Did you get rejected for that job vacancy you were really interested in?
Guess what? You’re not alone.
A great number of people who apply for a new job and undergo the strict selection process of large companies get turned down and end up feeling discouraged. Receiving a rejection letter is definitely a non-fun part of applying for a job, yet it happens to everyone at some point. But if you really want to work with the organization you applied for, you shouldn’t let your first “no” be the final answer. In the case you are really interested in the position, the most important thing to do is not give up and keep your spirits up.
Below are five positive attitudes to take after receiving a rejection letter, which may, at times, even make recruiters change their minds.
Reflect on it
Reflection is the first step to growth and when a job interview doesn’t go as planned, it is worth trying to understand why so next time it will. What might have gone wrong? Was I prepared? If I was to go through the interview again, what would I change? Only by asking yourself questions can you find out some answers that will help you in the future.
Take the rejection smoothly
Everyone feels at least a little bit hurt when not chosen for an employment opportunity but expressing negative emotions to the recruiter – especially nervousness or resentment – will not help. There are also those who feel like the recruiter should justify themselves and apologize for their decisions, but this only makes matters worse. Instead, draw a deep breath and do not take your frustration on others – particularly if you hope to apply for another position at the same company.
Write a “thank you” note
Regardless of receiving a “no”, saying thank you for the opportunity is always a good move. You may choose to write an email a few days later or say “thank you” after the interview is over; in any case, this demonstrates you are a respectful and mature person. Moreover, a sign of appreciation can reinforce your willingness to work with the company – which is precisely what employers what to see in candidates.
Ask for feedback
After receiving a rejection letter, always try to ask the recruiter where you went wrong or search for advice on how to perform better next time. Something like “If I were to be interviewed again, what would you like me to do differently?” are a good start. More than an actual feedback, this positive attitude shows that you are keen on progressing professionally. And even if you don’t like what you hear, be professional and try to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.
Polish your CV
After you have reflected on what is going on and asked the employer for feedback, it is worth checking your CV and adding/removing things if needed. Likewise, this may be a good time to develop your skills by enrolling in courses and becoming more actively engaged in your field of work. In turn, this can all be added to your resume and increase your chances of being chosen next time.