Getting Back On Track When Dealing With Job Rejection

When you’ve worked hard to get to an interview only to be refused can be soul-destroying. According to career coach and author Orville Pierson the average job-seeker is rejected by 24 decision-makers before they eventually get the ‘yes.’ It is something that affects most of us at some point in our career, it’s can be morale-sapping and setbacks can be hard. 

This is why having someone near to you is important. You don’t have to face rejection in isolation, particularly during difficult times of the past year.

How do the TeamJobs team pick people up when they have had to face ‘a no’ from a potential employer? Vicki Reeks, industrial manager says, “The most important thing to remember is that it may not be a reflection on you. You are not going to get a ‘yes’ for every job you apply for.”

“For candidates who are facing rejection on many occasions, it requires more of a consultative approach. People who are about to step into the interview environment, the industrial team and I always prep each person so they know about the company and people they will meet. For lower-skilled jobs, it’s not necessarily about the skillsets but the attitude and impression created.”

Rejection is a part of life and being resilient throughout the job-search process means getting comfortable with the disappointment. Vicki says, “If a candidate is continually rejected, as a recruiter, sometimes you have to be honest with people. By just being open with others can give them a chance to rectify and get the right job.”

Working on a one-to-one basis can help with a reversal of fortune. Jaime Rana, senior consultant, highlights a recent experience, “I have been working with a marketing candidate who had been in numerous interviews and having a tough time through the pandemic, similar to many people. Sometimes it becomes more than addressing a CV but a recognition of self-confidence playing a huge factor.”

“A way to address this was to focus on her presentation skills. The candidate recorded a video that supported her profile, market knowledge and career aspirations. A consultative approach has been important during the pandemic. People need others to give them the impetus to succeed. She finally got the job she wanted and it feels good to be in the background and pick someone else up, whilst they may have been struggling with their recruitment efforts.”

The setbacks that we all receive in work and life are what helps to define us. It can be isolating when you face every obstacle on your own. This is why having others who are on your side, to pick you up, advise and guide can be immensely supportive to your career direction. What can be a ‘no’ at the moment, can also mean one step close to the ‘yes’ for the job you wanted.