Rejection is never fun but it’s bound to happen, and you can bounce back from it! When looking for a job, applying, having a good interview, then getting rejected, it can feel like everything is falling apart. But there is hope! Our experts here at Stratice can help you with every step of finding your next job.
Reflect
First, take the opportunity to better reflect on the interview as a whole. What questions did you struggle to answer? How could you better articulate the experience and value that you have? Identify what you could improve upon as far as your interview skills but also in your career as a whole. Did the interviewer ask about a specific skill or program that you have little or no experience in? Use that to motivate you to grow. Interviews serve as a good guideline to show you what you are lacking to get your dream job.
Ask for Feedback
Next, know that you can ask questions. Reach out to the Stratice recruiter and ask for feedback. Especially if you felt that the interview went really well. There is value in asking especially so you can grow and improve. More times than not people don’t think of this step or don’t want to go through with it. If you are gracious, the interviewer can recognize that you want to get better and they will provide feedback to benefit you. The feedback can be general or specific, use whatever you receive from them to evaluate yourself.
Grow
It can be easy to improve interview skills by simply practicing. Before your next interview ask someone you trust, a friend or spouse to have a mock interview with. Also, improve your career skills by making a list of anything that the interviewer asked that you weren’t confident in. When reflecting on the interview maybe you will find that actually, this is not the type of job you want. Use the interview experience to rethink if you are applying for the right types of jobs.
Job applications can be vague and hard to navigate. The job interview provides much more information and clarity. This clarity is helpful and can let you know if you are applying for the right jobs. If this is not the right type of job for you, pivot and try other options and explore other positions. Stratice’s experts can help to ensure you are headed on the right path, or help you to gain clarity in your hunt for the correct career path.
Be Gracious
In all of this, be gracious toward yourself and the interviewer. If you’re not already, send thank you letters or emails after every interview. You might think this doesn’t make much of a difference but to some interviewers, this will be the difference maker. This opens up the door for further and or future communications with the interviewer. Communication like this is always encouraged. Also, be gracious to yourself and recognize that this is not the end of the world. We all fail, but it’s most important to get back up and keep trying.
Keep Going
After rejection, the most important step is to not be dismayed or discouraged. There is always room for improvement and use this as motivation as you evaluate the next steps. Use the knowledge you’ve gained through the process to guide you to your future. It is pertinent that you don’t give up. Don’t let failure stop you. After rejection, be encouraged in where you can go. It’s ok to take a break but don’t let one rejection stop you from getting your dream job. Let Stratice help navigate you through the job search and get the best job for you.
With these pieces of advice, you can move on after a job interview rejection. Be confident in your skills and what you bring to the table. Rejection will happen, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world! Keep moving forward and advancing your career!
Contact Stratice for more expert advice! Find the original blog post here.
