How to Survive Job Rejection

Being rejected after a job interview can severely dent your confidence and/or self-esteem. Many candidates I have worked with, tortuously dwell on being turned down, often forgetting the bigger picture. Rejection, while not pleasant, can often be blown out of proportion and viewed as a sign of failure. However, by thinking objectively, candidates can use it to build on their core strengths, address development points and ultimately find that dream job that suits them best.

The Positive Side 

At the very least, you should feel as though you have learned something through the interview process. We all learn from our experiences, and interviewing is no different.

However, if you performed to the best of your ability, displayed all your relevant technical expertise, demonstrated your competencies and communicated in your most engaging manner in an interview but were still turned down, then you can take comfort from knowing that it was the wrong Company for you.

You may find your mind unable to rest until you establish a logical explanation for the rejection. Thorough feedback may not be provided, as candidates are often rejected because of an interviewer’s gut feeling – despite meeting technical requirements. Instead of dwelling on your disappointment, keep your mind focused on other opportunities and continue to present yourself to the best of your ability. If you find you are facing continuous rejection then use it as a means for developing resilience. But ensure that you also take action to remedy any personal shortcomings brought to your attention from feedback.

Address the Issues

Whatever the reason for rejection from one Company, there is a way it can be improved and transformed as a reason for acceptance at another. The most common reasons for being turned down is a lack of technical knowledge or over/under selling yourself as a candidate To improve this you may simply need to revise answers for technical questions in more detail or you may need to pursue further courses/qualifications. You should always ensure that you obtain feedback post-interview, either from your recruitment consultant or the firm directly.

Another common reason for rejection is Interview Style. Interviews can make the most confident of candidates extremely nervous. After all you are being interrogated under a spotlight and the slightest miscommunication or, worse, the mood of the interviewer, can jeopardise your chances. Some people of incredible technical calibre struggle under such close scrutiny. Often it is a psychological thing. People know there are so many external factors influencing the decision and by giving too much thought they set themselves up to fail, forgetting that excellent preparation, coupled with an ability to think on their feet, can help them overcome the sternest of objections from interviewers. Competency-based interviews are increasingly used now and many people fail to deliver at these as they require highly detailed responses.

Gaining feedback

This can be difficult, but it is essential for your development. All feedback should be taken with an open mind and in a positive manner – albeit, criticism or your weaknesses, as hard a pill it can be to swallow at times, it should always be taken as constructive!

Make the interviewer aware how important feedback is to you, as this will show them how committed you are to self-development and may convince them to hire you – attitude can be just as important as ability. A follow-up email after an interview is the best way, showing professionalism and interest in the role. Most people will not do this, so you will be separating yourself from the competition. You should also state in the email that you welcome any feedback (positive or negative) as a way to improve and that you take each interview as a learning experience. This will encourage a more detailed response. Once received, take any feedback with an open mind and make the relevant improvements to find the job you want.

At Barracuda Recruitment, we will guide you through the Interview process from start to finish. In advance of your designated interview, you will be provided with insightful knowledge of your future employer – the culture, their values, interview structure and in some cases, potential questions which may arise. We will prep you for the interview on the day with all different competency stlyle questions and scenarios which may arise and assist you to portray yourself as the best candidate for the role and help you land that dream job.

 

So don’t delay and contact Barracuda Recruitment today at info@barracudarecruitment.ie or pick up the phone and call (087) 062 7957