Rejection As Redirection
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Job searching can be a draining process, as well as a challenge to your self-esteem. Truth is, you’ll most likely be rejected for a job at least once in your life (if you haven’t already), but you don’t have to let that prospect discourage you. You may start feeling like your career is doomed, but as tempting as it is to adopt a pessimistic attitude, you must be open to the idea that rejection can be more beneficial for you than you think. Here’s how:
An opportunity for redirection
“Rejection is merely a redirection; a course correction to your destiny.”
― Bryant McGill
Got rejected for that job you were convinced you wanted? Maybe it wasn’t the right position for you. Maybe you wouldn’t have fitted in with the company’s culture. And maybe something better for you is out there! Don’t fixate on opportunities that fell through. Instead, choose to see them as a step forward towards the right path. Have patience and believe in your potential, rejection is part of life and it will build your resilience over time.
Have a flexible approach.
Stay open-minded. Changing your mind and applying for positions or industries you’ve never considered before doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your goals. Expanding your options is a smart way to redirect your search after rejection, especially if you’ve unconsciously been limiting yourself. You might be surprised where it might take you!
On the other hand, efficient job searching is key. Make sure your expectations are realistic: target opportunities that match your career goals and aspirations whilst remaining pragmatic when scanning for jobs. Can I meet most of the skill requirements? Are they something I can reasonably improve on, or can I compensate that skill with another one?
Don’t take it personally!
During the application process, you provide recruiters with the most polished, professional version of yourself. It’s hence natural to initially take rejections personally. You’ve given your best and it’s still not enough - how could that be?
Their final decision will be influenced by a variety of factors, from the most objective (skills, experience, qualifications) to the most subjective (personality, first impressions, etc). If you don’t match their expectations or if another candidate matches it better, you’ll have to accept it and be constructive about it - ask for feedback if you weren’t provided with any, and try to be open-minded about what you could improve. Change your perspective and eventually rejection will start sounding less like a punishment, and more like a learning curve.
Ask for help.
Not all employers will provide you with constructive feedback. Whether it is on your CV, interview skills or overall profile, you might benefit from the help of experts who will assess your case objectively from the lens of someone who understands both sides of the story. That applies at any level of experience, from entry-level to senior jobs.
At Yolk Recruitment, each recruiter is a specialist in one of our six markets. Wherever you are in your career, we’ll help you make the right move, offering you tips on how to land that perfect job and ultimately giving you the best recruitment experience. And to top it off, we’ve got great connections with some of the best and most exciting employers around.
Take a look at how we can support you, or upload your CV to our website today!
