Bouncing Back from Job Application Rejections

First and Foremost: Be Kind to Yourself

It can be hard to learn that a job you hope for may not be coming your way. The first and best way to start bouncing back from a job rejection is to avoid punishing yourself. It can be easy and tempting for us to get caught up in our own self-criticism but it’s never productive. Instead, it’s important to be compassionate and understanding with ourselves so that we can move on to practical solutions.

Reflect Strategically

Sometimes, it’s helpful to take some time to self-reflect and ask yourself tough questions about the interview and application process. What do you think you did best in the interview and the application? What could you have improved upon? Were there areas in which you need to work on further if you want to stand out from the competition even more? Asking questions like these allows you to think of how to recalibrate your plan in order to improve your chances for the next opportunity.

Utilize Resources

Unfortunately, job rejections don’t always come with concrete explanations for why you weren’t chosen. However, don’t be afraid to contact the employer and ask for any feedback that can be shared. Remember to maintain a professional and courteous tone, and appreciate that they may not have time to reply. You can also take advantage of resources provided by job boards, sites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn, and your own network to get more information or new ideas that can help you in the job search.

Move Forward with Confidence

Recovering from a job rejection takes time, effort, and patience. Continue to take the steps necessary to land a job, such as revising your resume and interview strategies, as well as broadening your job search. It’s also important to be realistic in your expectations. Job rejections are a normal part of the job search process, but they don’t define you or your future. Take each new opportunity or challenge as an opportunity to create a successful career path that works for you.