Applying for a job is a time-consuming, mentally draining process.
You found a position you were perfect for. You nailed your interview.
But you just got the call to tell you that you didn’t get the job.
How do you bounce back from this kind of rejection?
How can you maintain your confidence?
Why did you bother yourself putting yourself out there in the first place?
Do these questions sound familiar? See the tips below.
Let yourself feel disappointed
When you pour time and effort into a job application and interview process, rejection can taste bitter. Give yourself time to feel what you need to; to mourn the loss of the perspective job and to get a bit angry, sad or frustrated. Pretending that you aren’t deflated after being looked over for a position takes up more emotional energy than just letting out your feelings and moving on. Take a moment to be upset – then pull your socks up and get back into the game.
Accept that you didn’t get the job
Once you have given yourself a second to digest the news and explore your feelings, it is time to make peace with the fact that you didn’t get the job.
Even if you saw yourself as the perfect candidate, remember to keep perspective. At the end of the day, the company hiring were looking for specific traits in a potential employee – and you didn’t have them. There is a reason why you didn’t get the job.
Trust that their choice was the right one, stop dwelling on the what if’s or if only’s and start to move on.
Seek feedback
Don’t be afraid to consult with the employer about the factors that influenced their decision against hiring you. Most will be happy to give you some points that could really help you in the long run.
The more specific you are in your request for feedback, the better. Instead of simply asking why you didn’t get the job, question if you were lacking in any qualifications, if there was something missing in your interview or what the differentiating characteristics were between you and the successful candidate.
Sometimes you will gain clear pointers about where you can strengthen your credentials. Other times you may find that every answer was out of your control – they simply preferred the demeanour of another candidate.
In any case, some feedback is better than none – ultimately knowledge is power.
Self-evaluate
When you didn’t get the job, it is also important to have a think about your performance personally. Ask yourself questions like:
- Was I confident in my interview?
- Did I sell myself?
- Did I struggle to answer any questions?
- Did I have a strong understanding of the company and the role I was applying for within it, or could I have benefited from more research?
- Had I prepared my own questions to ask my interviewer?
If you feel that you sold yourself short, practice answering questions about your achievements and attributes that truly cover all bases of what you have to offer.
If you didn’t have any questions for your interviewer, be prepared at your next interview. Even asking how your interviewer became part of the project or where their passion lies within the company will give you information to bounce off with a discussion of your own ambitions.
Keep your confidence
While seeking feedback and performing self-analysis is constructive, don’t become over-critical of yourself.
Yep, rejection sucks. But guess what else? It happens to everyone. Get back online and start searching again.