Rejection, while disappointing, is an integral part of the job-hunting process. Every job seeker faces this disheartening outcome at some point in their professional life. What’s most important is understanding what you should do after being rejected from a job. Below, we’ve outlined the advice everyone should keep in mind.
Practice Self-Compassion
Experiencing rejection can evoke a range of emotions, from disappointment to self-doubt, and it’s normal to feel upset, frustrated, or disappointed after receiving a job rejection. Allow yourself time to process and acknowledge these emotions without judgment, especially when you’ve invested time and energy into the application and interview process.
As you practice self-compassion, remember that rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth or abilities but a part of the process. You’ll find the right fit the more you put yourself out there and apply to open roles.
Express Gratitude to the Interviewer
Even though you didn’t receive the job offer, respond to the rejection email with gratitude. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the company.
Expressing gratitude leaves a positive impression and helps you maintain a professional relationship with the company. This could be beneficial if another position that aligns with your qualifications and career goals should open.
Pro Tip
Although the company hasn’t offered you a job now, there’s always a chance for future opportunities, especially when you accept the rejection gracefully.
Evaluate the Reason for Rejection
Another key thing to do after being rejected for a job is to reflect on the reasons it may have happened. More importantly, consider what went well and what you could improve.
There’s a chance you had all the necessary qualifications but lacked preparation for the interview, leading to a less-than-stellar performance. Similarly, you may have had little to say when they inquired about what interested you in the role.
Strive for Improvement
Use rejection as an opportunity to grow. If the company provides feedback, jot it down and use it to identify areas of improvement. However, if there was no specific feedback, note what you feel you could have done better so that you don’t make those mistakes in the future.
For instance, if you felt underprepared for the interview, consider investing more time in preparing for future interviews. Likewise, if you stumbled while answering specific questions, practice articulating your responses more effectively.
Get Career Help
While job rejections can be disheartening, they also offer valuable personal and professional growth opportunities. At Burnett’s Staffing, we offer employee recruitment services to help job seekers and employers find the perfect match. We’ll assist you in each step and ensure we understand all your goals to find the best fit for both parties.