How To Deal With Job Rejections

Let’s not start this with ‘everything happens for a reason’ because if you’re getting back-to-back rejections, the last thing you’d to hear is just that. Rejection is never an enjoyable experience for anyone, but we do have the choice to see it from a different perspective. As much as it seems, it’s not really that personal. It’s just a necessary part of the process, not just for us but for the positions we’re applying for.  

We all know that gut wrenching feeling we get when we face rejection right? We will face it numerous times throughout our lifetime. However, would you believe me if I said you can learn to control the way you feel when you come head-to-head with these situations? This isn’t just about ‘job rejection’ it really works with all types of rejections.  

A SIMPLE STRATEGY TO OVERCOME JOB REJECTIONS

First and foremost, you’ll need to learn to not take these things personally. It’s much easier said than done but you must shrug it off and go again. Self-love practices are an essential way to develop resilience and make sure you know your worth. These might look like daily affirmations, journaling, or meditations.    

 

When and if a company rejects your application, kindly ask them for feedback. It’s not often you get a tailored rejection message so there’s no harm in asking for it. Follow up with a gratitude note, thank them for their time and ask if they have any advice for you moving forward. What have you got to lose? 

Review & Reflect on the feedback. Constructive criticism is healthy. You may or may not get any value from the feedback but it’s good to review the entire situation. The job you’ve applied for, the sector and even the salary. Was it something you really wanted or just a matter of ‘needing’ it? When something doesn’t work out it really does allow other doors to be opened. When you face rejection there’s not much else you can do other than try again. 

 

Refine your search based on your above answer. Scrap your search down to the very basics of what you want. Think about all the roles you’ve applied for that were exciting to you and think about the jobs you’ve applied for that haven’t been so liberating. Turn on your filters and refine the detail, making sure it’s aligned with what you really want. Be sure to broaden your search, WAY out of your comfort zone. If you’re used to working in finance, don’t just stick to the finance sector because that’s what you know. What things do you enjoy? Reach for those too. 

Reframe the rejection. As mentioned above, self-love practices are not only great for developing stronger personality traits like resilience, but they’re also great way to reframe your thoughts and feelings within a situation. Acknowledge how it’s made you feel (that’s fine)  

  • What have you learnt through the process? 
  • What has come up for you that you could potentially improve? 

Remember, one day in the future you could look back at this period of your life and be thankful for all the ‘No’s’ you received because they will ultimately lead you to where you want and need to be. I’m sure if you look back to some previous rejections, you’d certainly be thankful for them now. 

The final piece of the puzzle. Putting yourself in alignment with what you really want. When it comes to attracting the job of your dreams, you’ll have to adapt parts of your lifestyle in accordance with what it is you want. Act as if you already have it. What would your day-to-day look like if you had this job? What can you start doing right now that would match this energy? What outfits would you wear to this job? Can you organise your clothes to prepare for this? The list is endless of what you can do to align yourself, so break it all down and ask yourself what you can do specifically. 

 

It will work out eventually, it always does. Maintain your consistency but don’t overwhelm yourself with the job search.  Go easy on yourself. Be kind and be gracious. This isn’t the time for any self-sabotage.  

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