How to deal with rejections while job searching
A word on dealing with rejection in the job search. One of the things I do as a coach is teach my clients how to move on after being rejected by a company.
Even though my clients get jobs very fast, in under 10 weeks on average, they still get A LOT of rejections. It always stings to be rejected, even when you know it ultimately wasn't the right fit.
I always tell people upfront that it will be a part of the job search process, particularly because my clients put themselves into the market at a much higher rate than most other job seekers.
Rejection is inevitable, but not all opportunities are a match.
The biggest message I want to share is this - you can’t let rejection stop you from continuing your job search.
Don't get paralyzed. Your perfect job is still out there!
There’s always another opportunity, another chance to unlock and uncover the tools needed to ace your next interview.
The truth is everyone will face rejection at several points in their professional career. It happens to us all no matter how successful people look externally.
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Quick side note: I recently caught up with a few of my former clients (all of whom experienced rejection along the way to their success) and they are crushing it! Two got hired at FAANGs and another person just turned down a $200k offer because she knows her worth and can get a higher offer. This kind of success was unfathomable to them prior to working with me. It's also possible for you.
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Ok back to tips on how to overcome rejection.
Remember you can control what you learn and gain from each experience.
Sasha Dichter reframes rejection as rehearsal, and it's so on point, especially for job interviews.
Consider yourself lucky that you’ve been rejected many times because
It’s part of life
It means you are attempting something worthwhile
It’s preparing you for the prime-time show that will come one day.
That dream job or company that you’ve been preparing to talk to. You will be more ready than ever before because you’ve had so many dress rehearsals.
This is why doing many real interviews is so valuable.
Practice, give yourself ruthless feedback, and show up for the next audition, where you might just get the role.
Here are a few more tips to propel you back into your job search after experiencing a rejection:
Ask for feedback
You can ask the company for feedback (you won't always get it, but you can try), or ask a coach to do a mock interview with you. Getting feedback is one of the most valuable things you can do when faced with rejection because you want to understand where you need to improve. The goal is to get better. If you can't figure it out on your own, effective feedback will help you level up for the next time you interview.
Refine your job search
Get more targeted (hint: pick a single career path) and apply to way more jobs. This will help you get more interviews and therefore more chances to improve your interviewing skills. Build leverage, give yourself more options, and understand the market better. If you are not finding enough jobs to apply to you are likely reading the JDs wrong.
Be resilient
You have to start to view each setback as a challenge to grow both your self-understanding and your ability to bounce back and deal with disappointment. Overcoming these obstacles on your career path will increase your chances of landing the right role. It's all part of the greater plan.
You are worthy, sis. Don't let rejections define you.
