How to Survive Job Rejection

By Lacey Ross on January 31, 2013

I have applied for jobs and earned interviews. I have gone to these interviews in my business casual attire and earned employment three different times in my short 18 years.

 

Conversely, I have quit my job twice. I have applied to locations and never heard back. I have failed to earn interviews. However, no comparison exists to the crushing blow that is attending an interview and not being chosen for the job.

 

I am a confident individual. I go into interviews ready to impress and prepared to stand out among other applicants. Getting comfortable during the process has never been a problem for me. I find myself all-smiles and straightforward, concise answers with cleverness and personality peppered in when appropriate. Does this sound familiar?

 

I think I am overconfident. I leave every job interview with a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach, my heart fluttering and my head abounding with words of encouragement. “Lacey, you’ve got this job down,” or “There’s no way I’m not getting this job” scroll like flashing marquees behind my eyes. I stake my confidence and well being on whether or not I get the job. When the rejection email/phone call comes, the shockwave of nausea and crippling insecurity hits like a tidal wave.

 

I think: They didn’t like me as a person. I wasn’t good enough for them. My efforts amounted to nothing. Now, I am lost.

 

The pain and frustration eventually give way to disappointment and discouragement. Why should I apply to another job if they will only reject me? Obviously, this is not the attitude to have, but it is not so easily avoided.

 

My first job rejection occurred when I was trying to leave a current job about a year ago. I was desperate for the job I had applied for, at a pet store in my hometown. My second and third job rejections both occurred within the last month, both with jobs on the OSU campus. I did not receive an interview with University Ambassadors (I wrongfully and hastily judged myself as a “shoe-in” when I applied), and subsequently did not receive a Student Communications job I interviewed for. This was no more than two weeks ago.

 

So, the rejection is raw for me! I know what it’s like. I know how it feels to go from pure excitement to see that email from the job in the inbox. I know how it feels to go straight to sickening anxiety when you realize there is no “congratulations”.

 

 

So how do we survive this? How do we unfold ourselves from the fetal position and get up from the ground?

 

Avoiding overconfidence during the application process, during the interview, and after the interview is key. By staying humble and remembering to consider the possibility of rejection, not getting the job is less of a blow to your conviction. It is important to note that I am not saying the rejection will be easy. That would be a lie! Also, remaining modest while your possible future employer is deliberating will help you avoid embarrassment–overconfidence may lead you to brag about “the new job you’re totally going to get.”

 

Never ceasing to apply for other jobs is another way to cope with rejection. If you really want or need a job, applying to only one position may not be the best idea. Whip up a professional resumé, inquire whether your favorite businesses are hiring, and get going on the applications. Remember, if you’ve never had a job before, do not expect your resumé to be as full as someone older and more experienced in the workforce. Everyone has to start somewhere! Also, I advocate for applying only to places where you personally enjoy their product/business ideals/atmosphere/staff. I have learned the hard way that simply applying everywhere that is hiring only leads to getting stuck in a position you have no passion for. If the places you love are not currently hiring, still offer your resumé and apply! Patience will be required in this instance, but people quit their jobs everyday. A spot may open for you if you remain insistent!

 

If job rejection is getting you down, try turning future job hunting into a fun group experience! Make a list of places you would love to work, gather your interested friends, and spend an entire day searching for positions online and in person. Rejection may make you feel alone and lesser than those around you, but these companions will have gone through the entire application process with you. Additionally, always be supportive of a friend that receives a job, especially if they earn a job that you had also applied for and you do not. Resentment for those who have jobs is a fast track to pessimistic thoughts and submission to rejection.

 

Finally, remain positive and never give up. Rejection does not have to own you! Perhaps, if you are having trouble finding a job, employers find your school schedule or extracurricular too demanding. Maybe you need some time to work on your resumé or your interview skills. Feel free to ask a business why you did not receive the job you applied for if you are looking for positive, constructive criticism. Reflect on the entire application process to see if you lacked in any areas. Did you seem too smug (or nervous) while meeting with a manager? Was your handshake firm and your eye contact constant? Did you embellish your application a little too much? Was your idea of “business attire” sneakers and a t-shirt?

 

The fact is, if you made any mistakes, it’s okay! Learn from them.

 

I had a job interview yesterday with one of my favorite businesses. We’ll see where I end up.

 

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