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A job interview can be emotionally draining, especially when you receive another rejection email in your inbox. Why didn’t they hire me? It can be disappointing not to get the job offer that you wanted, especially after spending hours crafting your resume and cover letter, preparing for your job interview, and giving your all in several rounds of interviews and assignments, only to be told that the company decided to go with another candidate – or worse – not hear back from them at all.
Rejection hurts, and we’ve all been there, but don’t take it personally. Remember, a job interview rejection doesn’t determine your worth, and it’s not always about you. There can be plenty of other determining factors outside of your control. Believe a better opportunity awaits elsewhere and persistently seek it!
If you’re still bummed about the rejection, here are a few ways to cope with the frustration and leverage the experience for a future job interview.
Ask for Feedback and Stay Connected
In your rejection email, the company may vaguely state that you were not selected for the position you interviewed for. While some may briefly state the reason, most may not. However, this is an excellent opportunity to express appreciation again for the interview and the chance to learn more about the position and organization.
Additionally, ask for feedback regarding your application and interview, as this would be so helpful for your future job search. Some people provide honest feedback regarding the skills they believe you can improve or gain experience. That way, you can work on filling the gaps for your following job interview!
If you are still interested in working with the organization, express this in your email. Additionally, you can mention that you would appreciate them considering you for future opportunities where your skill set would fit the most. Alternatively, you may propose working with them on a freelance, internship, or part-time basis to get your foot in the door. Moreover, ask to stay connected on LinkedIn to maintain a professional relationship and be on the lookout for future job opportunities with this company!
Reflect and Draw Lessons from the Experience
While viewing the entire job interview experience with a positive mindset is challenging, try to draw lessons you can apply for a future interview. What were some of the questions they asked during the interview? Pay close attention to the ones that kept coming up in your interviews and the questions you found most challenging to answer. Prepare specific examples for these questions and practice them.
Share your interview feedback and experience with your peers and mentors, and ask them for any tips and feedback. Finally, reflect on your entire interview and the information you received about the company. Was this position and company a good fit for you, or did you notice any red flags? Reminder: job interviews are a two-way street.
Honour Your Growth and Practice Self-Compassion
Give yourself a big pat on the back for getting this far. Receiving an interview request is already a huge accomplishment, as it indicates that you are qualified for the position they are hiring for. You were selected to be considered for the job amongst many applicants. Give yourself credit for showing up, doing your best, and not giving up.
The job search process can be tedious and demanding, so honour your growth in these challenging times. What can you do to bounce back from the rejection of the job interview? How can you implement rest, play and self-care in between your job hunt? Remember to practice self-compassion by having positive, loving self-talk and not judging yourself.
Every job interview experience is worthwhile for the lessons you will learn. Keep applying for your ideal jobs, refining your interview skills, and advocating for yourself! Best of luck!
Originally published on TalentEgg.