How to survive job interview rejection

So you didn’t get your dream job, your confidence is dented and your patience is wearing thin, sound familiar? Despite being well prepared, arriving on time and presenting yourself in a positive manner it’s important to remember no matter how qualified and skilled you are, you’re simply not going to get every job you apply for.

Whether it’s down to another candidate being slightly more experienced, or even if it’s just not the right fit this time round, rejection, while not pleasant, is not a sign of failure and is something each of us has experienced at one time or another. We’ve all been there. Whilst it’s tempting to give up, shy away and hate the world, here are a few things to remember to ensure you remain positive and motivated in your search.

Remain optimistic & open minded

We understand that it is difficult to remain positive when after every last effort made by yourself, you still get rejected. What is key to remember however, is that rejection is not always about you. You’re not going to be suited to each and every company, you’re not always going to have the same level of skills and experience as the other candidates, and you can’t compare to an internal applicant that is already familiar with the ins and outs of the business. Whatever the reason, remaining optimistic is key to continuing a successful search. Negative thoughts and feelings can translate through to your applications a lot more obviously than you would think and can often spur you to apply to each and every role you see. Being positive, not desperate is vital.

Ask for feedback

If you are rejected, find out why. Asking for feedback is an excellent way of getting another perspective on your skillset and overall interviewing technique and is the perfect opportunity to find out how to improve. Any feedback gained can then be implemented and used for future reference. We understand that it can seem a little daunting, and hearing anything negative about yourself can be uncomfortable, though it is important to keep in mind how the feedback will benefit you moving forwards.

Take a deep breath and hit respond to that email!

Research, research, research

Are you applying to the right companies? Do these companies match your values, do you even meet theirs? Does the office culture appear to be one that would suit you? Research is key when applying for roles and there is more to consider that just whether they are hiring or not. Applying for every job vacancy on the internet makes you look desperate and dispassionate and whilst you should seek out as many opportunities as possible, employers can see straight through applicants who are applying for the sake of it. Research your chosen company as best you can and tailor your cv and cover letter to the role and company itself.

Don’t give up

Rejection can be disheartening, but it is important to not lose hope. At a time where it seems you can only focus on the negatives, rejection is where you can truly learn about yourself and grow as an individual. You do have excellent skills and qualities, you just have to be patient to find a company that will value them and that they will be suited to - it's all about the right fit. Keep smiling, turn every rejection into a learning experience and remain focused.

Remember, here at Westray Recruitment Consultants, we are here to help. Whether it's simply advice you require or assistance in your search for work, our consultants provide an invaluable service to either get you back to work, or to find that next new opportunity. From industry insight to CV and interview advice and let's not forget their connections to some of the biggest companies in the region, our consultants are a key tool in turning your circumstances around. For more information call us now on 0191 492 6622