It’s important to remember that job rejections are a normal part of the process, whether you’re navigating the job market independently or with the help of a recruiter. It’s easy to let these rejections affect your confidence, but it’s crucial to understand that they’re not a reflection of your worth. They’re simply a part of the journey to finding the right job.
So, how do you cope with the inevitable rejections?
Start by realizing that it is not personal, which can be the hardest thing to get your mind around, especially as, in our culture, we tend to identify very strongly with our professions. Usually, the recruiter or HR person who turned you down does not even know you. The market may be tight, or they may have been looking for a particular skill set. In some cases, they may be contractually obliged to search for candidates despite having already decided to give it to somebody internal (hyper-specific IT-related skills are often a red flag for this).
It might be your fault. You may have blown the interview or had an issue with your resume. But it is not because anyone thinks you are an awful person. You could even be overqualified.
Do not Be Afraid to Vent — But Be Careful Where
Venting in an appropriate venue is a great way to let go of the negative and move on. Just make sure you vent to somebody you trust and somebody who will not affect your job hunt. Don’t vent to current coworkers, for example, and do not say anything negative to the hiring manager. Instead, send a polite follow-up email. A close friend, spouse/partner, or even your parents might be good to talk to. You know who in your life is best. Online forums or support groups for job seekers can also be a safe space to vent and get advice.
Learn From It
Go back and analyze what happened. If you were lucky enough to be told exactly why you were rejected (rare, but it can happen, especially if you were close), take note. Based on analysis, you may realize you were fortunate to be rejected because the job would have been a poor cultural fit. Cultural fit refers to how well you align with the company’s values, norms, and work environment. Most job hunters have some story about an interview that left a bad taste in their mouth, often due to a lack of cultural fit.
Look to see what you can improve on. Your resume and cover letter are fine if you consistently get interviews, but your interview technique may need work. If you are not getting interviews, it might be your resume. If you are not getting them for specific positions, you might apply for something you are under or overqualified for.
Get Help
Remember, rejection doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It often means you need a fresh perspective. Interviewers may not always provide feedback, but it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for it. Seeking help to improve your resume or practicing interviews can be incredibly empowering and can help you grow in your job search.
Working with an Executive career coach can help if you apply for higher-level positions. An Executive career coach is a professional who can provide personalized guidance and support in your job search, particularly for senior or executive roles. Listen to the advice and try not to resist it without good reason. They can help you identify your strengths, improve your application materials, and prepare for interviews.
The most important thing is to remember that this is not personal and to use it as a learning experience rather than simply ignoring it. Keep records of when you get rejected and what positions, and use them to help with future preparations.
Before helming Perpetual Talent Solutions as President, Jim Hickey held several senior leadership roles in both sales and operations for two of the world’s largest Commercial Staffing organizations. Jim is a dedicated professional who has been formally recognized as a Staffing Industry Subject Matter Expert.