how to deal with rejection

In the job-hunting process, it is inevitable that you will face rejection. Whether it is “ghosting” (no reply whatsoever), a cursory rejection letter or a painful “we’ve gone with another candidate” after an interview, rejection can hurt. At the same time, rejection should not be taken personally and here are some ways to re-train your mind to use rejection as fuel for future success.

1.       When one door closes, another opens
It sounds cliché but this is very true. Being the “right fit” strikes both ways. Your employer has many undisclosed reasons for not hiring you. For instance, you may be over-qualified and they cannot match your pay, or they know that you would not be a good fit for the culture of the firm. In many instances, not being offered a position is probably a blessing in disguise. When one door closes, another opens and the next opportunity may just be the perfect fit for you.

2.       Helping you gain mileage
For some industries, rejection is almost a constant process. For instance models or actors who go on hundreds of auditions a year. Edison invented the light bulb on the 1000th try. All of these experiences are helping you gain experience and valuable lessons. Instead of viewing rejection negatively, know that you are merely on your journey to success. Wear each rejection letter like a badge of honour, they are simply milestones on your journey to achieving your career goals.  

Most best-selling books were rejected by hundreds of publishers before they got a chance. If even JK Rowling’s genius was overlooked, you shouldn’t be too worried about yours ;) Your opportunity to shine will come when it is the right time for you.

3.       What can you learn from it?
Post-interview, when the memory is still fresh, write down what you did well and/or things that stood out that you felt you could have done better. Over time, you will have developed a ‘Cheat Sheet’ of mistakes you should avoid and personalized tips that help you perform at your best.
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Finally, always remember to be polite in handling such matters. Thank your interviewers, the company staff etc. even after you receive a “no”. You may not be the right fit right now, but you never know when you will cross paths in the future.