Things to Overlook/Avoid After Job Rejection

by Harmion Morris Career Adviser Consultant

Are you tired of being rejected again and again despite appearing in a number of interviews? Is your morale low and you have given up the hopes of landing a job? As the job market gets intensely competitive and organizations following a rigorous procedure to select the best candidates, it can happen that you have to read the most dreaded mail or face a 'no' from the hiring manager. A job rejection can put a dent in the confidence of any individual and even affect his/her perspective towards life. As a result, some individuals can react in an extreme way to the situation or start behaving odd thus affecting own health. Dealing with a rejection when you have put in all efforts can become difficult and hence, the response is often blown out of proportion. However, it is necessary to remember that the actions you take today can affect your professional life tomorrow. So instead of mouthing bad words for a particular employer or secluding yourself from others, there are various options that one can use to identify what went wrong and be more prepared for the next time.

The following list suggests some actions that one should avoid when you are rejected from a job.

Do not take it personally

You have spent days preparing for an interview, have traveled a long distance from your accommodation just because it's your dream company, but unfortunately end up being rejected by the hiring manager. Though it is bound to leave an individual demoralized, you must understand that there might be several reasons behind this, and not take things to the heart. There can be a plenty of reasons like the company is looking for a more experienced candidate, its budget has been reduced due to some circumstances and thus are not willing to negotiate, or it can be some internal office politics. Since you are rejected, it does not mean you cannot apply to the same company in the future.

Don't speak ill words to the recruiter

It can happen that you have cleared the selection process and have successfully made it to the interview by answering different questions asked by recruiter related to the resume and extracurricular activities. Although you feel the interview went well and are sure to receive the offer letter, you get a 'sorry' or a negative response from the hiring manager. This can bring out all your feelings as you have spent valuable time and energy. As you are upset, it is not a right idea to curse the hiring manager under your breath or just walk up to him/her and vent out everything as you feel it is unjust. Just to relieve yourself from of emotions in such a scenario, expressing anger not professional. It can do more harm as you might come across with the same recruiter a few years down the line.

Do not forget to send thank you mail

When you face a rejection, be polite and just accept it. Do not go begging for another shot just because you feel the hiring manager has failed to realize your potential. Instead, to turn the things in your favor in the future, always remember to send a 'thank you' mail even if you are declined of the offer. The recruiters appreciate candidates who make an effort to stay in touch and can even reconsider them again for different roles when there is an opening for a position.

Don't blurt out your feelings on social media

When you have been rejected at an organization, try to understand the faults you made to avoid repeating the same. Even if you are sad, never display your emotions on social media accounts and just go on rambling bitter things about the employer. As the world is more connected today, it is not difficult for the hiring manager to see what you convey on social media and how you respond to negative feedback. If they notice an improper reaction after being declined an opportunity, it is unlikely that they would want such an employee for their company. Saying negative things about an organization only decrease your chances of working with them in the future.

Do not belittle yourself

When you go through multiple rejections, it can take a toll on your self-esteem, you may want to shut yourself away or even go into depression. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone in this world who has to face this situation. Instead of staying aloof and seeing yourself as a loser, try to get in touch with your support network. It could be your friends, relatives or family to whom you can disclose all your negative emotions, anger, disappointment and thus overcome your sadness. Keeping them suppressed for a long time can affect your performances at other interviews and also impact your life.

Expressing your feelings to the right person and accepting it will help you overcome the situation.Instead of maintaining a crestfallen attitude and a sore face when you are rejected, see this as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and grow from it. Asking for a feedback to the recruiter portrays your professional manners and willingness to improve in every situation.