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There’s no way around it – job rejection is hard. No matter what the reason, finding out you’re not a fit, especially about a job you were excited about, can feel like a huge setback. Don’t let job rejection slow you down. Here’s how the “no’s” you hear from companies can create more opportunities and open doors down the road.

Ask for detailed feedback.

The chances are that your job rejection will come in the form of an email. These can be fairly standard and generic or a bit more personalized, but they often say the same kind of thing, usually to the effect of “We’ve decided to go with another candidate who more closely fits our needs at this time.” Ask why. You can still be professional, polite, and not burn any business bridges by writing back to say, “Thanks for your time. I appreciate the opportunity. I’d love to know more about why you chose the other candidate and if there’s any other feedback you for me.”

Think about your job search.

When you got a job rejection, are you more disappointed that you didn’t get chosen and hired or that you didn’t get to work for that specific company in that specific role? If you’re finding that you’re applying to jobs that aren’t that interesting or appealing to you, it’s possible that this lack of interest is coming through in job interviews. If employers sense your lack of enthusiasm during an interview, it’s much more likely they’ll decide to go with someone else. Make sure to apply for jobs that get you excited.

Remember, it’s not personal.

Even when you get feedback from an employer saying you weren’t a good fit or weren’t qualified, remember that you aren’t just your work or a set of qualifications and that there are a lot of factors going in getting hired for a job. The more you tell yourself that rejection isn’t personal, the easier it will be going forward positively.

Going into 2020, reflect on past interviews and feedback from interviewers to figure out what next steps to take. Use feedback to shape your approach in interview conversations going forward and practice your responses before heading back out on job interviews.

If you’re looking for your next role, give our team a call. We’re excited to help you connect with the employer and position that are right for you.

 

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