Author: Michelle Mamerto
Part of the job hunting process is rejection. It’s easy to become discouraged when you get the news that you are out of the running for your potential dream job. Instead of internalizing the moment, or creating a cycle of rejection with your job search, here are a few tips to try.
Try not to take things personally. As mentioned, part of the job hunting process is rejection. Know that you are not the first person this has happened to, and you most certainly will not be the last person to find themselves with a rejection letter in hand. There are many factors and moving pieces that come into play when employers are selecting between candidates; This includes experience, skill set, and how the candidate would fit in with the team. It’s okay to be disappointed, but know that there will be other opportunities, and many that may be better suited for you. Onward and upward!
Remember the things that you did right. It’s easy to replay your interview mistakes, in your head, over and over again. Go easy on yourself. Try to remember the things you did well, and write them down. You may need those skills in your next interview.
Send a thank you note or email to your interviewer shortly after receiving word that you did not get the job. If you interviewed with more than one person, send a thank you note or email to all your interviewers. This is a professional courtesy that leaves a great impression. Ask for feedback on your interview, so that you can improve. Ask to be kept in mind in case a position that is a better fit for you, opens up. If you interviewed through an agency, talk to your recruiter and have them review your thank you note prior to sending, and see if they have received any feedback on your interview.
If you have received several rejection letters, it might be time to reassess your resume or interview skills. Take a resume writing seminar, get online and find tips on how to write a resume that gets your foot in the door, or enlist the help of a friend, a school career counselor, or your recruiter, to help you edit your resume. Ask a friend to help you with interview questions. If you are in school, some career centers often offer scheduled mock interviews for their students. Talk to your recruiter about any interviewing tips they may have.
“When one door closes, another door opens,” is a common expression that holds a lot of truth. After the initial sting of rejection, if you can focus on the positive, don’t burn the bridges with your connections, remember the things that worked for you, and work to improve the things that didn’t, hopefully the next letter you receive is an offer letter.