So, you were excited about last week's interview with the advertising agency you always wanted to work for, and you felt confident about the way you answered the questions. The hiring manager seemed impressed with your resume, and you know you will be a good fit based on your past experience and expertise. But this afternoon you received a job rejection letter, and now you feel bad. Here is what you should do following a job rejection.
The job rejection is not a reflection of who you are
After a job rejection, your confidence takes a temporary dive, but realize that just because you were turned down for a particular job, it doesn't mean that you are a person of poor character or who would not fit within a certain industry. It just means that the company is looking for someone who is a better fit for them.
You can send a thank-you note
While this might not work for every job applicant, sometimes it pays to write a follow-up thank you note to the hiring manager. In the letter, you can discuss that you are grateful for the opportunity to interview with the company and mention the qualities that you were most impressed by regarding the company culture. Also, mention that you would like to stay in contact and that you would be interested in other openings in the future.
Request feedback
This is another good option, but you're more likely to receive the best feedback if you received more than one interview with the hiring manager. Some career experts would say that you should obtain feedback from the recruiter who interviewed you, but also remember that not all interviewers would be willing to offer feedback. Start your request by thanking them for their consideration, and then mention your interest in receiving feedback. If you receive feedback, pay close attention and use it as a way to improve so that you'll excel at future interviews.
Look at the positive side
Although you were rejected for this particular job, maybe you were not meant to work there. Perhaps you are overqualified for the position, and you might consider applying to a company that best suits your talents and qualifications. Or, maybe you were rejected because you did not possess adequate experience in certain computer skills. Use this time to get additional training so that you'll be prepared for future opportunities.
Seek emotional support
If you had multiple job rejections before your recent one, it takes a toll on you emotionally. This is especially the case if you are struggling to support yourself or family financially. Talk with relatives and good friends about what happened. They can help you remain strong in your job search, and they might even know some employers who are currently hiring.
Job rejections are painful at times, but with the above mentioned steps, you can overcome the odds and find the right job. Use this time to look over your resume and make changes if needed. Keep a positive attitude and network as often as possible.