How to deal with job rejection
Job hunting can feel like a full-time job, from perusing job boards and sending out resumes to writing countless cover letters and going for interviews. But hearing “no” at the end of it all can be crushing. So what can you do to turn this negative event into a positive outcome?
Adopt a positive mindset
First take the time to accept the rejection and rebuild your confidence to try again. But be careful to avoid using this as an excuse to be stuck in a rut. Stewing in negative emotions risks prolonging this recovery period, which may cause you to lose momentum and motivation.
It’s important to keep things in perspective after receiving a rejection. Although it’s a hard fact to swallow, the reality is that you’re not going to get an offer for every job you apply for – no one does! But this isn’t a bad thing. In fact, you can potentially turn it into an advantage.
Use the learning to help you prepare for your next interview. Also use this chance to pinpoint your strengths and apply for positions that you’re better suited for. The upside is that you’re now open to other, possibly better, opportunities.
Assess and re-evaluate
Reflection is key: Think about what went well during your interview, what didn’t and why. Were you truly qualified for the role? Did your passion for the job come across? Also reflect the questions posed by the interviewer and how you answered them. How can your responses be improved?
Remember that the main objective of an interview is for the interviewer to discover the person behind the resume. Did you speak up with confidence and ask insightful questions? Were you confident and able to communicate what you could bring to the role?
Even beyond the interview itself, asking hiring managers and recruitment consultants for feedback is a good learning experience. Although these conversations may initially be uncomfortable, getting honest, specific feedback about why you weren’t offered the job will go a long way to preparing you for future application processes.
Getting back on track
When you’re ready to restart the job-hunting process, maximise your job search activity such that when one rejection occurs, you have other opportunities waiting in line. This also softens the blow of disappointment and frustration.
Pursuing multiple possibilities simultaneously will help you figure out the kind of role that you really want and are best suited for. Besides being time-efficient, it’s good sense to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket and being overly fixated on one option.
It’s also time to put into practice what you’ve learnt from previous rejection experiences, such as applying for roles you’re best qualified for and impressing the interviewer with your confidence.
Finally, remember that rejection is temporary. Going through the ups and downs of the job search process will help you become more resilient, adaptable and experienced as well as position you as a stronger and more self-aware candidate in the future. Once you're ready to give it another go, take a look at the latest job opportunities we have available and find the role best suited for you!
Related content
View AllOver the last five years, there has been significant disruptions across technological, geopolitical, and economic fronts, resulting in many changes within hiring. One notable shift is the rise of the contingent workforce, particularly in the APAC region. A study on contingent workforces by Data Inte
Read MoreRecently, the rapid growth and adoption of AI has impacted how organisations operate daily, but also how they think about the future of their business. Organisations have begun to consider their level of AI readiness and ways to prepare their business for the future with an AI-ready workforce. This
Read MoreThe job market is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. To ensure your hiring practices remain effective in 2025 and beyond, it's crucial to embrace emerging trends and adapt your interview strategies accordingly. Because it’s the linc
Read MoreRelated content
View allOne of the most common interview questions interviewees face is: "Why are you leaving your current job?" And the most daunting part is that your answer can shape a interviewer’s first impression, positively or negatively. Whether you're job hunting after a redundancy, looking for better opportunitie
Read MoreThe key to negotiating your salary is gathering as much information as possible before negotiations begin. Understanding a company's situation and your own value in the marketplace can help you to receive your desired salary. Below, we outline our top tips to help you with your salary negotiations.
Read MoreConsidering a move overseas to develop your career? Here’s what you need to know… International experience can work wonders for your career development. Here, with the help of some of our experts, we look at some of the key things to think about if you’re planning a move overseas… Be clear about why
Read More