10 Tips To Cope With Job Application Rejection

This blog will help you deal with that feeling of rejection when you do not get the dream job you have applied for. 

In the world of today, Covid has led to a “buyers” market, with a low number of positions, and an ever growing number of candidates. The whole world of recruitment is on its head, with only a tiny % of applications being successful on job boards, and more time having to be spent building your personal brand.

However, what goes hand in hand with this is rejection. Many applicants are receiving that dreaded call or email saying they have not been successful, if of course they get any communication at all. Many are ghosted.

If you are lucky enough to get past that first hurdle and you get noticed, you can then spend days preparing for numerous interviews, and potential case studies / presentations, but still with that same dreaded outcome. Indeed, I have seen cases of rejections, and for the work done in a presentation used by that recruiter, like free consultancy,

Whether dating or job searching, most of us have faced some rejection in life at one point in time or another. Surprisingly, therapists say that job rejection can lead to as much depression as being jilted by a prospective lover. Fortunately, the big difference is that job rejection can be forgotten much faster than a failed relationship.

Nonetheless, dealing with job rejection can be equally tough, especially if you face a steady stream of rejection over time. 

So, how do you survive and prosper? Here are nine proven ways of dealing with job rejection: 

1. Never take it personally: Don't use a job interview as a measure of your professional worth. The hiring process at most companies is often difficult to gauge and typically out of your control. So just because you didn't make it past the interview round doesn't mean you're not qualified for the job.

2. Have another plan: Don't pin your hopes on one specific job in the belief that it's a perfect fit. It's also smart to pursue multiple opportunities even when you don't want to. I have been guilty of this: I was so sure I was going to succeed. I took my foot off the pedal for a week, and had to face rejection and starting again, having lost momentum.

3. Interviews are just that - INTERVIEWS: Never consider an interview the best way to satisfy your professional validations. If you do, you're bound to experience disastrous results, since employers want to know how you can help them, not how they can help you.

4. Ask for Feedback: What have you got to lose? If you keep doing the same things, and expect a different outcome, you will be destined to fail. It is an iterative process, and even though you may not like what you hear, you can amend your approach, pick yourself up, and go again. However, I’m afraid all recruiters aren’t so willing to engage, but do not let them dent your self-worth. It’s too easy to blame external forces. Concentrate on what you can effect,

5. Never Bring Up the Past: Once rejected, we tend to re-live the situation and discuss it with others when we shouldn't. Instead of focusing on rejections, try to focus on instances when you've succeeded and when your expectations were met it’s about PMA (POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE). It’s easy to say, but if you maintain your PMA you feel far more positive about yourself, and life and are more productive in your job search.

6. What are your strengths: Don’t blame yourself if you face a rejection. Don’t beat yourself up just because you've been rejected for multiple jobs. Focus on what you are good at and use that positivity to shine through in the next interview. You have to sell yourself, so don’t let doubt creep in.

7. Understand That You Aren't Alone: Many more people are turned down for jobs than land them - that's a simple fact. Once you accept that, you can focus on the next opportunity.

8. Keep a Positive Attitude: The best way to deal with rejections is to keep a smile on your face. Turn each rejection into a learning opportunity and stay focused on your ultimate goal. The day will come that you and your great job are finally matched.

9. Take a Time Out: Applying for roles can be a 24/7 job. It shouldn’t be. Have structure in your day of course, but have time for yourself, to improve your physical and mental wellbeing, and, if you can enjoy this time you have with family, friends etc as when , and I mean when not if, you get that next role, you will wish you had used your time more effectively. We can come out of this better employees, and better people.