Does this look familiar?
Dear John,
We’d like to thank you for your interest in our company. Although your interview demonstrated your credentials and experience, at this time we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.
We wish you the best of luck with your job search. Once again, thank you for your interest in our company.
Regards,
HR for the company that didn’t want you
Chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve received a similar rejection message at some point in your career. I know job hunting can be a long, discouraging, and frustrating process, especially when you face rejection after rejection, and hearing “no” over and over again can really take a toll on your confidence and make you want to give up. However, there are many ways to deal with job search rejection in a healthy, productive way. With the right mindset and strategies, you can persist through the nos to eventually land the yes.
Here are some strategies to overcome rejection and keep your job search on the right track:
Don’t Take It Personally
First, when you get rejected for a job, try not to take it personally. The reality is the odds might already be against you. The numbers vary wildly, but reports have found that anywhere from 70% to 85% of job openings are never posted publicly and are filled by internal candidates, through networking, or other recruiting methods.
As difficult as it may sound, you need to realize that in most cases, the decision likely has little to do with you as a person. Hiring choices involve many factors that are outside of your control. Maybe they had someone else in mind from the start, needed specific skills you lack, or simply didn’t see a culture fit. Instead of blaming yourself and feeling crushed, remember that rejections are an inevitable part of the process. Being rejected for one role just gets you closer to the right one.
Reframe the Experience
In fact, try to reframe rejections as learning experiences. Did your interview skills fall short? Use it as an opportunity to improve. Look at what you can tweak in your strategy and application materials to be a stronger contender for the next job.
For example, study up on the STAR method - discuss the Situation, Task at hand, Actions you took, and the Result. Practice applying STAR to common questions so you can emphasize your skills with dynamic examples. Or if you lacked key qualifications, make plans to take courses, get certifications, or build skills to develop those areas. Analyze what you can tweak in your strategy and materials to be a stronger candidate next time.
Each “no” brings you one step closer to the right “yes.”
Take Breaks When Needed
Job hunting for weeks or months on end can be draining, both mentally and emotionally. Over time, the constant effort and rejection wears you down. When you start feeling burnt out and unmotivated, it's important to take occasional strategic breaks.
Give yourself permission to recharge your batteries by taking a weekend or a few days to focus on uplifting activities unrelated to your job search. Whether it is exercising, pursuing your hobbies, meeting up with friends, binging your favorite shows, or anything else that helps to recharge your batteries, take time for yourself.
The key is to do whatever activities lift your spirits during this time. Avoid thinking about the job hunt or dwelling on the rejections. Let yourself fully recharge and decompress. The key is balancing your break with maintaining your motivation and momentum. Come back from the break feeling renewed with a fresh, motivated mindset. Remind yourself that you have so much to offer the right employer, and your dream job is out there waiting.
Update Your Application Materials
Spend time improving your resume, cover letters, and online profiles based on what you’ve learned from past rejections. See if you can get feedback from experts on how to strengthen your materials. Adjust your approach and language.
Some specific ways to level up your materials:
Customize your resume for each application, tailoring the content to better match the job description, including fixing any resume gaps smoothly by adding a brief explanation line or using a functional resume format to focus on skills.
Strengthen your LinkedIn profile with a customized headline, summary section highlighting achievements, and engaging content that shows expertise.
Leverage your network for job leads, referrals, recommendations, and introductions. Don’t be shy about reaching out. Your network is out there for this very purpose.
Review your cover letter to ensure they communicate your passion for the company and role, along with how you’ll add value.
Reach out to a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor to review your resume materials and provide any impartial feedback from improvement. If possible, seek out a career coach who could help you improve your resume.
It might feel tedious and overwhelming but take the time to refine and tailor your application documents to each role, and eventually you’ll have polished pieces that really impress hiring managers.
Expand Your Job Search
If you've been laser-focused on landing one specific job title at a particular company or in a single industry, it may be time to expand your search horizons.
Try looking for new types of roles, companies, or industries that could also be a great fit for your skills and experience. For example, if you've only been applying to marketing jobs at tech startups, expand your search to include related positions like Communications, PR, Events, or Digital Media roles. Consider established companies or agencies in your domain as well.
If possible, widen your job search geographically too - be open to new locations and opportunities to relocate that align with your career goals. Leverage sites like LinkedIn to explore options more broadly across multiple industries and places.
Avoid getting tunnel vision and limiting yourself to just one narrow focus. Broadening your search significantly multiplies your chances of landing interviews and receiving offers.
Get Encouragement and Support
The job search process can be incredibly demoralizing and difficult to handle alone. Make sure to seek out encouragement and emotional support from others.
Vent candidly to close friends or family members who will listen empathetically when you need to get frustrations off your chest. Join online or in-person job seeker support groups to commiserate and share advice with others going through the same struggles. Knowing you're not alone can lift your spirits.
Having a strong support system provides invaluable comfort and encouragement that helps you persist despite the ups and downs. Don't underestimate the power of community and how much positive reinforcement from others can impact your attitude and morale. Surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up.
Stay Positive and Persistent
Despite the rejections, do your best to stay positive, keeping in mind that the perfect job for you is out there. It just may take a little time and effort to find it. But if you stick with it and don’t give up, the right opportunity will come your way. Focus on the future, not past nos. With the right mindset and tenacity, you will eventually land the yes you’ve been waiting for.
Dealing with constant rejection is one of the most frustrating parts of the job search. But by shifting your perspective, regrouping, and employing positive strategies, you can get through this challenging process successfully. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Stay motivated and don’t take no for an answer.