Job hunting: Dealing with rejection and using it to your advantage

No one likes to be rejected. Missing out on a job you had set your heart on can be difficult to navigate. However, with the right mindset, you can turn a setback into an opportunity as Natalie Belton, Senior Consultant in our London team explains.

Ask for feedback

Asking for and listening to feedback is the most valuable thing you can do when faced with a job rejection. Often there is a positive. The feedback may help you to reassess the roles you are applying for or point you in the right direction for self-development.

Take time to reflect

Once you’ve had a chance to come to terms with the decision, think about the feedback you have received. Ask yourself: What did I feel went well? What could I have done differently? Perhaps, you don’t have all the experience required on the job specification. Sometimes the focus of the role can change during the recruitment process, and this can feel particularly frustrating.

There is always room to improve, so use any setbacks to highlight these areas.

Learn and make a plan

You are learning as go. Treat each Interview as a learning process. Try and take something away from the experience that’s positive.

Make a note of any weak spots or issues that you can do something about and use them as a focus for the way you manage your preparation next time. You can then create a plan to fix the gaps in your performance. You could look at some training or informal coaching to undertake to help you develop. Or practicing and researching more before each interview.

Try to be stoic

Epictetus said, “Of things, some are in our power, and others are not”. Sometimes rejection is simply out of your hands – and can even ultimately be in your interest. Remember that you tried your best and without trying everything would remain the same.

Nothing will move forward without you trying and that is a success in itself. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting that far. Even if you felt your interview went perfectly, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the role within that specific company was perfect for you.

Build resilience

View any setbacks and rejections as an opportunity to grow both your self-understanding and your ability to bounce back and deal with disappointment. Conquering stumbling blocks on your career path will increase your chances of landing the right role. Make a point of staying constructive and learning from the experience to help you get ready for the next opportunity.

Getting turned down from a job happens to everyone, but it is what you learn from the experience that counts.

Get in touch

Should you wish to have a confidential chat with Natalie Belton to discuss the current HR market or your search for work/recruiting into your team, please contact her directly at nbelton@mdhr.co.uk

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