The process of finding the right job can be long and tiring – and sometimes involves rejection. If you don’t get the job that you’ve applied for then moving on from that rejection successfully is going to be crucial to ensuring that you have a better chance next time around.
Give yourself a little time to process it
As humans we are programmed to feel bad when rejection happens so if you don’t get that job and it feels like you’ve been hit by a truck then that’s totally normal. It’s ok to feel temporarily down and disheartened as long as you don’t get sucked into that for too long. It can be useful to review your performance during the recruitment process – and to ask for some constructive feedback about why you were rejected. This kind of information can help you to start the process of doing better next time.
Review the job itself
Go back through the whole process of recruitment, and everything you know about the job, and make some notes. What was it about the job that made it feel like it was ideal for you and where were you actually making some compromises? Was there anything raised during the interview, for example, that seemed like a mismatch between your skills and experience and what the employer was looking for? You may realise that, at this stage, the job may not have been that ideal and there could be a different role or company you are better suited to.
Follow up with your Recruitment Consultant
It may feel like you’ve been rejected and that’s the end of the story but the reality is that you could well end up in front of this same employer at some point in the future. So, it always pays to discuss your interview feedback with your Recruitment Consultant, they are the experts and will be able to help you tailor your interview techniques for any future opportunities.
Review your CV and your skills
Could your CV do with an update or rewrite or are you lacking some key skills that could be easily learned or acquired before you undertake another interview? Now is the ideal time to go over your CV and performance with a (constructively) critical eye and look at where improvements can be made for next time.
Let it go
Rejection in the employment market is a reality for everyone but shouldn’t be taken to heart. The qualities and experience that make you a bad fit for one job could be those that make you an ideal match for a role you love even more. The important thing is not to let the rejection drag you down.
We support job seekers with a wealth of resources and advice – contact 2i Recruit today to find out more about our current opportunities and how we might be able to help you find the perfect role.
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