Even for the most promising candidates with lots of achievements and experience under their belts, rejection is a natural part of the job hiring process. Many job-seekers in today’s market may have already gotten their applications rejected more than once due to factors like stiff competition and employers’ need for a better fit.
When faced with this type of challenge, job-seekers would also naturally implement a variety of strategies to make themselves more marketable, from improving their resumes to strengthening their professional network. But if you’re in this position, one thing that you should understand is that even after all your hard work, there’s no guarantee that you will land a particular job because not everything about the application is within your control.
Seemingly countless rejections are sure to be disappointing and even heartbreaking, but it would be good to turn the initially negative experience of rejection around and come back with a renewed focus on yourself and how you want to progress in your career. If you’re having difficulty handling your first job rejections, here’s how you can face them sensibly and gracefully so that you can return to job hiring in Manila and other localities much stronger than before:
1) Acknowledge Your Feelings
A job rejection can evoke a wide range of emotions, including disappointment, frustration, and even anger at yourself. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept these feelings rather than suppressing them. Denying your emotions can prolong the healing process and hinder your ability to move forward.
Instead, give yourself permission to feel disappointed while still remembering that setbacks are a natural part of the job search journey. Allowing yourself to acknowledge these emotions will give you a better handle on them and return to job hunting with a calmer and more focused mindset.
2) Review and Reflect on the Experience
After receiving a job rejection, take some time to review and reflect on the entire experience. Doing so can provide valuable insights into areas where you excelled and areas where you can still improve.
Consider asking yourself questions like the following:
- Did I adequately prepare for the interview?
- Did I communicate my skills and experiences effectively?
- Did I present a strong enough argument for why I would have been a good fit for the job?
- Did I research the company and its culture thoroughly?
Critically assessing your performance can help you prepare better for the next round of applications and increase your chances of finally landing a position.
3) Focus on What You Can Control
It’s normal to think about factors beyond your control, such as the hiring manager’s preferences or the number of qualified candidates, but dwelling on these aspects may only lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness. Try instead to focus your energy on the aspects of the job search process that you can control. This may include refining your resume and cover letter, enhancing your speaking skills for interviews, or expanding your professional network. Concentrating on what you can control will allow you to feel more empowered and proactive in your job search journey.
4) Ask for Detailed Feedback
One thing you shouldn’t miss out on if you get rejected for a job is the opportunity to receive feedback on your application and interview performance. Constructive feedback can help you gather valuable insights into areas where you can improve, such as your communication skills, technical abilities, or cultural fit with an organization.
If possible, reach out to the employer and politely request detailed feedback on why you were not selected for the position. Use this feedback as a learning opportunity to refine your approach and enhance your chances of success in future applications.
Finally, remember to express gratitude for the feedback, as employers are often busy and may not have the time to provide detailed responses to every candidate.
5) Refine Your Search
If you’ve been experiencing multiple job rejections, it may be time to reevaluate your job search strategy. Take a step back and assess whether you’re targeting the right opportunities and effectively showcasing your skills and experiences.
Consider broadening your search to include a wider range of industries or more job roles that align with your strengths and interests. In addition, explore alternative avenues for finding job opportunities, such as networking events, job fairs, or online job boards.
6) Develop Your Skills
Use the time between job applications to focus on improving your personal and professional development. This way, you can identify areas where you can enhance your skills or acquire new ones that can make you more marketable in your industry.
This could involve taking online courses, attending workshops or seminars, or volunteering for projects that allow you to gain valuable experience. Continuously improving your skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends will help you become a more attractive candidate to employers, as well as boost your confidence and self-esteem.
7) Keep Applying
Perhaps the most important tip for handling job rejections is to keep applying. Again, rejections are inevitable in the job search process, but they should not deter you from pursuing your goals. Keep a positive mindset, commit to staying resilient, and continue to put yourself out there. Remember that finding the right job is a numbers game, and persistence is key. With each application, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect fit for your skills and aspirations.
It can definitely be difficult to handle job rejections when you’re in the midst of your first job search. With that in mind, hopefully these tips help you approach rejections with a healthy combination of resilience, determination, and a sense of self-improvement. All of these will empower you with the confidence to turn setbacks into stepping stones for a job that you love and that suits you perfectly.
