Rejection in the job search process

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Anonymous

01/05/21 at 12:03AM UTC

Career

Rejection in the job search process

I went on two rounds of an interview for a position I really really wanted. I had interviewed at the same place years ago and was passed over for someone with more experience. Years later, I’ve been passed over again after two rounds of interviews. They insisted it was simply because they could only hire 1 person and the other candidate was a better fit. I’m trying not to let it get me down but it’s hard not to feel rejected. I am also trying to separate that from my desperation to get out of my current horribly toxic environment. Anyway, although I am feeling very despondent and definitely cried in the bathroom... I’m trying not to let this shake my confidence or deter me from continuing my job search. Any tips for getting over rejection in the job search?

6 Comments

Victoria Cianci

221

Project structure is key and I have the keys

01/05/21 at 12:10AM UTC

I may not have the greatest advice but you have my support during this.

Nicole Galbraith

Recruitment Marketing + Working Mom

01/05/21 at 12:41AM UTC

I'm sorry to hear you were declined, I can only imagine that's hard to process...especially when you really want and need a change. I'm wondering if there is any helpful constructive feedback that can be shared so you can work toward your next goal. Maybe you can reach out to the recruiter to see if there is something specific you can work on for your next interviews with your next opportunity? To move forward, it might help to focus on 3-5 additional companies or job postings that interest you. Spend some time researching the companies and really focus on what you need from an employer and a position. Often times bouncing back from rejection takes a good amount of introspection and trial and error.

Jacquelyn Lloyd

429

HR Consultant

01/05/21 at 1:02AM UTC

Their decision is not a reflection of your value. If you feel better in a day or two email the person you interviewed with and ask for some feedback. Something like, "I appreciated the opportunity to interview with you. Would you be able to share what I could have done to present myself as a better candidate for the role? I like to continually be improving and would be grateful of any feedback you can provide." See what they come back with and take it in. Try and get outside for a walk - honestly, that's probably the best thing for your mood. Keep your chin up - something will present itself!

Annetta Moses

790

Consumer Insights and Strategy Leader

01/05/21 at 1:53AM UTC

Here is a thought. If you are really interested in the company see if anyone on the interview team is willing to network with you and be a mentor or peer contact. This may not help you know but could position you well if a similar position becomes available in the future. The ongoing networking an be a brief 15 to 30 minutes virtual or in person coffee to talk about the industry and professional skills e.g. how to create presentation or complete performance self-assessment.

Jackie Ghedine

3.9k

Coach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans

01/05/21 at 12:42PM UTC

There is a tremendous emotional toll when interviewing. It can destroy your confidence and cause you to question your capabilities if you let it. Here's the reality. You made it through 2 rounds of interviews and was a top candidate. Most people didn't get the interview and if they did, didn't get through the first round. What you did was an incredible accomplishment. Science proves that having gratitude for what was good, choosing the positive perspective and finding ways to improve drastically increases our well-being. You want to get over not getting the job, don't focus on the end result. Instead, focus on the incredible answer you gave in an interview, the delight in your heart when you went onto round two and the knowledge that you were just edged out, NOT that you didn't get the job. Remember, we cannot control the output or outcome of situations, no matter what we do, we can only control our input. The outcome is completely out of your control. A few other things to consider: 1- If you start acknowledging where you succeeded and how far you went, you will start having more gratitude and appreciation for your own skills and abilities, propelling you to succeed. 2- Going into an interview focused on the outcome or driven by your need to leave your current job will create an energy barrier around you when interviewing. I know, sounds crazy, but we are all energy and that energy of desperation can destroy us. Instead, go into interviews with the outlook of curiosity, excitement and possibility. Love yourself. No one gets everything they want when they want it. The right job at the right company and the right time is coming.

Jenna Kapsis

Communications Professional & Resume Writer

01/06/21 at 1:57AM UTC

So sorry you had to experience this. I can totally empathize with you. I was working for a company I absolutely loved years ago, but I disliked my job. I interviewed for 4 positions internally. I had several interviews for each making it to the top two for all. Two were indefinitely put on hold and two went to external people. I received the same feedback--that they were better fits. It was difficult to process and not be bitter, but after learning how fulfilled those roles and exploring their backgrounds, it made sense. I decided to look externally and was offered my a job at a competitor. They were #1 in my industry, the team was amazing and so was my job. My point is that sometimes great things take time and are worth the wait. Hopefully you learned something during this experience that you can apply to your next opportunity. There are opportunities popping up every day and what's meant to be will find its way! Continue to network and keep an eye on the job boards every day. Train yourself to believe that if it doesn't work out it's not meant to be and something better is waiting for you. Hang in there in your current job and remember that every day you are a step closer to moving on! Wishing you the best.