Didn't get the job! It's tough - how do you deal with rejection from a job you really want.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 6:28PM UTC

   Feel your feelings for an afternoon or evening, and then move on. Chances are you'll never know why you didn't get the job, and chances are, even if you do it probably would be for something you can't change, so why spend too much time on it?

2. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 7:05PM UTC

   You write a nice note in return to them thanking them for considering you and let them know you remain interested in them for the future. Move on and keep them in mind down the road.

3. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 7:29PM UTC

   A long time ago, I interviewed with a staffing firm. This was my first interview with one. I interviewed with 3 until I was hired. Back then rejection letters were in writing. Not digitally. Do you know I kept this letter, still have it today. I kept it as a reminder that although things do not work out there is a way to nicely tell someone. I've kept this letter since 1996 because it was one of the nicest "no's" I've ever received. Who knew at the time I would have a career in staffing, hired hundreds if not more, and hired and declined people on a daily basis. As I landed into a career truly unknown to me, what I kept throughout the years was this note. It helped remind me that even no's given or received is not the end of the world. This may not help as you may think that was a hundred years ago, but guess what, it wasn't. No's mean the same today as they did in 1996 (we just deliver the news differently today). Don't let that no get to you. One yes is all you need and it will erase the no's. Hang in there!

4. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 8:05PM UTC

   It sucks. It really does...and honestly doesn't matter if you are fully employed or totally unemployed or somewhere in between. When I was in the midst of a job search a few years ago, I interviewed with a local company that I was really excited to interview for, thought for sure I had it in the bag. And then I got the 'thanks but no thanks.' Huge bummer. Even worse when I saw a few weeks later a former colleague got that job and I knew I was more qualified than her. I ended up with a higher level role elsewhere (still there) and maybe a year, year and a half later she reached out to me seeking advice as the role wasn't quite what she was hoping it would be. All that to say, I deal with rejection like that by telling myself: 1. If it's meant to be it will and 2. Everything happens for a reason.

5. Titra HamiltonMarch 3,2025 at 9:20PM UTC

   It's tough, and I need for you to know, in you the core of your being, that you are enough. We have all been there when a perspective employer that seemed so interested and was so responsive chose to "go in another direction" or just ghosted you all together. This happened to me last month. They found me on LinkedIn, took me through four interviews including one with the CEO and had me submit references, and then. Nothing. They are a federal government contractor at target agencies, so they may have had contracts cancelled. I understand that they may not be able to hire but not letting me know if a red flag. I am gainfully employed, so it feels like I dodged a bullet. You probably did, too. Big hug to you.

6. AnonymousMarch 3,2025 at 9:41PM UTC

   Then that wasn't 'the one' put it in a place that it wasn't to happen now, but maybe in the future.

7. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 12:18AM UTC

   Sorry. It happens. Say thank you to the recruiter and any interviewers, and move on. Maybe cry a little. It does hurt.

8. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 1:12AM UTC

   I just had this conversation with my husband about a job I really wanted 25 years ago. Turned out it would have been a horrible fit for me, and I'm very thankful they recognized that when I didn't have enough information to know it for myself. At the time I was pretty devastated. Much happier where I ended up than I would have ever been at that company.

9. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 1:48PM UTC

   You admit and accept that there is something better in the works.