Rejection may help you next time
When you apply for a job, you must be prepared to handle rejections. Here are the 3 things you need to do to use any job rejection constructively.
When to follow up and when to move on
When you submit a written application for a job with many applicants, the only response you may receive is an email informing you that the company went with another candidate. There is not much to do in this case in terms of follow up. However, you should always call if you made it as far as the first interview and didn’t get the job. Ask them what they prioritised when selecting the candidate, and what you can do going forward to become a more attractive profile for such a position.
Learn from rejection
Feedback from the company and any advice they give can be helpful to you the next time you apply for a job.
You’ll also learn whether there are courses or similar that you should take as a jobseeker to strengthen your competences and future opportunities. Don’t take rejection personally. It doesn’t mean that you’re not as good as other people or that your application was not good enough. Remember that many apply to the same job and only one person can be hired for it. The company has to be brutal in their selection and choose between several qualified candidates.
Think positively
Think positively and move on immediately. When you call to inquire why the company didn’t choose you, take the opportunity to promote yourself. You have the qualifications, so maybe they might need you at another time? You can also use the rejection to improve your next job application and interview.
Two good questions
You were invited to an interview, but unfortunately, they chose someone else for the position.
You have to move ahead with your job search, so it’s a good idea to receive some feedback. Sanne Mattebjerg, career counsellor at IDA, suggests asking these two questions after a job rejection:
“What did you place emphasis on when selecting your candidate?”
This question may provide you with information about which qualifications were important (at least for the employer), and you can assess whether you in fact have those qualifications or if they are qualifications you need to acquire.
“You met me at the interview. Can you give me a single, specific piece of advice on what I can do better next time?”
Making a good first impression is important to securing a job, and any constructive feedback the employer can give you regarding your performance during the interview will be helpful.
