How to Bounce Back When You Don’t Get the Job You Really Wanted
Posted April 30th, 2019
When you are in the middle of a job search, it is common to be a bit anxious. You’ve worked hard on your resume, tried to nail the interview, and are striving to remain hopeful about an exciting opportunity. Then, if you find out that you didn’t land the position, it can feel like being hit by a ton of bricks.
Regardless of how far along you were in the hiring process, figuring out what to do after you find out you weren’t selected can be challenging. Being disappointed is tough, but it is important to try and move on. If you want to find out exactly what you should do if you don’t get a position, here are some tips.
Realize the Feeling is Normal
People often focus on bad experiences because of negativity bias – the tendency to allow negative outcomes to influence our thinking and mood more dramatically than positive ones. If you are upset or disappointed after getting rejected for a job, that’s perfectly normal. However, you also need to recognize that how you perceive the situation isn’t entirely accurate too.
For example, a single rejection (or even multiples) doesn’t mean you’ll never find a job, even if that is what your brain is trying to tell you. Instead, it suggests that it wasn’t the right fit, and that you need to continue until you find the right opportunity.
Plus, it also serves a chance to consider what you could have done better. It is a learning experience that can improve your interview technique or your resume, increasing the odds that you’ll excel the next time around.
Remember That It’s Part of the Job Search Process
To put it simply, practically no one lands every job they try for, no matter how skilled or capable they may be. Being rejected is part of the process; that’s just the way it is.
By understanding that, it becomes easier to realize that there is no guaranteed outcome when you are looking for new opportunities. However, by being resilient and focused, you will find the right fit with time, and may even make some connections along the way that can benefit your job search.
Avoid Overanalyzing
While reviewing your resume and interview performance to spot issues that may be worth correcting is wise, overanalyzing usually won’t work out in your favor. Examining every sentence you spoke, breaking down your follow-up email line by line, or otherwise tearing yourself down one tiny step at a time isn’t beneficial; it only hurts your self-esteem and drive. Plus, it leaves you stuck in the past, and that will hinder your future progress.
After briefly considering what you can learn from the experience, stop looking back on your own. If you genuinely want more input, then consider asking the hiring manager for feedback on how you can improve or speak with a trusted friend or family member who may be able to guide you. Often, these individuals will give you a more realistic picture of where you stand and can offer constructive feedback to help you grow.
Find a New Job Fast! Contact the Recruiters at Bayside Solutions!
By following the tips above, you can move forward even when you don’t land a position. If you’d like to find out more, the staff at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our skilled recruitment team today and see how our job search expertise can benefit you.
