Rejection takes a toll on humans. It signals to the rejected that the rejector doesn’t see them as a good fit in a relationship, social setting, or for an open job. Even though rejection stings, the following are seven ways on how to remain confident after a job rejection.
Table of Contents
1. Remember, It’s Not Personal
It’s rare for a company to reject a job candidate for personal reasons. Not passing the background check or failing to meet requirements is cause for rejection.
Companies must hire the best candidates for every position. Every new hire requires an investment that covers recruiting, training, and time for them to adjust to the company culture. The investment ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the industry.
Corporations can handle the sunk cost if a new hire decides after two weeks of training that the position isn’t a good fit after all. For small companies, it’s not an option.
If a hiring manager rejects your candidacy, remember that it’s not personal.
2. Learn From the Rejection
Sometimes individuals receive a job rejection from a company that they want to join. To remain confident after the denial, look at the situation as a learning opportunity.
Consider requesting feedback from the interviewer. It’s good to understand what went wrong. If you didn’t present yourself well enough, it’s an opportunity to improve your interviewing skills. If you lack the skills for the position, take the time to obtain them. Then re-apply.
If the interviewer responds, it’s worth letting them know that you remain interested in working for the company. It doesn’t hurt to try to keep the door and dialogue open.
3. Move On to the Next Interview
When someone falls off a horse, bicycle, or skateboard, the advice that they receive is to get back on.
In this case, move on to the next interview. Since you find yourself searching for a job, keep scheduling interviews with companies and positions that fit your profile.
Rejection is tough because it has psychological effects on the person. It impacts an individual’s physical and mental health. Therefore it’s tempting to wallow.
By moving on to another interview, you skip the wallowing phase. You focus your energy on the possibility that you’ll land the next job by setting your best foot forward. Research possible interview questions specific to the position/industry you are applying for. For example, if you are interested in e-commerce like Amazon, research how to answer Amazon’s behavioral interview questions. Avoiding giving in to your temptation to pity yourself helps you remain confident during the job search process.
4. Reassess Your Position
Many people learn more from rejection and failure than they do from success. When all the pieces fall into place without encountering a roadblock, there is no pushback. Thus, there is no need for the individual to employ alternative strategies or solutions.
Rejection forces an individual to reassess their position and try something different.
These experiences come in handy when you negotiate a contract or request a signing bonus, as Physicians Thrive points out. Physicians go through the interview process the same way as individuals in other sectors. The interview is different, but the process is similar across the board.
5. Continue Networking
After a rejection, it’s important to remember why you thought you made a good candidate for the position. Sometimes the talent pool is full of well-qualified candidates. Thus, the competition for the job is stiff.
The rejection arrived because too many excellent candidates applied, not because you didn’t have the qualifications.
To remain confident, continue networking. It helps to share war stories with peers. If you remain part of a good group, they act as your cheering squad and help your confidence.
6. Take on a Project
Sometimes the job market favors employers; it takes longer for well-qualified individuals to land a solid position. In between job interviews, take on a project such as volunteering.
Your favorite organization won’t turn down your time donation. Volunteering keeps you busy, in an environment where you can network and continue picking up worthwhile skills.
7. Try Again
Entrepreneurs face rejection regularly. They don’t interview for jobs; they interview for clients. Entrepreneurs sell their company’s products and services. If they give up after rejection, they face shutting down their company.
Those seeking to grow their company or simply keep their doors open try again. They also seek new ways to acquire customers who haven’t heard their pitch.
After a job rejection, remain confident by trying again. In the NFL when one of Tom Brady’s receivers doesn’t catch and hold on to the ball, Brady throws it to them on the next play again. As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and leader, he doesn’t allow his teammates to wallow in failure. He goes right back to them, and the strategy often works.
The second time around can lead to better results which helps your confidence.
Conclusion
Very few people take any kind of rejection lightly. It’s human nature to take it on the chin. However, avoid wallowing. Instead, get back on the figurative horse to regain your confidence quickly.
