How to better handle job rejections

Whether you just graduated or looking for a new job due to unforeseen circumstances, job searching can be tough and getting rejected from multiple jobs could negatively affect your mental state and confidence.

 

Rejections are as much a part of our daily lives as it is during one’s job search and interviewing process.  No one likes being rejected for anything and no matter what the reason may be.  To take a negative and turn it into a positive, one must live and learn from rejections and here are 4 tips that will help you better handle job rejections and move forward:

 

It is part of the process and stay positive

As Vince Lombardi once said, “It is not about how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up”.

It is important that you remind yourself that no one gets accepted to all the jobs that they have applied for, otherwise everyone only ever needs to apply to one position.  It is natural to feel frustrated and disappointed when you receive rejections, but do not let the continuation of rejections affect your mental state or confidence.

Not being selected for any position could in retrospect become a blessing in disguise as the position may not have been a fit and there are potentially other opportunities that would be a better fit for you.  Find ways to destress and get your feelings out constructively by doing your favourite hobbies, cooking, exercising, listening to music, playing a musical instrument, painting, journaling, etc.  It is also a great idea to share your feelings and to spend time with family and friends so that with their support you can get back to the positive and confident version of you.

 

You are not the only one

Every job seeker who is looking for their next opportunity is also going through the same thing.  Just simply remembering that everyone else are dealt the same cards and faced with the same problems can help one feel better about themselves knowing that the world is not out to get them and that everyone is against you.

There are many factors that you as a job seeker cannot control and even the most experienced and most successful individuals have gone through multiple rejections before getting where they are.  And when there are a limited number of jobs available and multiple applicants applying for each job, it is inevitable that many people will be rejected in each instance.

 

Ask for feedback

Don’t view your rejections in a negative light, but instead look at it as an opportunity to learn from them and let it help you become stronger and better prepared for when other opportunities present themselves.  Ask for feedback from the recruiter or hiring manager what you are missing, or what areas you can improve on, or if there was anything you can do to better prepare for the interview and the position you applied to.

 

Create a personal development plan

With the feedback and crucial information from past interviews, you can now better prepare for your next interview or application.  Do not overanalyze your shortcomings, but simply learn from it to become a better version of yourself and avoid the same mistakes to stay ready for the next opportunity.  It is important to focus on the things that you can control and improve in areas where you can through self-learning, taking courses, practicing, etc.

When you are searching for a job and there are going to be times when you could feel defeated and rejected, but it is important to remain positive and remember that it is only temporary, and it will all pass in time.  Never give up and let one rejection keep you down and you will be able to reap the fruits of your labour at the end of your hard work.

 

The light at the end of the darkest tunnel is the dimmest when you’re feeling down and out, but whether that light remains dim or gets brighter depends on what you do next.

 

Contact us today to speak with one of our Recruitment Specialists and let us help you find new opportunities for the next step in your career!

 

Photo Credits: Stressed man photo created by wayhomestudio – www.freepik.com

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