How to deal with interview rejection

by | 01.07.19

Finding out you have not got a job you have gone for is never easy. No one likes being rejected, however you need to use this experience to help you get the next job you go for. It’s time to look at yourself and improve your interview technique. Focus on the negatives, think about what could have gone wrong and how you can stop yourself making the same mistakes at your next interview. Don’t think too hard about things, but try to assess what affected the Interviewers decision. Here are some tips: 

Did you do your homework?

Did you really spend enough time on your preparation, did you research the employer, were you fully au fait with what their business did and how the role you applied for fitted in within the organisation.

Did you dress appropriately?

First impressions count, how did you present yourself, were you dressed in a business like fashion this means in business attire ie: a suit, skirt/trousers with a smart shirt/blouse or a smart dress. You should always dress to impress.

Ask what went wrong?

Try to get some feedback from the Interviewer, this may help to understand the areas you need to improve on. They may not be prepared to give you detailed feedback but a few constructive comments may help.

Are you applying for the right jobs?

Are you sure that your experience and background was right for the job – or were you chancing it? When you attend interviews there will always be competition so if you don’t fit the brief there is a good chance you won’t get the job.

Did you sell yourself?

In the interview did you perform or did you just sit and listen to what was being told to you? It really is important in an interview that you promote yourself along with the skills and experience you have to meet the requirements of the job.

Don’t pin you hopes on a specific job

Always be prepared for rejection, always have a plan B. Never consider the result of an interview a comment on your ability. If you don’t get the job bounce back. If you are clever you will always be pursuing multiple opportunities.

Understand you are not alone

Many more people are turned down for jobs than get them. On average at least six people will be interviewed for any position available, therefore five are going to be rejected – that’s a simple fact. Once you accept that you can focus on the next opportunity.

Don’t dwell on the past

Once rejected it is easy to feel you have failed. Instead of focussing on rejections, try to focus on things you have succeeded at. Remembering those positive outcomes will help boost your morale and confidence, they will also make you believe you are meant for something bigger and better.

So to summarize the best way to deal with rejection is to keep a smile on your face. Turn each rejection into a learning opportunity and stay focussed on your ultimate goal, we promise you the day will come when you find the perfect job.

Happy Job Search!