It's safe to say that no one likes rejection. It never makes you feel great and it can be crushing. However, rejection at some stage is an inevitable part of the job-hunting process. And your job search will be easier if you accept it as such.
Reading the Guardian Careers 10 mistakes to avoid when job hunting this lunchtime, I was particularly struck by their fourth point - Don't take rejection personally. My first thought was "easier said than done".
Because the trouble with being rejected from a job is that it feels very personal. Why didn't they like me enough to employ me, you wonder, I put in so much effort and I'm talented and lovely! It's possible that the reasons for rejection weren't all about you though. Recruitment processes can be complicated and there could be many factors at play in the hiring decision that might not be immediately apparent. It often simply comes down to the other applicants' experience and skills being a closer match to the job spec than yours.
So what can you do when you fail to get your dream job, you know the one you would have been totally perfect for? The important thing is to consider the possibilities, why did you not land the job and what can you do about it in the future? Try to secure feedback and act upon it. If your presentation at interview failed to impress, how can you improve it? If your skills were not a good match to the role, consider how you can acquire the necessary skills.
One of the most perplexing rejections is the "they liked you but the other candidate was a better team fit." It's difficult to know what to do with this information, you could take it to be just one of those things or perhaps consider if you need to tailor your application choices more carefully.
At Sue Hill Recruitment, we are always happy to talk to candidates about improving their job application or interview and presentation skills so do ask us, it's what we're here for.
And, if at first you don't succeed, don't be afraid to try again! Determination and enthusiasm are your friends in your quest for a new job.
- Fiona
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