Tips for How to Handle Job Rejections

The job market is becoming increasingly selective, and candidates are facing more rejections than ever despite the employment rate being relatively low. Experts are calling this “The Great Mismatch” where there is a discrepancy between what candidates report of the market and the economic number behind it. Regardless, job rejection is something that almost every job seeker experiences, and while it can be hard to face, there are ways to benefit from rejection.  

Below are a few considerations for how to handle job rejections as a job seeker:  

Reflect Constructively

After dealing with a rejection, it’s easy to be reactionary and hurt. While these reactions are totally normal, it’s important to keep perspective and try to take the rejection as a learning opportunity. Asking for feedback can be a great way to do this, so consider reaching out to jobs to decipher why you weren’t the best candidate for them. This will give you insights on how to perform better during your next opportunity. Whether your interview skills were not the strongest or your experience wasn’t aligned with what they were looking for, feedback is a great tool for improvement.  

Audit Your Search Process

Often when searching for a job, candidates look for a broad range of opportunities across various organizations – regardless of how well-suited they are for each position. Some candidates, on the other hand, can be a bit narrow-minded, only wanting to apply for positions within one specific organization. Both processes can be harmful when trying to find your perfect opportunity. For instance, candidates may have thought they would be a great fit for one role, but at second glance, their background doesn’t really align with the demands of the role. Candidates could also limit themselves by putting all their time and energy into one organization. These job search methods may be influencing these rejections, which is why it’s important to consider all options that fit your background best. As such, auditing your search process could improve your chances of getting more quality and fitting opportunities, making those rejection emails less common.  

Stay Persistent

Job rejections can be difficult to manage, and they can even make you want to give up finding a job altogether. In the US alone, 7.2% of the unemployed population is made up of discouraged workers, or workers who feel as if they can’t find a job, so they give up trying. When dealing with rejection, it’s important to remember there are hundreds of thousands of different organizations and opportunities. One job rejection is not reflective of your abilities, it’s just an opportunity to improve before your next interview. After receiving a job rejection, remember it’s okay to feel upset; however, don’t let it stop you from finding your dream job. 

Looking Ahead

Looking for a job can be a long, tough, and tedious process; however, it comes with great reward when you do find the right opportunity. As such, learning how to persevere through job rejections and the ups and downs of the job market is so important to the process. When searching for a job, rejection is inevitable, but learning how to work through it will be worth it in the end.  

For more guidance on the current job market and candidate outlooks, contact BCTG for expert opinions.  

Contributions from Leah Harding