No one likes being turned down for a job they apply for. With online job boards and staffing agencies in San Francisco beckoning large pools of candidates from all over the world, chances are that even the most prepared, qualified prospects are bound to get their fair share of rejection letters from time to time. While it may be hard not to take these situations personally, keep in mind that it's not the rejection that matters, but what you choose to do after it. If you've been turned down after submitting a job application, check out these 4 practical steps from the recruiting experts at The Hire Standard to handle the situation like a pro and bounce back stronger than ever.
Be Gracious
When you receive a rejection notification, the last thing you'll likely want to do is communicate with the company who turned you down. However, doing so is important. Cutting ties with colleagues and organizations with whom you may have the opportunity to work with in the future is never a good idea. For this reason, you should take the time to show the company's interviewers gratitude by sending them emails thanking them for their time in considering you for the position. It's best to do this the same day you receive the rejection, while you are still fresh in their minds. Feel free to ask them to keep you in mind for any open positions in the future, but unless you've established an exceptional rapport with them, it's probably better not to ask them for feedback.
Identify Your Strengths & Weaknesses
Before moving onto a new job listing, it's wise to take some time to reflect on how you presented yourself to the previous one. These questions can help you determine where you might improve:
Was your cover letter and resume professional, polished, and personalized to the position?
Could you have done anything differently during the interview?
Would the position have been a good fit for your qualifications and personality?
How could you better highlight your strengths and assets in the future?
Even if you didn't get the job offer you were hoping for, participating in any application process is an opportunity to improve your networking and professional skills. Don't waste it!
Get Back on the Horse
Just because you had a setback or two doesn't mean you should take a break from job hunting altogether. On the contrary, it's important to keep the momentum going in your search for your ideal position. Remember, if a company didn't want to work with you, you likely wouldn't have been happy working with them either. The good news is that every company and job opportunity is different, which means that while you may not be every organization's cup of tea, you're bound to hit it off with another one. Bottom line? Keep your head up and don't stop moving forward. Besides, receiving more interview invitations is sure to boost your confidence, even after receiving a rejection.
Be Kind to Yourself
Searching, applying, and interviewing for your dream job is no easy task. Putting yourself out there is not only a vulnerable endeavor but can often be a draining one as well. To keep your self-esteem high and maintain a positive perspective, even in the midst of rejection, self-care is critical. Don't waste too much time kicking yourself for mistakes you made in the past. Instead of throwing a pity party, pat yourself on the back for putting your best foot forward and surround yourself with people who will remind you of what you're good at.
Handling rejection is never easy but it does offer valuable opportunities to discover more about yourself and enhance your job search techniques. Good things are always worth waiting for, and with persistence and a positive outlook, your dream job could be just around the corner. If you're on the hunt for your dream job, a great recruiting agency can make all the difference. The Hire Standard are expert recruiters for Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, HR members, and more with their ideal employers. Contact us today or take a look at our job hub for open positions.