Dealing with job rejections can be very difficult and can severely dent your confidence, especially if rejection is a typical response. However, it's important to handle rejection in a positive manner and treat it like learning. The following are ways to survive the ‘No!’ syndrome and get a head start in your career.
Don’t question your capabilities or judge your professional worth
Rejection can be unpleasant and you may tend to look at it as a sign of failure, however, it is essential to keep an open mind. Do not let rejection knock your confidence down and do not start questioning your professional capabilities.
Further, an employer's decision to reject you is not solely based on your performance; it also depends on the company's specific needs and other factors that may or may not have anything to do with your performance. You may not be a perfect fit for that particular company but it doesn't mean as a professional you lack capability or talent. Do not take rejection personally
Introspect for answers
Ask yourself where you faltered, what you learnt from the interview experience, what you could have done differently, what you learnt from the interviewing process, and other relevant questions. Such reflection will help you be more aware and focus on improving your soft skills, which will eventually help you move ahead.
Remember, you are not alone
Seek out and connect with others, like you, who are job hunting. The mutual support and shared knowledge will be greatly beneficial. Accepting that job rejection is common can help you focus on the next opportunity. Share job leads, contacts, and technical expertise with each other and this will eventually open doors to more jobs and career opportunities.
Network with your interviewer
Stay in touch with your interviewers so that you are on top of their mind when there is an open position in the future. By networking professionally with past interviewers you can open up an array of opportunities for yourself. If your interviewer was impressed by your capabilities and attitude, they could possibly recommend you to someone else in their network. Alternatively, you could connect with hiring managers on LinkedIn and expand your professional network.
Ask for feedback from the employer who turned you down
Although companies do not give a detailed feedback as to why some candidates did not make it to their company, you could politely ask the recruiter for a feedback about your interview. Receiving any form of constructive criticism will give you valuable insights and help you improve and perform better the next time around.
Stay positive and don’t get stressed out
Attitude is as important as ability. It's essential to stay positive and not fall prey to the downward spiral of depression. Focus on getting better as your next step and avoid carrying rejection as baggage. Pay close attention to your strengths and approach every new job opportunity with a fresh perspective.
You could also customise your CV to suit each new job opportunity. Learn from your past mistakes and aim at nailing the next interview.
Keep learning and developing
Despite the job rejections you may face, it's critical to identify opportunities that you are passionate about as this will help you land your dream job. Build on your core strengths, convert each rejection into a learning opportunity, sharpen your skills, and keep your eye on the ultimate goal.
In conclusion, dealing with being rejected a job may bring down your morale, but learning how to deal with it will help you move forward. Re-evaluate your job search strategy, harness your thoughts, work steadfast towards your own development and you will soon find yourself doing a job you deserve, moving towards a career you desire.
To read more from the Career Cafe section, click here .