How To Deal With Rejection From A Job & Plan Your Next Steps
By: Gillian Williams
When your interviews start to blurb together and you’ve networked more than you’ve seen your friends in the past week, it might be time to evaluate your job search. Keep in mind, there’s always another opportunity out there, even on days where it doesn't feel like it. As the interview process drags on, it’s vital to remember that if the job didn’t come to fruition, it likely wasn’t the right fit to begin with. It’s easy to feel defeated, but there are so many opportunities out there. You might be trying for the wrong industry or the wrong type of position. In other cases, you might be forgetting that a job has to be a fit on both ends. Finding a job isn’t just about someone choosing you. You’re interviewing potential companies as much as they’re interviewing you. The right job will feel like a good match.
If you’re feeling stuck, consider reaching out to a recruiter. Our job isn’t simply to find people's jobs. We’re tapped into the market with lots of clients primed for potential introductions. Speaking to a career counselor or a branding consultant is another step in the right direction. Be wary of resume companies that promise you an updated CV for a fee. Hiring companies are much more interested in something authentic that doesn’t feel manufactured off of a template. A branding consultant can help refresh your LinkedIn, your headshot, or even, your overall image. A career coach can inspire new energy for your job search, as well.
And sometimes, taking a break is the best next step. When you’re burnt out, it shows. Maybe you’re glazed over in interviews, frustrated with delays, or even distracted on camera. If you’re feeling completely burnt out, to the point of forgetting the names of companies you’ve applied to, and have the luxury of not accepting the first job you get, consider taking some time. Ideally, you’ll be able to determine your next move out of instinct instead of necessity. Allowing yourself this clarity in finding the right fit will pay off tenfold down the line.
However you’re experiencing the job search, it’s essential to remember that the process is a two-way street. You’re looking for a role that’s a fit for you, and for your future employer. Don’t forget that the right opportunity isn’t always something you can determine on paper. It’s often the intangible aspects of a job—the culture, personalities, the things that companies can’t quite articulate in the job description—that determine great alignment. Rejection isn’t personal. Sometimes it's as simple as something going on behind the scenes you’re not privy to as an interviewee.
After an interview, you can always ask for feedback. Not every company has the bandwidth or structure to ensure that proper feedback is provided. There’s no harm in asking in a polite, gracious tone. This growing experience could even open doors down the line if the company has an opening that’s better fit for you.
Looking for a job can feel exhausting. Find friends who are looking for jobs, too. Trade stories, look at job openings together, or even try networking to see if your friends know of anyone hiring. Most jobs come through these connections, not applications on LinkedIn. And at the end of the day, acknowledge the resilience you’re building through rejection. You know the saying: rejection is redirection.