What are the best ways to handle job search rejection?

Think of it this way: When you shop on-line and you don't chose an item, does that mean that item has no value? No, it simply means that it isn't right for you at this time for this purpose. Hiring is fundamentally a purchase decision. You may not be right for this purpose at this time. You will be right in the future for another purpose.

It's important to remember that a LOT goes into a hiring decision. It is not always skill-based. It is not always grounded in logical reasoning, either. Sometimes a friend gets the job, sometimes internal volunteers pick up the extra work, and sometimes you catch your interviewers on a bad day. All this may seem unfair and may feel like saying the grapes are sour because you don't have them, but it is all true nonetheless. It's coming from a recruiter! :) Keep putting yourself out there. The opportunity that is right for you will not pass you by.

I regularly tell candidates, "every no is 1 step closer to the yes you are destined for." This gets them in the mindset that they too are seeking the right fit, not just the company doing so. This then alleviates the pressure they put on themselves and also reduce the impact of rejections.

Job rejection is a normal part of a Job search don't panic and never take it personally. Some useful ways to handle Job search rejection are: Allow yourself to de-stress - Do something that you enjoy Focus on your strengths - This can help you stay positive, make a list of your skills and accomplishments Learn from your mistakes - Improve yourself from employer feedback Share with someone you trust - Help you to feel your emotions and relax and most importantly Don't Give up - Stay motivated Keep applying for Jobs

Pace yourself & brace yourself. Finding A Job IS A Job! Plan & schedule your "work" day. Take "work" breaks as necessary. Remind yourself finding a job is NOT an overnight or instantaneous process. You found a job before. You will find a job again. Each NO brings you one step closer to your YES. #KeepGoing #YouGotThis

An interview or hiring process is always a learning opportunity. Reach out to the employer or interviewer and politely ask for feedback on why you were not selected. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve.

You shouldn't forget that getting hired for every position you applied is almost impossible. Sometimes you will be overqualified, sometimes underqualified and sometimes just not the right fit for current role. This doesn't mean you're weak or not capable. But rejections are good opportunity for having feedbacks. Asking for feedback will show your weak sides, so you can improve them till the next time. This will show the recruiters how good you handle with rejection and how open to learning and development you are.

It’s not always easy to digest rejections when you are in dire need of a job, but there is still a way to respond after receiving a rejection email. Ask for a reason and what can be improved to better prepare yourself for the next interview. It is a fact we can’t expect the same question for the similar position at different interviews but that gives us a base to prepare for the next one and soon, we can handle any interviews like a cake walk. And some recruiters maybe kind enough to share some areas of improvement. Be open minded and see it as a chance to do well next time.

If possible, politely ask for feedback from the hiring team regarding why you were not selected. Your initial recruiter, or whoever you spoke to the most during this process, would be the correct party to reach out to. Although hiring teams are not always able to provide feedback, when they can, it might provide insights into areas where you can improve. The more feedback you're able to gather, the better. Consider whether there are common reasons for the rejections and if there are any patterns or pieces consistent feedback. Use that information to help you with your future interviews!

It's good practice to ask for feedback from your interviewers, and at least in Canada and the U.S., it's perfectly normal that you will either get no feedback or very generic feedback. Your best bet is to talk to an employment counsellor (funded services in your area) or a career coach. The most useful feedback you'll likely get will be through mock interviews. Be strategic though about how you seek out feedback. For example, if you're getting interviews for the roles you want, the issue has to do with your interviews. It's not about your resume. Everyone has opinions about resumes, and it can be a huge waste of your time to focus your energy there when that is not the problem.

Rejection in the job search should instead be viewed as redirection. I always encourage job seekers I am speaking with to tap into their networks to level up their job search and the connections built through interviewing further build out your professional network. As a sourcer, I always encourage job seekers who are on the fence about moving forward to a hiring manager interview to think of it from a networking perspective. If I think you are base qualified, you should talk to the hiring manager. It adds an additional network contact to your toolbox and gives you the opportunity to learn about someone else from someone in your professional field. It's also the best way for you to evaluate the opportunity.

One cure for rejection is to keep filling your pipeline with more interviews, more opportunities. Networking is the best way to do that. I recommend reading The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton to learn a more effective and efficient way of networking Most people don't know how to do it effectively.

The resume is dead. The old was on focusing on countless hours building an impeccable resume. The new way is to create long-term connections, showcase your expertise, skills and interest through your presence online. Make the most out of LinkedIn!

The quality of your network will determine net worth. Networking is not something that you start 6 months after you lost your job. Rather, it is about building a group of professional connections where others are motivated to help you build your professional skills because you have helped those people build their careers. Paying it forward, starting with the simple, "How can I help you?", helps build strong connections where others are motivated to support you in the short and long term. Consistency is also critical. Reaching out and connecting with just one person per day will add over 300 people in a year and give you diverse new opportunities as you develop your network. The more personal the outreach, the more likely the connection.

There are six careers this side of heaven you will never get to because everyone has a surprising breadth of skills. Think about 3 potential careers you want to explore in the next 5 years. Build a strategy for each. Then pursue all three. As you find resonance with one of them, follow that aggressively, while still keeping the others active, but at a different level of intensity. After 3 months, review what is working, what not, adjust your approach, and then pivot your focus so that you are always following an interesting path while building backup action plans. Iterate and be open to serendipity, particularly if you feel like you have hit a brick wall. If you don't buy a ticket, you can't win.

