When you don't get the job you want, it can be tough to move on. In the beginning, you may feel like you're not good enough, or that you'll never find another job.
Thankfully, while it can be a challenging experience, there are plenty of things you can do to move forward after being rejected from a job. In this article, we will discuss some ideas that will help you get over the disappointment and start looking for your next opportunity.
1. Take Some Time to Relax
After a rejection, take some time for yourself. The job application process can be physically and emotionally taxing. In some cases, it can also be a little dehumanizing. When you don't get the job you want, take a moment to clear your head before you make your next move.
Streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu offer a wide variety of content that can help take your mind off of things. Alternatively, you can also find great apps for relaxation, de-stressing, and clarity.
2. Talk to Someone About How You're Feeling
Getting rejected for a job can be gut-wrenching, especially when you have worked super hard on the application process. Should it be difficult to get over, you can talk to someone about how you're feeling—a friend, family member, or even a therapist.
Talking openly and honestly about what happened can help you process the rejection, put it into perspective, and move on. Aside from talking to friends and family, you can also try talking to a therapist or counselor to get an unbiased perspective.
If leaving the house is challenging, there are several therapy and counseling apps available online. Depending on how you're feeling, each app will have its area of focus which you can consider.
In some apps, you can join job hunting support groups for people who have gone through similar experiences. This can be a great way to meet new people, share your experiences, and get advice from others.
However, it's still recommended to meet with a mental health professional if possible. If you are experiencing things like insomnia, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, you can be prescribed medication to help deal with symptoms. With a professional by your side, you don't have to work through your experiences blindly.
3. Strengthen Your Skills
In some cases, you don't get a job because you lack a certain set of skills that hiring managers believe are necessary for the role. Thankfully, there are many ways to improve your skills after a job rejection.
For example, you can elevate your skills online by taking free or paid courses, which give certifications that you can add to your resume. Aside from this, you can also improve your skills offline by attending workshops or seminars.
4. Try Freelancing
Freelance work can help you improve your skills by giving you the opportunity to try new things. It can also help you build your resume by showing that you are willing to take on new challenges. In many ways, freelance work is a great training ground for learning how to work independently, remotely, and professionally.
While it may not be your goal to be a freelancer, trying it out may help catapult your corporate career. Alongside the chance to learn from other people, freelance work can also help you build your portfolio, refine your skills, and show potential employers that you are capable of doing great work.
If you don't know where to start, there are plenty of places online to find freelance opportunities.
5. Update Your Resume
These days, many companies use screening software to be able to parse through resumes before viewing them. To avoid getting cut before a human sees your profile, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Use standard and legible fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
- Stick to 12 point text size.
- Use common spacing between lines of text.
- Limit the use of graphics and colors.
- Avoid using tables or charts.
- Save your resume as a PDF file.
- Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements.
In addition, it's good to regularly update your resume to reflect your current skills and experience. If you have the budget, you should also consider working with a professional resume writer to help you stand out from the competition.
5. Go Networking
One of the best ways to find a job is through networking, so start reaching out to people you know who work in the industry or field you're interested in. While previously, you could attend in-person events or seminars to meet people, there are now plenty of ways to do this online.
For example, you can use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with professionals in your field. There are almost always online groups and forums related to your industry or career interests in almost every social media platform.
Alternatively, you can search for blogs and articles written by experts in your field and leave thoughtful comments. Or, attend webinars and virtual conferences to learn from leading professionals in your industry.
If you're feeling brave, you can also connect with people you know who work at companies you're interested in. Ask them for inside information, a recommendation, or advice on how to get your foot in the door.
6. Stay Alert for New Job Openings
In some cases, getting a job is all about timing. If a company is keen on filling a role right away, they may hire the first person who checks all their boxes, even if they're not necessarily the best for the job. With this, it's always good to be one of the first people to apply for a newly opened role.
Use search engines and job boards to find open positions at companies that interest you. Research the company's website and read through the job descriptions to see if you would be a good fit. In fact, you can also sign up for email newsletters from companies you're interested in and follow them on social media.
Lastly, you can set up job alerts for popular websites. If possible, you can also follow hiring managers on websites like LinkedIn to know if a position will be open.
Move Forward With a Positive Mindset
If you were rejected from the job, it's likely because you were not the best candidate, didn't apply at the right time, or were not qualified for the role. Because rejection is a difficult experience, it is okay to take time to rest, recover, and regroup before your next application.
When you're ready, take some time to reflect on what may have gone wrong and try to learn from your mistakes. We hope these tips help you move forward after being rejected from a job. Remember, there are plenty of other opportunities out there! With a positive mindset, you can find the perfect job for you, as long as you don't give up.