How To Handle Job Rejections Gracefully

Job rejections are a natural part of the job search process and can provide valuable opportunities for growth and self-reflection. In this article, we'll explore strategies for handling job rejections gracefully and turning them into positive learning experiences.

1. Allow Yourself to Feel and Process:

First things first, rejections suck, and they don’t feel great. You can start feeling deflated after a few rejections in your inbox. It's normal to feel disappointed or frustrated after receiving a job rejection. Allow yourself to acknowledge and process these emotions before responding or taking action.

2. Request Feedback:

Reach out to the employer or recruiter and politely request feedback on why you weren't selected for the position. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance your future applications. Often, recruiters are told not to provide feedback to protect the company, not because they are biased (but yes, sometimes they are) but to prevent miscommunication when emailing or communicating via phone. Some recruiters are trained to provide effectively, but you won’t know unless you ask.

3. Maintain Professionalism:

Respond to the rejection with grace and professionalism. Thank the employer for the opportunity to interview and express your continued interest in the company. Leave a positive impression that may open doors for future opportunities. There is no point in wasting your energy by getting angry or defensive with them; this will permanently burn a bridge. Most applicant tracking systems track any emails sent to or from you in your profile. If you were to apply again, they could see that history.

4. Stay Persistent and Positive:

Don't let a rejection discourage you from pursuing your career goals. Stay persistent in your job search efforts and maintain a positive attitude. Use rejection as motivation to refine your skills and search strategy. I swear it feels like rejections are getting tossed around like confetti nowadays. There are numerous reasons why rejections come, and not all of them specifically have to do with you.

5. Reflect and Refocus:

Reflect on your interview performance, qualifications, and career goals. Evaluate if there are areas where you can improve or if your goals need to be adjusted. Use rejection as a chance to refocus and realign your efforts. Did you submit your resume to them, hoping they will understand how the work translates to their role without changing your resume to reflect it better? Did you prepare for the interview by writing out questions to ask them? Or by prepping responses about your work history? if you feel good about your resume and how you prepared, you did all you could, and the role was not meant to be.

6. Keep Networking:

Continue networking and building relationships within your industry. Networking can lead to new job opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth, even after experiencing rejection. In this crazy market, networking has been a huge help for folks who are actively job searching. This doesn’t mean you need to know someone to network. There are so many tools out there where you can communicate with others about jobs and companies and learn more about company culture.

Websites for Job Search and Networking:

LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry, join groups, and stay updated on job openings.

Glassdoor: Research company reviews, interview experiences, and salary information to prepare for future applications. A new community feature allows you to communicate with folks and ask questions. This is great for discussing salary and learning about the market.

Reddit: Reddit offers a variety of niche communities (subreddits) where professionals can network, seek advice, and share industry insights. Subreddits like r/jobs, r/careeradvice, and industry-specific groups can be valuable for networking and community building.

Conclusion:

Handling job rejections gracefully is an important skill that can contribute to your long-term career success. By allowing yourself to feel and process emotions, requesting feedback, maintaining professionalism, staying persistent and positive, reflecting on your goals, and continuing to network, you can turn job rejections into valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth. If the rejections start to feel too much, reach out to people you are comfortable with, take time for yourself, and recharge. It is always okay to take a break and come back refreshed.