You know the feeling: You nailed an interview for a job you really want, you’re excited and waiting for that oh-so-important call saying you’re hired! But alas, it doesn’t come. Instead, you get a voicemail from the interviewer indicating they’re going to keep your resume on file for future opportunities. You get an email indicating the position has been filled. Even worse? You get an automatic email with a generic “thank you” informing you the job has been closed.
Rejection isn’t fun but it is an opportunity to pursue new open doors rather than stare at shut ones (kicking and screaming in the process). So, how do you move forward from rejection? Simple: Stay in touch with that employer.
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Candidates who handle disappointment professionally and write back indicating they would like to be considered for other opportunities are the ones who actually get them. Recruiters need to fill jobs quickly, so having a pool of strong candidates to pull from is helpful. But this certainly doesn’t mean every qualified candidate gets the job, and many times the reason isn’t related to any of your own doing. Maybe it was political and an internal candidate was selected even though they don’t possess your same skill set.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remain focused on the big picture and not let your frustrations come into play. There are many instances when candidates are rude and respond in an unprofessional manner. As a result, they are very likely not to be considered in the future and their profile will be flagged in the applicant tracking system. Yes, it can be challenging to write back an upbeat note when you’re dealing with the initial feeling of rejection. But, in some cases, a simple and polite email can go a long way.
When you’re able to channel your frustrations in more positives ways, you can interact with the employer the right way and respond with a more understanding tone. This approach will illustrate that you have a level head and chose to take the high road. And that high road is incredibly alluring to an employer who may have similar openings down the line.
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Another way to handle rejection is to take it as an opportunity to evaluate your interview skills. Maybe you were stumped by a question or maybe you didn’t hit it off with the hiring manager. If you can determine areas you could’ve been more prepared in, then you can use it as a learning experience and work to improve upon those things.
Many times it takes a bit of honest self-reflection to determine what could have gone better. Although candidates will ask recruiters for feedback, due to legal constraints they often aren’t able to give any. Recruiters would literally have to give feedback to every single candidate in order to not be discriminatory. And, that would be too complicated and time-consuming given the sheer volume of candidates they’re working with on a daily basis. So it’s best to take a step back and give yourself a truthful assessment and make adjustments where necessary.
It’s also important not to overly personalize things. If your confidence takes a hit due to rejection, consider the positives. It wasn’t meant to be and there’s something better for you. I had one candidate tell me she interviewed for a job and was “ghosted” by the company — even after being told they wanted to hire her, and after giving her an office tour including where her new desk would be. Months later, she realized that rejection was for the best. She’s now immersed in a job for an employer that she feels appreciated and respected by.
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In addition to polishing your interview skills (mock interviews with friends, the career office at your alma mater or a local career coach), pursue activities you enjoy doing. Whether it’s tennis, a local book club or mastering a new recipe, hopefully that increase of positive activity will help put a spring back into your step.
As you continue to interview, trust that the right job is out there and will come at the right time, and accept that rejection is just part of the process. Even though it’s not fun and the method in which you get rejected may seem cold in some cases (it’s usually more transactional than you think), don’t let it throw you off your game.
As you accept the process, remember recruiters and hiring managers are truly looking to hire you. Keep going!
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How to Handle Rejection After a Job Interview originally appeared on usnews.com
