Getting Over that Job Rejection

We’ve all been there, applying for something we think we’d be perfect for only to be unsuccessful. Perhaps it was that job you never heard back from after sending in your CV, or not receiving that second interview call you hoped you’d receive, or when that dreaded email comes in saying you were unsuccessful at this time. It can feel like quite a blow, especially if you’ve applied for a few different jobs only to be unsuccessful for them all. It’s perfectly natural to be disappointed, but there are a few ways you can use this to your advantage. We’ve complied a few helpful tips that you can use to help you with your job hunt and looking towards that next application.

Ask for feedback. This is a perfect way to learn from experience. Perhaps you did something in the interview that the employer wasn’t impressed by. Don’t be afraid to ask the employer why they decided you weren’t right for the role. They may give you an indication of what you can do next time and can help you move forward in having a successful job application. Remember, learning from your mistakes is the best way to move forward, so don’t shy away from hearing criticism of yourself: it might just be he best thing you’ll hear.

Refine your search. If you’ve received a few rejections, perhaps its worth reflecting on whether you are right for the position, or indeed if the position is right for you. Ask yourself, could you really see yourself working in that position? Did the position not match your full criteria? Was there anything that stood out for you (positive or negative)? Once you have a better understanding of not only what you want to do, but what meets your criteria (and doesn’t), you can then narrow your search further.

Don’t overanalyse. Thinking back on the interview you just have and scrutinising each aspect of what you said or did is common something we’re all guilty of doing. This is especially true after hearing that you were unsuccessful in your application. Despite how easy it is to fall into this trap and dwell on the potential reasons why you didn’t get the job, this is unproductive for the job search. You need to become resilient, dwelling on what happened won’t help you be successful for the next one. Pick yourself up and start the process of becoming a more confident and stronger candidate. Ask for feedback from the hiring manager like previously discussed and learn how you can improve for next time.  

Stay Positive. It’s a pretty obvious one this but one that should be remembered. Facing unsuccessful applications over and over again isn’t an easy thing to do and it can be so easy to feel anxious, or stressed, or thinking negatively.  Try to come to terms with the fact that you won’t land every single job you apply for. Think of each unsuccessful application as a way of opening a new door with new opportunities behind it. Imagine, you didn’t get that job, but if you had then you never would’ve applied for that new position that just opened up and got an interview for.

We aren’t going to try and convince you that facing a job rejection is an easy task. We know it’s a tough task and can really shake up your confidence. Try to remember that no matter what is thrown your way it is all part of the journey to future success. Stay positive during this process, think how any set backs can work to your advantage, and don’t be afraid to ask for constructive feedback.

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