How to Handle Job Rejections
Lots of people will tell you that the most important part of job seeking is your online presence, or having a good resume. I don’t believe that is true. While those are crucial, I believe that foremost, it is being able to handle rejection with respect and grace, and continuing the job search despite the disappointment. Being understanding after being let go or not being accepted for a job can open up opportunities in the future.
In A Job Seeker’s Crash Course, Dawn Sipley establishes the idea that “it is not your obligation to take things personally,” because most times you won’t know the reason you did not get hired. Maintain a good impression and a level head; it can affect you in the long run of your career. Your reaction can show a sense of professionalism that otherwise has no other way of being displayed. In the Oxford Dictionary, professionalism is described as “conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. Angrily storming out and throwing a tantrum will not do any good. The resilience built from being rejected can have many positive effects on your everyday life, but it takes time to build that resilience. Some ways to do this are listed below:
Understand your emotions
Seek constructive feedback
Reframe your mindset
Build your support network
Celebrate your achievements
Develop your skills
The best thing you can say is, “Thank you so much for the opportunity. I really enjoyed learning more about your company and meeting all your wonderful employees. While I’m sad I wasn’t selected, I’m happy you found the right candidate. Can you tell me what I need to do to stay on your radar for future opportunities?” This successfully shows a respect for the company as well as an eagerness to still work for them.
Top Resume’s statistics show that 60% of jobs are found through networking. If you get an interview and just aren’t the right fit, there is a chance that you will be considered for another position because of someone that you were once rejected by. According to Glassdoor, there are many ways that you can be considered for another opportunity, possibly even for the same position, not long after. Author Emily Moore gives a quote from Lori Sherwin, arguing that, “It's absolutely possible to get hired at a company even if they've previously rejected you. There are many many proven success stories.” Each part of the job seeking process is important in its own way, all working to further you towards getting that interview that could make or break you. Once that interview is over, your rejection could be the final impression that creates a possible window of opportunity in the future.
