Don’t Internalize Job Rejection – Embrace It
A surprising number of career seekers experience feelings of rejection while on the job hunt. As a seasoned recruiter of financial and insurance field professionals, I often hear stories of candidates on the job market with little notice – a company layoff for example – which can lead to feelings of rejection. I understand that coping with the shock of job loss coupled with the process of working to identify, prepare, and land interviews can be challenging. If you find career search emotionally draining, I hope you’ll find these strategies helpful.
"While the job hunt process can bring feelings of sadness for some, I encourage you not to let negative mindsets impede your success." Kari Ellis
Hunting for your next career opportunity requires time and effort. Repeated rejections can be discouraging in the
journey for many career seekers. In my line of work, matching candidates with employers in the financial and insurance field, I talk with career seekers nationwide who express feelings of bewilderment. They often wonder what they might be doing wrong when job after job application goes ignored or offers are not made. Some express feelings of worthlessness, and/or an inability to “snap out of it.”
Don’t Internalize Rejection – Embrace It
Many career seekers internalize rejection and start to feel emotions associated with failure. The good news, often times, it’s just the resume, interview technique, or networking strategy that needs some tweaks. I enjoy helping career seekers find these hidden opportunities as I partner with employers who look for experienced professionals across the country. I’ve also learned that some career seekers fear the stigma of misfortune behind their decision to start a new search (termination due to performance issues for example). Talking about career transition can be difficult, as a recruiter, I am thankful when candidates work with me directly to challenge negative thought patterns and focus on strategies that can lead to new breakthroughs.
You’re Not Alone
You might find it interesting that passive candidates (those already employed) also talk openly about struggles of rejection being difficult. Looking at rejection from a different lens can help. Each career search is unique, but they are all a process. Through the journey, those who embrace the idea that they are practicing skills to get better and better with each interview, often find feelings of rejection minimalized. Remember that rejection hurts, but you also may not have all the facts - like maybe the company you fell in love with had to hire the boss’s cousin’s sister – smile. Let go of the things you can’t control and focus on the things you can (improving your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview skills, and more). When the job you thought you were perfect for doesn’t end up working out, chalk it off as a better opportunity must be out there for you and continue forward. Not every door is going to be “your door”.
Find Trusted Partners
When searching for your next career opportunity, first determine the types of roles that would make you happy. Next, lean on your network, revisit old connections to find leads, and consider partnering with talented recruiters across the country to exchange information and discover what types of clients they represent. Keep notes or a spreadsheet for each job you apply to (including when you applied, what stage you progressed to, names of contact along the way, and outcomes). Use this data to find patterns in your career search process to identify and fix any underlying challenges.
When I partner with new career seekers, I believe it’s important to make authentic connections about the person with whom I’m potentially representing. I ask questions related to experience, location, type of preferred work environment, salary expectations and more. I appreciate developing mutually beneficial relationships with candidates because while I may not have the best match today, tomorrow always brings new leads. This approach often results in a better match between candidate and prospective employer because we’re not just matching skills, we’re matching culture.
📌 BLOG CONCLUSION:
There are talented recruitment personnel across the country. These professionals are eager to discover if you are a match for their open positions. Foster personal connections and focus on ways to distinguish yourself from the crowd of jobseekers – these steps will help you overcome rejection and focus on your future.