For the vast majority of job seekers, landing the first opportunity they find isn’t going to be in the cards. Being rejected simply comes with the territory, as not every professional is a perfect fit for every position.
Even though rejection is part of the process, dealing with it can be a challenge. It can lead to self-doubt, cause you to lose your motivation, and may even cause physical pain in some.
Learning to deal with this painful truth more effectively is beneficial. It can help candidates keep their stress levels lower and allows them to turn the rejection into something constructive: A chance to improve. If you want to make the most of a rejection and ensure it doesn’t derail your job search, here are some tips that can help you during this stage of your career journey.
Request Feedback Whenever Possible
While you may not have many options if your resume is screened out by an automated tool, if you advanced further in the hiring process, you may be able to gather some valuable feedback that can help you during your job search. Let the hiring manager know you would appreciate their input regarding your resume, interview or overall performance, highlighting that your goal is to become a better candidate.
Make sure you stay open-minded during the conversation and avoid becoming defensive. The idea is to learn more about how you were perceived or any shortcomings you may have (such as not much experience in a particular area or a missing skill), giving you ideas on how you can do better the next time around.
Don’t Reply to Rejection Emails Immediately
As you first read a rejection email, your stress levels will rise. It is also common for job seekers to be upset, hurt, or even a bit angry, and that mindset may impact how you respond if you reply right away.
Instead, give yourself a moment – whether that be a few hours or a couple of days – to compose yourself and gain some perspective. This increases the odds you can reply strategically and that any negative emotions don’t lead you to say something you may regret down the line.
Look for the Positives
While job rejections can be hard to stomach, it is wise to look for the positives in the situation. The most obvious is that every position you apply to can serve as a learning opportunity, providing you a chance to hone your resume and interviewing skills and discover more about area employers.
However, you also want to consider whether the position was actually a great fit for you. When people receive a rejection, they often focus on what they feel they missed out on, viewing the experience through a skewed lens. This may lead them to forget about red flags or overlook indications that the job might not have been as ideal as it initially seemed.
While you don’t want to spend too much time nitpicking, realizing everything was not sunshine and rainbows can make the rejection easier to handle. In the end, you may determine the rejection wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as getting an offer for a role you weren’t overly enthusiastic about isn’t necessarily a better outcome.
By following the tips above, job seekers can learn to deal with job rejection effectively. If you’d like to know more, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable recruiters today and see how our job search expertise can benefit you. Or click this link to browse open jobs in Michigan and Ohio.
