How to deal with job rejection and plan your next steps | Place Me - Career Resources

How to deal with job rejection and plan your next steps


Being turned down for a job is tough, especially when you don’t know why your application is rejected. The good news is that if you’re wondering how to get over rejection from a job, there are steps you can take to stay positive while you continue to look for a position that’s right for you.

Talk yourself up

Self-talk can make a significant impact on your self-confidence. The effect can be good or bad, depending on whether your self-talk is positive or negative. After getting rejected from a job, it’s easy for your confidence to take a hit.

Focus on your strengths

Find ways to refer to your strengths in job interviews and resumes. A way to do this is to write them down and keep the list handy for when you’re feeling down or preparing for your following interview. Focusing your attention on what you’re good at can give you a definite boost after a rejection.

Ask for feedback

Asking for feedback can feel scary, as we don’t always like hearing what we need to improve on. However, receiving feedback on your resume, interview or experience is an excellent way to help you land the next job. You could try calling or emailing the hiring manager and ask them to give you any feedback from your application/interview. Use that feedback to make changes to your resume and your following interview.

Know that it’s not just you

Looking for jobs can be challenging, especially in the current job market and the impacts of the pandemic. So many factors are out of our control – for example, a company might be looking for someone to fill a specific gap in their team, or there might be heaps of competition for particular jobs.

Even someone with all the experience in the world may find it challenging to land a job. Try to focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.

Keep trying, pat yourself on the back and keep putting yourself out there! If you need any guidance, our team at PlaceMe is here to help! We offer coaching packages and resources available on our website. Reach out to us today!