3 Ways To Strategically Handle Rejection In Your Job Search To Bounce Back Strong
Job hunting can be a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for young professionals and first-time job seekers. It's not uncommon to experience rejection along the way. While it can be disheartening, the way you handle rejection can have a significant impact on your future success. In this article, I’ll explore three strategic ways to cope with job search rejection and come back stronger than ever.
1. Embrace Rejection- It Is Part Of The Process!
The first step in handling rejection is to change your perspective. Rejections are not failures; they're stepping stones on the path to success. If you are getting interviews for every single job you are applying to, then you are not applying to enough diverse positions that are going to challenge you or give you areas to grow into. If you apply to 100 jobs, expect to get at least 10-20 interviews. While this conversion seems low, it’s the reflection of a job search that is building in failure and rejection- which is a good thing!
Getting rejected is hard, but it’s a necessary part of the job search process. Remember to stay positive and remind yourself that rejection is a common experience for job seekers and it’s not just happening to you! Take this time to learn from these rejections. Seek feedback when possible and apply it to future applications and interviews.
As a career coach, I wish job seekers understood that rejection doesn't mean you're not qualified. It often means you're not the right fit for that particular role or company. Keep applying to open positions and keep networking to access some of the hidden positions that haven't even hit the market yet!
2. Refine Your Job Search Strategy
While some level of rejection is normal, a massive amount of rejection in your job search can be a signal that it's time to reevaluate your job search strategy. As a coach, I take a two step approach. Firstly, I evaluate my client’s resume since 99% of people are purely applying online to find jobs now. I look to see if the client has customized the resume and cover letter for each position they are applying to and how well of a job they are doing at highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the job requirements.
And secondly, we talk about how to network effectively. I ask my clients if they are expanding their professional network by attending industry events, connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, and/or seeking informational interviews. Networking can open doors that job postings can't. In HR, we call that the hidden market because many of these jobs are not listed online.
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3. Build Resilience And Self-Care
Job searching can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Building resilience and practicing self-care are vital to staying on course. I encourage my clients to journal during their job search. This is a great way to develop emotional resilience by reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. You are awesome, be sure to tell yourself that! Then tag in your support team, your friends, family, or even mentors to lean on during challenging times can be so incredibly helpful during job searching.
Job searching is a process and sometimes that process can be months or even years. Try to keep a structured daily routine to help you stay organized and motivated. It’s important to schedule time for job searching, networking, and self-improvement and at the same time, not letting job searching consume your life. Self-care is never selfish. Take regular breaks to relax and recharge by engaging in hobbies, exercise, and spending time with loved ones. Anything to fill your cup so you can come back to job searching with a positive and optimistic approach.
Final Thoughts…
Rejection is a natural part of the job search process, and it's essential to handle it strategically. By embracing rejection, refining your job search strategy, and building resilience, you can turn rejections into opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Remember, each rejection brings you one step closer to the right job. Stay persistent, stay positive, and keep pushing forward. Your dream job is out there, waiting for you to claim it.
Need help in your job search? Consider my online course or my one to one coaching packages!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
