Job searching is more than often an emotional rollercoaster.
When you’re on a job hunt, it can feel more like a mission. Pressure can seep through every aspect of your life when it comes to securing new employment.
It’s a process that comes in stages. Perfecting the CV, adding those extra selling points in your covering letter and then prepping for the big interview (sometimes multiple).
You go through all the work and effort, only to discover you’ve been unsuccessful in securing that role.
When it’s a role you had your heart set on, or an income you desperately needed, it’s not just disappointing, it’s really alarming.
There are very few workers out there that will have never experienced a job rejection. And while rejection can blindside you from rationality, it’s important to remember that there are so many factors as to why you weren’t, in the potential employer’s eyes, the most ideal candidate.
Don’t worry about what is outside of your control and focus on what you can do now.
1. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you made it to the interview stage, that means your CV has impressed and you do have the right experience for the role you applied for.
So, you know your CV is strong. But can you make it even stronger?
Review the interview, no matter how well you think it went, and improve. Was there anything that threw you off guard, was there an awkward silence, did you struggle to think of an example? Use this to be better prepared next time. Because there will be a next time.
Keep the “as one door closes, two others open” mentality.
2. Don’t Let Feedback, Or Lack Of, Get You Down
In an ideal world, you would receive detailed feedback on exactly why you were not the right fit for the job, and you could use this constructive criticism to improve on your weaknesses.
However, recruiting is a very time-consuming resource for a business; so there is less than a 50% chance you’ll actually receive any feedback after your interview.
On the other hand, should you be interviewed by a potential employer who declines you for the role, but is courteous enough to provide you feedback, then listen to it and consider an alternative perspective to your own.
It is just a subjective opinion based on your performance on the day, so don’t torture yourself if you find it disheartening. Use what you can to improve or upskill before your next interview.
3. Stop Wasting Time
The secret to handling a job rejection post-interview is that you really don’t have time to waste reeling from it.
If you need a new income, the bills won’t wait. And if you’re on the pursuit of your dream career, so many opportunities are passing you buy while you recover and psych yourself to start again.
It can feel like the longest period of time waiting for new job opportunities to come your way when you’re unemployed or stuck in a job you want to quit. But it’ll be a distant memory one day, so use your time wisely to research roles that you will find fulfilling or will ensure your required income.