask politely, most recruiters and employers will offer you feedback on your interview/application, to highlight where do you did really well and what you need to improve on. Take the time to sit and really reflect on the feedback, and remember to take it in as critique rather than criticism. Ask yourself ‘how can I improve this for next time?’ and jot down any ideas that pop into your head. Once you’ve got your initial ideas down on paper, brainstorm them further and bullet point action points as to how you are going to work on these points, so you have a set guide on what to focus on.
3. Set realistic goals
I know it’s sometimes hard not to, but try not to set your heart on one role completely or be overconfident that you are going to smash the interview and be offered the position. Confidence is good, but remember to still be realistic that you may not be successful in every interview. In an interview situation you never know who you’re up against, there can be multiple reasons for not being offered a job:
- There may have been a high response of applicants
- There may be applicants with more experience
- Someone internally has been offered the role
- The job has been placed on hold due to budget cuts or other reasons
- The company has decided to go in a different direction
- It may have gone to someone associated with an employee – it is true that in some situations it’s been offered to the manager’s son or daughter!
Sometimes we just have to accept, that at that time the company didn’t feel you were the right person for the job and that’s ok, stay positive and see what else is out there.
4. Make sure you’re more prepared next time
Think to yourself, did I prepare enough for the interview? In most interviews the company will ask you questions about what you know about their business. Make sure to research into the company history and products or services beforehand to gain a good understanding of the company’s value’s, mission, ethos and operations, so when asked about these elements you know how to answer. If you’re applying for a marketing type position, make sure to scan the company’s website and social media pages so you can participate in any questions they ask around their digital content.
5. Practice
Yes, it is sometimes weird sat talking to yourself in an empty room but practicing answering questions really does help to build up your confidence. If you feel comfortable enough you can ask a friend or relative to sit down with you and perform a practice interview. The more you practice what you’re going to say, the more familiar it will become to you, and will help you to avoid those moments where you get brain freeze and your mind goes completely blank.
6. Assess your job search
Take a look at the jobs you’ve been applying for, are they within your skill level? Do you have the correct experience for the position? It’s great to aim high when it comes to your career, but if you aim too high without the relevant experience it is likely you will be rejected. Don’t overlook entry level positions that offer internal progression and training, once you’ve gained the skills it gives you to stepping stones to be able to aim higher.
7. Assess your CV
Take a look at you CV and analyse the pages. Is there anything you can do to improve it? Does your CV stand out? Have you highlighted your skills well enough? Remember, your CV is the first impression of yourself to potential employer so you need to make sure you’re selling yourself. See below for helpful tips on our blog.
Click to read our CV and interview tips…
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