How to move on from a job rejection?

Just like me – I am sure no one finds it fun being turned down for a job, especially if you’ve given a lot of effort to prepare yourself for the role that you are applying for. Believe me, before I became successful in my career, I can no longer imagine how many times I’ve been rejected before so... I am well aware of how hard it is to let the negativity go. Bear in mind too, if you got as far as the interview stage, you’ve already done extremely well on your application. A lot of applicants wouldn’t go that far so when you were told that someone else has been selected for the post, the outpouring frustration can sometimes be unbearable. I am not exaggerating this but I know acquaintances of mine who just gave up on trying to pursue the career they've wanted after being declined a few times.

So how do I manage? First, I ask for detailed feedback. Self-analysis alone can't picture the whole story on why I wasn't the right person for the role. I know that it is valuable to do if I ask questions and listen to the feedback on my performance from the recruiter. Especially when I took so much effort and time, I feel that at least I am entitled to get insights and the end of it.

Never take the rejection personally

Learn how to accept "No" and don’t regard a job rejection as feedback about your personality. In the real world, employers need to make a decision in choosing the best candidate that suits the position - accept that it's part of the process. Personally, after being rejected a lot of times before, my perspective has always been like this, “I am just 1 out of the hundred applicants who have been turned down for this job.. so, it is what it is!” – that way, I don’t feel too much disappointed in myself.

Maintain a strong outlook on life and stay positive – remember too, you’re not alone. Again, the reality is that the number of people turned down for jobs outweighs the number of people who receive a contract. Thinking that way can help build your mental and emotional armour. Well, at least that works for me.

Reflect and re-evaluate yourself

As I have said earlier, job rejection can bring on negativity, and it's simply natural for a human being to feel that way. So, thinking about what the hiring manager told you, go back through everything that happened from the way you prepared for the interview, research for the company and the role, to the actual interaction with the interviewer. Gauge your performance for each part and check if there is room for improvement. Ask yourself: What could I have done differently? Could there be a better answer to the interview questions? Have I done enough research w/ the company and the role? Did I focus too much on my technical skills? Did I miss building rapport?

Learn how to identify your learning opportunities from your past rejection, and take note of any weaknesses you observed so you can improve your approach next time.

Have a resilient mindset

I may have been disappointed in myself after being turned down before, but I make sure that I am not stuck on a rejection path. I learned to accept that there is always merit in my every experience or challenge during the application phase, no matter what the result. “It’s always about how you face your challenges and moving forward to progress.” I know that this is so easy to say than done, but the key is to know how your setback can motivate you to make a change. Focus on the next opportunity and take one step at a time to get closer to your dream role.

“If you want to change something in your life, but you are not doing any movement to make that change happen, that's insanity”

After all, rejection happens to everyone, so the most important thing is how you overcome your obstacles and what you learn from the experience.

How do you overcome your rejections? Let me know by putting a comment below.

Good luck with your job application!