How to handle rejection after an interview
We all sometimes wish it were easier to land a job—without the hassle of all those applications, resume edited and interviews. Some lucky people out there land a job after just one round of all of these, but for most of the others, landing a job is a process. And learning to handle rejection after an interview is one of the things in that process.
After being rejected, either if it’s a decently composed mail stating that they are truly sorry, or a phone call or the worst—no response at all—things can get murky and dark for you. However, this is when we have to be the strongest versions of ourselves. Because, without rejection, there can be nothing worth achieving.
Here are some ways to handle rejection after an interview.
#1. Never take it to heart
Don’t take it personally if you’ve been rejected. We can always jump to conclusions and decide that the hiring manager hated our guts or that we did something to turn their impressions around. However, try not to let your thoughts go through this phase. There could be several reasons as to why you were rejected, they could have found a better candidate, or you might not be the perfect fit for the role just yet. This is no one’s fault, and you must realize that. Because you will never know for sure what the reason for your rejection may be, try and be optimistic about it and look at it as a learning opportunity.
#2. Do not let it put you down
Often times, when we’re rejected after a job interview, we tend to question our own self-worth. Do not let this situation bring your morale down. Yes, facing rejection can be a big blow to your confidence, but this is the moment when you have to be stronger. No one should be given the power to bring your confidence down because the skills you’ve acquired are things you have worked hard for.
#3. Keep your head held high
It’s true—you’re at the job interview to land the job, but before all that, your job in an interview was to do well at the interview. You’ve done well and if even after that you didn’t get the offer, this isn’t your fault. You’ve given them all you can offer, and laid it on the table. However, if they still weren’t going to consider your application, then it only means that they have other reasons to reject your application. Keep your head held high and keep calm. This is not on you.
#4. Think hard
Think hard about what could have gone wrong and why they might have rejected you. Keep aside personal reasons like the hiring manager hating you and the like; try to focus on more concrete and plausible reasons for the rejection. Evaluate the job description and what the job entails and expects from the person in the position. See if you have the required skills and experience. Try to make pointers for your next interview and see what changes you need to make. Turn this bad experience around into a good learning opportunity.
#5. You’re not the only one
What you need to remember is that you’re not the only one who’s ever been rejected after an interview. This has happened to several people around the world, and it will keep happening. This is not because there is a lack of jobs, but because rejection is a part of life. There is not one person in the world who does not know what rejection feels like and it is through this that a person can grow.
Rejection is incredibly hard to swallow; but when it happens, one has to remain strong. Because, they turn out to be experienced through which a person can learn and benefit from and grow, and one must look at it that way to gather the best out of the situation.