Being rejected for a job is never fun. But there are a lot of valuable lessons to take from the experience. Here are some ways to turn your job rejection into a positive by gaining important insights.
What Lessons Should You Learn from a Job Rejection?
Solicit Feedback
Not every employer has the time and inclination to provide detailed feedback, but it never hurts to ask. Send an email to your main point of contact at the company. If you don’t have someone specific, try the person who interviewed you. Thank them for their time and ask for a brief summary of why you didn’t get the job.
Reflect on the Experience
Whether or not you’re able to get detailed feedback, take some time to reflect on the entire application and interview process. What mistakes did you make? Were you unprepared for specific questions? Did you forget to tailor your resume to the specific position? What did you do right? Did you pass the initial screening with flying colors? Was your cover letter on point? Reflecting on everything that happened can help you figure out how to change your approach next time.
Maybe It’s Not You, It’s Them
If you simply can’t figure out what went wrong, it might be that the situation was entirely out of your hands. Maybe they wanted someone bilingual or the CEO’s nephew suddenly needed a job. Or perhaps you just weren’t the right fit. In this case, you likely wouldn’t have ever become comfortable at the organization, so your job rejection may have actually been a blessing in disguise.
Improve Your Job Search
Once you get through the initial sting of rejection, you might start to realize that the job wasn’t really what you wanted after all. Go back through the job posting in detail. Could you really see yourself doing those specific tasks day after day? Were there elements of the role that you really didn’t care for at all? If so, take what you learned and use it to refine your job search moving forward. Look for positions that more fully reflect who you are and what you want to do.
Job rejection happens to everyone now and then. It can feel awful at the time, but it also clears the way for you to find the role that is truly right for you. When that happens, you’ll be glad you were rejected for this one.
Ready for a New Position?
If you’re ready to jumpstart your career, Pirate Staffing can help. Take a look at our open opportunities or simply submit your resume today!
