Didn’t Get the Job? How to Learn from the Experience

Missing out on a job opportunity can be heartbreaking, but there is a silver lining. You may have experienced a temporary setback in your job search, but you can learn from it to improve your search over the long term. Here are some tips for turning a negative into a positive:

Find Your Motivation

After a rejection, it’s easy to wallow in self-pity and self-doubt. The better strategy is to use the rejection as an opportunity to really scrutinize your job search strategy. What went right with this search, and what ultimately went wrong? What strategies are worth repeating, and what needs to be changed the next time an exciting opportunity comes along? Instead of feeling bad about the past, get motivated for the future.

Solicit Feedback

There is no harm in politely asking an employer why you were turned down for a position. The worst that can happen is they decline to comment; more often than you expect you’ll get an honest answer. Seek out this kind of feedback to make your next employment bid more successful. You can also get feedback from your friends, family, and professional network on your resume, cover letter, and interview performance. Give everything a thoughtful review and you’ll start out a stronger candidate next time.

Seek Out Support

Two of the most common feelings following a job rejection are embarrassment and shame. As a result, many people retreat inwards and don’t share their feelings/frustrations with anyone else. That, of course, just amplifies them and adds stress to any future job search. We can all use a source of support, especially during times of unemployment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends/family when you need to vent some frustration. You can also use them as a sounding board to get a different perspective on your job search.

Evaluate Your Priorities

What is the real reason you didn’t get the job? Is it because you were not perfectly qualified, or is it because you didn’t really want the position, company, industry, etc. The problem with your job search might be that you’re looking in the wrong places. Now is a great time to reflect on your past career and future goals, and evaluate whether you’re doing what you really want to be doing. If you are, leverage that true passion to your benefit on your next interview. If you’re not, focus your search someplace you would rather be.

Are you ready to find the next opportunity? Rely on the team at INSPYR Solutions, our recruiters are happy to help you successfully land that dream job.