Being turned down for a job is frustrating, especially when you don't know why you were turned down or when you'll have another chance. The good news is that there are steps you can do to stay positive while looking for a job that's perfect for you if you're asking how to get over a job rejection. Continue on!
1. Ask for detailed feedback from recruiters
After a rejection, the most important thing to do is reflect on what happened and what you can learn from it. When faced with a job rejection, the most beneficial thing you can do is ask for and listen to comments. Self-analysis alone won't reveal all of the reasons why you weren't the best candidate for the job.
Begin by getting as much information as possible from the recruiter – and, through them, the company. If the comments appears to be generic, don't be hesitant to request a more in-depth evaluation.
2. Review and reflect
It can be tempting to put the event behind you and forget about it once you've had time to process the employer's decision. But that would be wasting a valuable learning opportunity.
So, recall everything that happened while thinking about the feedback you received. If the process was completed in stages, rank your performance for each one and see where you can improve. There's always opportunity for improvement, so take advantage of any failures to highlight these flaws.
3. Create a personal growth plan based on what you've learned.
Consider feedback from previous rejections, as well as appraisals and other forms of feedback. Are there any common threads? What should your main development goals be?
Make a list of any flaws or concerns that you can address and use them as a focal point for how you approach your preparation the following time.
4. Think about it.
Feedback can also help you recognise that rejection is sometimes out of your control – and may even be in your best interests in the long run.
Some things can't be changed overnight - if the interviewer chooses someone who knows the local language (which you don't), then being philosophical pays off. The key to your strategy is to concentrate on the things you can change.
5. Make your search more specific.
Although it's disheartening to be rejected, the interview and feedback process can sometimes reveal that, while you were rejected, the role didn't feel like the appropriate fit for you either.
Examine the job description again and consider whether you might imagine yourself in that position on a day-to-day basis. If there were components of the job that didn't thrill you, the interviewer might have noticed as well.
Make the most of your previous job search experience by refining your job search in the future.