How to rebound from a job application rejection

Application rejections hurt. When you’ve sent out dozens — or even hundreds of resumes, you’ve finally gotten a callback, and you’re pretty sure you nailed the interview and the skills test, it can be downright awful to get an email saying you didn’t get the job. Those emails are often only a line or two and don’t convey precisely why you didn’t get the job — and whether there was anything you could have done that would have changed the outcome.

Take a deep breath and remind yourself that no matter how badly you wanted or needed the job, this rejection is not the end of the world. Handle it with professionalism and put it into proper perspective to position yourself best to continue your job search.

Follow Up with the Employer

If you receive a rejection letter, let the employer know that you appreciate their consideration and hope they’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. Many job applicants fail to send any response, usually out of frustration. Sometimes rejected job applicants mistakenly send letters voicing their disappointment — and even anger — at not getting the role. But it’s important not to do this for several reasons. The first is that the job offer they made may fall through, or they may realize very quickly that the candidate they hired is the wrong fit. You may have been second on the list.

When you do respond, take the opportunity to ask for constructive criticism. A thoughtful response to a rejection letter can help ensure the interviewer remembers you and thinks of you when other positions open up.

Rest and Reset

Don’t spend long periods agonizing over your rejection. Avoid letting negative thoughts about the entire job search process overwhelm you. Gather yourself and keep plugging away at the process. The right job will surface for you. Use the rejections as a learning process of what you want and go after it.

When you return to the job search process, take time to reflect on what you did right and what you might have improved during this last application process. Write both down on a sheet of paper. Then, write down tangible ways you can fix the things that require improvement. By performing this kind of self-assessment, you can use your rejection as an opportunity to grow and become an even more competitive applicant.

Keep applying, know you’ll get the job you want if you keep working at it.

Photo by Shutterstock Don’t panic. Don’t get discouraged. Stay focused on applying for jobs.