When you are looking for a new job, being turned down can be discouraging. Hearing “no” is hard, particularly if you had your heart set on an opportunity. But rejection is part of the process, so it’s important to know how to move forward without letting the bad news drag you down.
Luckily, dealing with career rejection well doesn’t have to be overly difficult. If you want to know how you can keep it from beating you, here’s what you need to know.
In most cases, a job rejection isn’t personal. There are a ton of reasons why a company may choose not to hire a person, and most have little to do with who the candidate is or whether they could fulfill the requirements. In some cases, the organization decides not to fill the role after starting a search. In others, you may get edged out by a candidate for a reason that isn’t a reflection on your capabilities.
Don’t internalize the rejection. The decision typically isn’t personal, so make sure you don’t see it as a personal slight.
A job rejection can actually be an opportunity. By taking some time to reflect on the quality of your resume and interview, you can find areas where you might be able to improve.
Consider whether there were any errors on your application or if you might have overlooked something that was on the must-have list. Go through the interview in your mind and recall questions that caused you to struggle. Think about the phrasing and tone of your responses to see if you conveyed the right attitude.
By reflecting, you can see if you might be able to improve your interview or job search skills. Then, you can use that knowledge going forward, increasing the odds that you’ll be successful the next time around.
If the hiring manager contacts you to say that you weren’t selected, ask if they would be willing to provide you with feedback. Many hiring managers will share their insights, giving you guidance on how you can improve to be a better candidate in the future.
Just make sure that you aren’t defensive if you hear something negative. When you ask for feedback, the hiring manager is trying to help. Take any constructive criticism they have to offer and use it to make yourself a better candidate in the future.
If you are repeatedly hearing “no” during your job search, that could be happening for a number of reasons. Maybe you aren’t applying to jobs that are actually a good match, or you might be struggling to convey what you have to offer in the right way.
In any case, consider working with a recruitment agency. They can assist you with finding suitable opportunities, refining your resume, and honing your interview skills, essentially acting as an ally during your job search.
If you would like to partner with a leading staffing firm, the team at TRC Staffing Services wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our expertise can help you successfully land a new opportunity.