6 Ways To Make the Most of a Job Rejection

Getting a job rejection can be a harsh blow, and it can take a lot out of you to feel like you’re unwanted. But you don’t have to feel totally crushed, as there are plenty of ways to turn the situation around and see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty.

1. Keep things in perspective

Job rejection isn’t the end of the world, and it’s hardly a crushing defeat, even if the job seems like it was truly perfect. Look at the larger arc of your career and see how you got to the point where you felt so much pressure to get this role. The negative features of the interview process could have been nuanced hints about how the job may have been, so in the best-case scenario, you dodged a bullet. And the positive features of the interview process could be a dime a dozen, as there are hundreds of jobs out there, but only one of you.

2. Try to get feedback

If you really thought you nailed the interview, but you didn’t get the job, it can be pretty grueling. And sometimes, the only advice companies can offer is that you weren’t the right person at the right time. In those situations, don’t be afraid to ask for a sort of exit interview, especially if you’ve been through multiple rounds of interviewing with the same recruiter. You could ask questions about the characteristics of the employee they chose for that role, your own skills (for instance, PowerPoint tips if you made a presentation), or facets of their company culture if the recruiter cited a culture fit problem.

3. Find a network

You’re not the first person to get a rejection, and you certainly won’t be the last – but it can feel isolating and devastating just the same. To bring yourself back down to earth, try finding a network of professionals who have similar roles to yours or who are in the same job-hunting boat. Groups on LinkedIn or Facebook are the most common for networking, but you can also find a professional network for peers to advise you on job rejection woes.

4. Re-analyze your search

Think about rejection as a feature, not a bug, in your job exploration. Getting rejected from a job can make you realize that some of the things you thought you wanted in a role aren’t that necessary, and things that you thought didn’t matter really do. For instance, if you keep interviewing for the same kind of job and you keep getting rejected from those roles, think about what you like about those positions and why you want them. Is it the pay raise? The title? The focus? Find what you value and make that the priority, as it will help you discern which jobs you’re applying to and why.

5. Make a new game plan

If you’re faced with continual rejection, maybe you need to start over – not necessarily in your job search itself, but in the whole concept of job hunting in the first place. Take a second look at your resume, cover letter, and references. Be sure to read the job description before you submit your application. Provide all of the skills you have that are required in your resume and cover letter.

For example, if you are a graphic designer, be sure to write a compelling graphic designer cover letter and resume that highlights the relevant talents to grab the interviewer’s attention. You can also mention your expertise with relevant design tools that help with things like image editing, image upscaling, or photoshopping.

You should also think about how you’ve prepared to answer interview questions and how you go about doing test projects for potential new organizations. Maybe you can even do some mock interviews with a mentor or try some activities. By starting from scratch, you might be able to see gaps that you hadn’t before. And though it’s painstaking, this exhaustive review is worth it in the end.

6. Look to your immediate network

Friends and family are great resources for the emotional portion of job rejection. Don’t be afraid to grieve the opportunity you could have had, especially if you’re looking to get away from a toxic work situation. Praise yourself for all the hard work you did to get as far as you did, and give yourself credit for making it past however many rounds you did. Sometimes, things just don’t work out, and that’s okay – so call a parent, sibling, friend, or partner and cry it out. A cathartic moment will inevitably lead to a clean break from rejection and a new beginning.