Dedicated to all the candidates and job seekers who are willing to do whatever it takes to pursue their passion and career. If you’re wondering how to handle job rejection even thru email, this post is for you. #BigIdeas

Firstly, let me share that over the past month, I’ve received countless messages from people seeking coaching on handling job rejection. Specifically, the most common rejection emails look something like this:

• “Thank you for your time and interest with (company name) but after reviewing your resume, we have chosen to move forward with other candidates who are more qualified for this role…”
• “Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you. While we were impressed with your background and experience, we have concluded that another candidate’s qualifications more closely match our requirements…”
• Thank you for your application for the position of (blank) at (insert company name). As you can imagine, we received a large number of applications. Therefore, after careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been selected for an interview…

These messages, while polite, can be incredibly disheartening. So, I decided to focus on the emotional aftermath of not landing your dream job and how to cope with rejection.

How to Handle Job Rejection: Why Following Up Matters (applies to email)

My personal opinion? Always follow up to understand why you weren’t selected. Ask: “Was there something in my background or skills that I was missing?” This helps you identify areas for improvement and handle job rejection more effectively.

The Sting of Rejection

Fact: not getting the job you interview for can be tough. We’ve all been there, and no one enjoys rejection, especially after multiple rounds of interviews. Handling job rejection is challenging, so, how do you deal with it?

How to Handle Job Rejection: Understanding Rejection

• It’s Not Personal: Often, someone else is simply a better fit. Following up helps you learn and develop your skills for future applications.
• Ego Bruising: Rejection can impact our pride and self-worth. Consequently, it can lead to self-doubt and even playing the blame game, making it vital to know how to handle job rejection.
• Social Pain: Furthermore, as social creatures, rejection is emotionally painful. In fact, research shows it activates the same brain pathways as physical pain.
• Process Your Emotions: Above all, acknowledge your anger and frustration. Then, analyze the situation and your feelings to gain perspective.
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How to Handle Job Rejection: Tips for Handling Rejection

• Realistic Expectations: Understand the odds of success. High-demand roles receive many applications. Don’t let a lack of response discourage you as you handle job rejection.
• Multiple Applications: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply for multiple jobs to avoid hyper-focusing on one opportunity.
• It’s Not Always Black and White: Many factors influence hiring decisions. Don’t overanalyze; follow up to gain insights.
• Avoid Personalizing: Rejection stings because we become emotionally attached to the role. Remember, it’s often not about you.
• A Greater Reason: Trust that things happen for a reason, even if it’s not immediately clear. This mindset can be incredibly freeing.
• An Opportunity to Evolve: Rejection offers a chance for growth and self-improvement. Use it to learn and become a stronger version of yourself to better handle job rejection.

 

Improve Leadership Presence on LinkedIn

To establish yourself as a leader in your field, cultivate a robust and engaging LinkedIn presence. Share insightful articles, participate in industry discussions, and connect with other professionals. Highlighting your expertise and thought leadership will not only increase your visibility but also enhance your credibility and attract potential employers. This can indirectly help you handle job rejection by demonstrating resilience.

Final thoughts:

Rejection hurts, it actually sucks but guess what? It’s part of life and the sooner you can accept this, the better off you will be. As an ego-reducing emotion, it’s nothing short of painful but once you can see rejection as necessary positive – it will help you overcome whatever job interview (or life) throws your way. Learn how to handle job rejection, and embrace it as a catalyst for productive change towards a better, stronger, more powerful you. 

And finally, I leave you with this gem…

 

How do you handle rejection when you don’t get what you want? The floor is yours.

With leadership,
Joshua

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Not-your-typical Personal and Executive Master Certified Coach.
Joshua Miller is a creative and impactful leader. His career experience has spanned both the advertising world and the world of leadership and organizational development. In advertising, he was responsible in delivering campaign strategies for Fortune 100 companies. Now he innovates and delivers results when supporting executive talent development and change management for the same clients.

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