Rejection provides an opportunity to critically evaluate your job search strategy. Job search rejection often comes with feedback, either directly or indirectly. Use this feedback as a guide to understand where your strategy might need adjustments. Feedback can reveal areas where your approach could be enhanced, such as refining your interviewing skills, revising your resume, or focusing on particular skill development. Revising your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or pitch can make a significant difference. Tailor these documents to match the specific requirements of each job opportunity. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the role, showcasing how you can fulfill the employer's needs.

In the unpredictable job hunt, everyone faces rejection. Instead of dwelling, one should look for feedback, tweak their approach, and explore new opportunities. Each setback fuels resilience. Looking back, rejection is not the end but a stepping stone to eventual success. If you're navigating rejection, remember, it's part of the journey—embrace it as a chance to evolve and pave your way to a fulfilling career.

Consider feedback from previous rejections, as well as appraisals and the like. Is there something that keeps coming up? What are your development priorities? Make a note of any weaknesses or concerns that you can address, and utilize them as a focal point for how you approach your preparation the following time. Make a plan based on these requirements. What can you do to close the performance gaps? Depending on the issue, you may be able to benefit from some training or informal coaching. Or it could simply be a matter of working harder on some of your answers and finding someone with whom to practice them.

As a Career Transition Coach, I have found that gradual improvement matters on the journey to achieving a truly rewarding job or career. That means that each interview, whether it results into an offer or not, it would leave a candidate better than how it found them. As a candidate, you can maintain a journal to track the WHY and WHAT. WHY wasn't I selected to the role? WHY was I second? WHY was I not considered? WHAT did I miss? WHAT could I have done better? WHAT gaps came up? A genuine reflection and feedback seeking from employers can provide a constructive framework to move on stronger and with even better clarity. What's more some, understanding that not every opportunity is necessarily good for one can be a saving buffer.

In the hustle of a job search, it's easy to forget the value of rest and self-care. As a career coach, I often see clients tirelessly sending out resumes and preparing for interviews. While dedication is crucial, so is recharging. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and getting a good night's sleep can make all the difference in your job search journey. It's not a sprint; it's a marathon. So, if you're in the midst of your job search, make rest a priority. You're not just looking for a job; you're building your future. And that requires a well-nurtured

What I learned in my experience after being affected by a RIF, is to give myself grace. I had to learn how to be more patient with myself. I had to step back and analyze my skills and experience and I was able to really see the amazing impact that I had made. I could clearly see the values that I bring to a company and team and understand what motivates me. I was then better able to explain my skills and experience that I had gained throughout my career.

When someone is worried about rent, bills, and other things, it can be difficult to encourage them to keep trying. If you are a good coach, you may need to be their sounding board and help them find ways to continue. In working with people, this is the tough part - helping them realize they must keep going and be present in an interview, even when that may not be easy for them.

We’re often second, third, or fourth on our list of priorities, and a job search process can be draining. Exercise and other forms of self-care are essential to maintaining an attitude which employers want and that you need to project. Get out and exercise whether it “makes sense” to you or not.

It's really important to acknowledge your feelings. It's perfectly ok to be frustrated, disappointed, or angry. The sooner you listen to what your body is telling you through the emotions you're experiencing, the sooner you can let go of the negative emotions.

It is important to remember that a big proportion of interview success is the chemistry between you and the interviewer. Sometimes there's a spark and sometimes it is just not there. I remember when I was job searching 10+ years ago, for unknown reason the HR person just didn't like me. It was a hostile interview. However just 2 weeks later with the same set on interview answers, I hit it off big time with the interviewer and eventually secured the job. So if you get a rejection, don't be disheartened. It could be just down to no chemistry

If you made it to the interview stage, remember, it means you’re getting close. The fact that you got that far means this was not a failure. It was a small win. And then, every time you do get interviewed, and even if it’s a “no”, consider it good practice. It all adds up.

Remember that rejection does not indicate your value or skill as a person, so don't take it personally. It's just a step in the procedure. If feasible, request information about why you weren't chosen for the position. Utilize this criticism to hone your abilities or focus on potential development areas. Don't let failure stop you from looking for employment. Continue to network with individuals in your field and submit job applications. Keeping a positive outlook throughout the job search process is critical. This will support your motivation and goal-focused persistence. Make sure to look after yourself by exercising, consuming healthfully, and spending time with loved ones and companions because rejection can be mentally taxing.

Keep in mind that rejection is a crucial aspect of learning and skill development. Treat it as an opportunity to improve your abilities and emotional resilience. Adopt a mindset that sees rejection as a chance to improve your skills. Through feedback, you will see in what areas you need to improve and you should definitely be grateful for that. Reaching the interview stage is already a success, and from every experience - whether acceptance or rejection - you gain valuable insights and potential opportunities for growth.

💬 Be consistently polite and professional. Remember, the current opportunity may not be the right one for you but it doesn't mean the organization or the recruiters will not reach out again next time. Consider every meeting as an opportunity to network! 🌟