How to Deal with Rejection

We’ve all thought a job we’ve applied for seemed perfect and then been disappointed to hear the decision had gone another candidate's way. You have every right to feel despondent, but it is how we deal with it that can create the best learning opportunities to move forward with your next application.

Rejection comes at two stages of the job searching process and learnings can differ as a result. The first stage is after you apply for the role, and the second stage is after the interview stage.

At the application stage

Technology makes applying for job ads easy. This is where you put a lot of effort into updating your resume and customising your CV to the job ad, as well as writing a compelling cover letter. You fill in all the fields on the form and click apply. A week later, you find that you weren’t successful in getting an interview. What went wrong?

Things to consider when applying

Did you meet the brief? Candidates typically apply for roles based on the job title but sometimes don’t read the full advertisement. By not understanding the brief, it is difficult to know if the role is quite right. If the ad doesn’t give you the right context to decide for yourself, recruitment consultants are always happy to help decide with you by understanding your background and.

Could you answer yes to 75% of the key requirements? Evaluate your skills against the key requirements to determine if the role is a good fit or the right fit for your background and experience. Whilst not a scientific measure, by being able to answer yes to approximately this sort of measure will help decide if you have enough scope to grow in the role as well as be challenged. If you answer yes to over 90% the role may be too junior, and if you answer no to less than 50% of the key requirements, then the role is likely to senior, or beyond your current capability.

At the job interview stage

You manage to get an interview, perhaps even a second interview, you think you’ve performed well. A few days later you hear from the hiring manager that it came down to you, and another candidate, and unfortunately for you, the other person got the job. What do you need to do to make you the number one choice?

After completing the process and participating in the job interview, you may find out that you were not selected for the position, even if you were a strong contender. While it can be disappointing to learn that the position went to another candidate, it’s important to express gratitude for the employer’s consideration and the opportunity to meet the team. In your response, you can express your continued interest in the company and request consideration for future opportunities or future roles, should the position open again or other opportunities arise. Responding professionally helps you maintain a positive relationship and leave a good impression with the employer and their team, which can greatly benefit your career if you remain interested and hope to be contacted when new opportunities arise. Remember, your response to a job rejection can be a great opportunity for networking and career growth.

During the interview stage

Did you prep for your interview well? Did you research the interviewees, take advantage or ask for interview prep (from the consultants who have met the client and taken the brief) and have you thought of questions that make you stand out from the crowd? Did you visit the job listers website, and research the company.

If yes…

After the interview, specific feedback can be invaluable. Though it can sometimes be hard to hear, feedback may reveal areas for improvement - such as tone, engagement, or the types of questions asked (or not asked) - that could make all the difference in your next application. By reflecting on these experiences, you can transform rejection into an opportunity for growth, equipping yourself with practical job application tips and strategies to land your next role in the future and prepare for the next interview.

Keep going

Job searching is hard, and rejection is part of the process. Take the feedback, refine your approach, and keep going to find the right role for you.

If you have not quite found the role you are looking for, you can register with Tribe to stay in touch with the team for our latest job openings.

Is your CV up to date? Check out our tips for creating a winning CV.