You finally found it! The perfect job! You did everything right – your resume was stellar, you nailed the interview, and you made the right contacts at the company. So, when you get the call (or email) that you didn’t get the job, you’re shocked. Crushed. How do you bounce back? Where do you go from here? Â
Here’s what you can do when you get rejected for a job. Â
Recognize your resilience Â
Yes, you feel rejected – even more so if you thought you had it in the bag. That’s okay, it’s natural. You thought this job was “the one,” but it’s not. There are plenty more jobs out there, including the right one for you. Here’s a good chance to show off your resilience. Look at this as an opportunity to start from scratch and do better this go-round. Your next round of applications and interviews will be impeccable!  Â
Be grateful for the process Â
Although rejection hurts, remember it’s a learning experience and part of the process. You’re stronger for having gone through the disappointment. It’s probably not your first rejection, and I’m sorry to say it probably won’t be your last. The truth is most job applicants go through a series of rejections before they finally land a job they love. The key is to just keep trying.  Â
Drop a note Â
To maximize what you’ve learned, send a quick email to the person who interviewed you. Mention how disappointed you are and ask what you could have done better so you can improve. It’s a good way to reiterate your interest in the company and ensure you’ll be at the forefront of their minds next time they need to hire. They’ll probably admire your willingness to learn and grow – resilience is a key trait that most employers value.  Â
Don’t overthink it Â
All this rejection means is you weren’t the best fit for this role. It doesn’t mean you’re inept or failure or you’ll never find a job anywhere. It’s probably not because of one single moment – you didn’t smile wide enough or shake hands firmly enough or stuttered when you introduced yourself. Those remorseful thoughts aren’t productive. They won’t earn you a paycheck, that’s for sure!  Â
Be confident Â
Confidence sells. Recall all your accomplishments, past awards, and contributions you made at your last job. Come up with solid examples of when you overcame obstacles in the past. You have strengths and valuable skills that will be appreciated at some company – you just have to find it! Â
Being rejected for a job is normal, so don’t get down on yourself! There’s a lot to learn from the process. It’s an opportunity to tweak your resume, improve your interviewing techniques and learn more about yourself. For more tips on how to rebound from a rejection letter, contact our team today.Â
