Job rejection can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’ve put a lot of time and effort into your job search. However, it’s important to remember that job rejection is a common experience, and it doesn’t define your worth or your abilities as a candidate.
Only 2% of candidates who apply for a job are selected to attend an interview, highlighting how common it is to be rejected for an interview. It clearly takes its toll on applicants though, as 1 in 3 jobseekers stopped looking for a new job after receiving too many rejections.
When looking at the reasons behind rejection, 77% of recruiters see grammatical errors as dealbreakers, and 47% of recruiters said they would reject a candidate who had little knowledge about the company where they’re applying. This shows how important it is to research into the company, and also to proofread your application.
To learn more about how to job search, read our articles on the Dos and Don’ts of Job Searching, Writing a Cover Letter, Writing a CV, and Using Social Media for Job-Hunting.
In this article, we’ll explore some strategies for handling job rejection and moving forward with confidence. Let’s look at how you can use job rejection as a learning opportunity…
Turning Job Rejection into a Learning Opportunity
Job rejection can be a difficult experience, but it can also be an opportunity to learn and grow as a jobseeker. Here are some strategies for turning job rejection into a learning opportunity:
- Ask for feedback
While it can be hard to hear criticism, asking for feedback from the hiring manager or recruiter can be a valuable learning experience. Ask them for specific reasons why you were not selected for the position and how you can improve your candidacy in the future. This feedback can help you identify areas of weakness and focus on improving your skills and qualifications. Read our article on positive feedback, or continue reading for more tips on how to ask for feedback.
- Reflect on your performance
Take some time to reflect on your performance during the interview process. Were there any questions you struggled with or areas where you could have provided better answers? Did you effectively communicate your skills and experience? By identifying areas where you could have performed better, you can work to improve your interview skills for future job opportunities.
- Learn from other candidates
If possible, try to find out who was selected for the position and research their background and qualifications. This can help you understand what the employer was looking for and what qualifications and skills they value most. You can then use this information to tailor your resume and interview responses to better align with the employer’s needs.
- Reframe the experience
Instead of viewing job rejection as a failure, try to reframe it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every job rejection can teach you something new and help you improve your job search skills. By reframing the experience in a positive light, you can turn a negative experience into a valuable learning opportunity.
Remember, job rejection is a natural part of the job search process, and it’s something that most job seekers experience at some point. By using job rejection as a learning opportunity, you can become a stronger and more competitive candidate in the future.
How to Request Feedback after Job Rejection
Requesting feedback after a job rejection can be a valuable way to learn from the experience and improve your future job search efforts. Here are some tips for requesting feedback:
- Wait a few days: Give yourself and the employer some time after the rejection before requesting feedback. This allows you to process your emotions and approach the feedback request in a calm and professional manner.
- Send a polite email: Reach out to the employer via email and express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview or apply for the position. Then, request specific feedback on why you were not selected for the position and how you can improve your candidacy in the future.
- Be open to constructive criticism: Keep an open mind and be prepared to hear constructive criticism. Remember, the purpose of the feedback is to help you improve your job search skills and become a stronger candidate in the future.
- Ask for specific examples: If possible, ask for specific examples of where you could have improved your performance. This can help you identify areas of weakness and develop a plan for improvement.
- Express appreciation for the feedback: After receiving feedback, express your appreciation for the time and effort the employer took to provide you with valuable insights. This can help you maintain a positive relationship with the employer and potentially open doors for future opportunities.
Not all employers will provide feedback, and it’s important to respect their decision if they choose not to. However, requesting feedback can be a proactive way to learn from your job search experiences and improve your candidacy for future positions. Read our article on the power of feedback to learn more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Job Rejection
Dealing with job rejection can be a challenging experience, and it’s easy to make mistakes in the process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when handling job rejection:
- Dwelling on the rejection: It’s natural to feel disappointed or even discouraged after a job rejection, but dwelling on it for too long can hinder your job search efforts. Try to move on and focus on the next opportunity.
- Taking rejection personally: Remember that job rejection is not a reflection of your personal worth or abilities. Employers have specific criteria for each position, and not being selected does not mean you are not a valuable candidate.
- Burning bridges: It’s important to maintain a professional demeanour even if you feel frustrated or upset about the rejection. Burning bridges with the employer or bad-mouthing them can harm your reputation and future job prospects.
- Neglecting self-care: Dealing with job rejection can be emotionally taxing, and neglecting self-care can make the process even more challenging. Make sure to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally during the job search process.
- Giving up too soon: It’s important to persevere through the job search process, even if it feels discouraging at times. Don’t give up on your job search after one rejection – continue to apply to positions and improve your candidacy.
- Not learning from the experience: Job rejection can be a valuable learning experience, and not taking the time to reflect on the feedback or mistakes can limit your growth as a candidate.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can handle job rejection with professionalism and resilience, and increase your chances of finding the right opportunity for you.
How to Recharge and Regroup After a Job Rejection
Job rejection can be a difficult experience to navigate, but it’s important to take the time to recharge and regroup before diving back into the job search process. Here are some tips for recharging and regrouping after a job rejection:
- Take a break: It’s okay to take a break from the job search process to recharge and reset your mindset. Take some time to do things you enjoy or take a mini-vacation to help you de-stress.
- Reflect on the experience: Reflect on the job rejection experience and think about what you learned from it. Take note of what went well and what didn’t, and identify areas for improvement in your job search approach.
- Connect with support systems: Lean on your support systems, whether that be friends, family, or a career coach. Talking to others about your experience can help you process your emotions and gain perspective. If you’re thinking of getting a mentor to help out, check out our article on how to get a mentor.
- Pursue professional development opportunities: Consider taking classes, attending networking events, or pursuing certifications to improve your skills and make yourself a more competitive candidate.
- Revisit your job search strategy: Take a fresh look at your job search strategy and consider making adjustments. This could mean targeting new industries or positions, updating your CV and cover letter, or networking with new contacts.
By recharging and regrouping after a job rejection, you can approach your job search with renewed energy and confidence.
Make Sure You Bounce Back!
Job rejection is a common experience that does not define a candidate’s worth or abilities. Rather than dwelling on the rejection, jobseekers can use it as a learning opportunity to grow and become a stronger candidate.
By asking for feedback, reflecting on performance, learning from other candidates, and reframing the experience, jobseekers can become more competitive. However, it is important to avoid common mistakes such as dwelling on the rejection or burning bridges with the employer.
Taking a break, seeking support from loved ones, and engaging in self-care can help job seekers recharge and regroup after a job rejection. Ultimately, by persevering through the job search process and learning from each experience, job seekers can find the right opportunity for them.
Struggling to deal with job rejection? Give us an email at [email protected], or let us know on our LinkedIn or Facebook Pages!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our RekkTalk Newsletter, look at our other Resource Hub articles, and visit our RekkBlog!
