How to Handle Job Rejections and Turn It to Your Advantage

 Sometimes job interviews and applications just don’t work out. But when you learn how to overcome job rejection, you will come back stronger and smarter for your next job interview.

Interviewing for a job or trying to advance your current career is a stressful process — especially when you give your job application your all. But, it is nevertheless important that you manage your expectations so that you can handle job rejection in a level-headed manner. Keep the following things in mind and, sooner or later, you will learn how to overcome job rejection and turn them to your advantage.

How to overcome job rejection

1. Recognise that you are not alone

Overcoming rejection is not easy, but some things are simply not in your control. Remember that this isn’t just happening to you; job rejection happens to most workers at least once in their careers. Instead, focus on the one good thing about job rejections: the experience allows you to learn from your mistakes and improve your job application skills.

2. Take time to process your feelings

The same feelings of fear, doubt, and depression have crossed everyone’s minds. Seeking employment and receiving a rejection is always a blow. Take a little time out to process your feelings, but don’t stay there and mope. You never know where the next opportunity might come from. See this setback as a challenge rather than a rejection. 

3. Be gracious and stay connected

Always be gracious to employers who reject you. Try to stay connected with them if possible. Send thank-you notes or emails to the employers who interviewed you, even though they rejected you. Maybe ask them for some feedback if they have time to do so. At any rate, thank them for their time and wish them luck as they continue searching for the best candidates for them.

Thank you notes to your interviewer, and to any important contacts you made along the way, help build up your network. And you never know what opportunities may arise. A positive attitude always leaves a good mark — even if you don’t feel all that positive after a potential employer rejects you after an interview.

4. Reset your mindset and focus on a positive attitude

Learn how to overcome job rejection with a resilient mindset and turn away from the negativity that we all feel when job interviews and employer rejections do not work out. Also, if you’ve gotten as far as the interview stage, then you’ve already progressed further than other candidates vying for the same position. 

Taking time to reevaluate your skill set would be beneficial towards your next employment opportunity. You will go into the next interview as a more confident and stronger candidate. Also, not taking the time for self-care could lead to job search burnout and more rejections in the future. 

5. Understand why you keep getting rejected after job interviews

• You might be wondering, Why do I keep getting rejected after job interviews? 
• Seize this time to reflect on what is happening. If you are constantly getting denied a job, then this may be a good time to think about your interview preparation process and strategy. See where you could have done better and which points shone during the interview. Every rejection is a significant learning opportunity. 
• On the other hand, don’t overanalyze the situation. Replaying the interview over and over in your head just reinforces the negative feelings and disappointments that come with a job rejection. Avoid getting stuck in the past and criticising your failed actions. Instead, focus on why these tactics did not work.
• If it is possible, ask for detailed feedback from the interviewer or the company’s HR. Keep in mind that rejection is not feedback. Just because you didn’t get the job doesn’t mean you did everything wrong. What you can do after a rejection is think about what happened with a more neutral mindset and figure out how you can learn from it. 
• If the employment process happened in many stages, rate your performance for each stage. Which parts went well? Could you have prepared better? Did you and your interviewer just not have a good rapport? How can you prevent that from happening at the next interview?

6. Remember that there is always room for improvement 

Identify key learnings and build up your plan for next time. Take note of any weaknesses or issues and start revising. 

Prepare smarter. Sometimes it just comes down to learning how to communicate effectively. Try doing practise interviews with friends. If you have friends in HR, ask them for tips. There are always small ways to fine-tune your application and interview skills as you move on to your next employment opportunity.

How to move forward with your job search

Start anew… and soon! Be constructive and start looking at your strengths and weaknesses. Hone your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Use your newly-developed skillset to make that next job interview a breeze.

1. Refine your job search

Even when you learn how to overcome job rejection, the reality is that it will always be painful and can create much doubt in your abilities as a professional. But, sometimes things just aren’t meant to be. Maybe the job wasn’t a great fit for you to begin with. Return to your original employment searches. Are these the jobs that you can see yourself in for the long term? Sometimes we don’t realise that we’re looking for jobs that don’t fit our goals and expectations.

2. Identify your weak spots

Try doing some self-analysis. Why do employers reject you? Are you applying for a job that is outside your core competencies? Check your social media presence. Is there something there that would make employers reject you? Were you polite and engaging during the interview?

Analyse your employment interviews and make adjustments to strengthen them. You should also assess other factors that could contribute to or hinder your application. Look over your CV, JobStreet profile, social media postings, and other platforms. All potential employers check your social media footprint so make sure you are always presenting yourself in the best light.

3. Rehearse your interview until you’ve nailed it down 

It’s not just about knowing your elevator pitch, it’s about being prepared to answer anything that the interviewer may ask during the job interview. Interview preparation is also a great way to build confidence. Practise answering questions until you get used to the feeling of being interviewed; through your preparation, the actual interview will get less intimidating.

4. Do your best to keep going on with the job search 

Job rejections are even harder when you’re worried about your financial situation. While it is a good idea to take a short break to reflect on why you were rejected from a job, it is important to keep the search for employment active until you find the right position for you. Keep in touch with your network of contacts, especially with your recruitment professionals. Being proactive keeps your application and interview skills sharp. Don’t lose sight of your long term career plan.

Coping with rejection will be a constant battle throughout your career. So keep your focus on staying strong. Each job rejection is an opportunity to learn and come back as a stronger candidate. Whatever potential employers find lacking in your interview can be identified, studied, and overcome. Remember that you have great qualities and that there are always more opportunities out there. 

Start looking for #JobsThatMatter on JobStreet’s website and app. Make sure to keep your JobStreet profile updated. For more career tips, visit JobStreet’s Career Resources page.