Everyone has been there at some point: you find a role you are really excited about. All the pieces line up: the pay, the benefits, the industry, the work schedule/flexibility – whatever you want it to be, there it is, right in front of you. After combing through your resume (and maybe cover letter), shaping every error into spotlessness, you submit it. A week goes by and you think nothing of it: the interview offer will come. Then two weeks go by and you start to wonder, but think maybe it is too soon to reach out. Then, as you sit down to draft your email, poking the employer just a bit, they reach out. You are excited. Opening the email, you see something like “thank you for applying.” And then the bomb drops: “unfortunately, we are moving in a different direction.”
You are crestfallen. Heartbroken. What are you to do now? You spent time and energy on that application, more than the usual, and daydreamed about how it would change your life. But only you can change your life.
As a job seeker, it’s your job to accept rejection.
Rejection is Part of the Application Process
Again, everyone has been rejected from a job they really wanted. It is your responsibility to accept rejection. But remember that there could be so many reasons why you were not selected for this role. There might be internal items at play within the company. Maybe the application window closed earlier than expected? It is not uncommon for listings to become ghost towns, even after someone has filled the role.
The basic premise to remember is that you are not at fault. While it is your responsibility to accept rejection, it is not necessarily your responsibility you were rejected. Please, to avoid becoming bitter and disheartened, do not take this outcome personally.
Maybe it’s for the Best
The phrase “everything happens for a reason” often rings true, and this rejection could be a perfect example of that. Even if you daydreamed about how great it would be to work in this role at this company, there is no guarantee that would have been the case. Maybe this is a sign you need to reevaluate your career goals and personal aspirations. Take a moment to center yourself. Have a little faith in the future. The right opportunity can come at a moment’s notice. Sometimes you need to be patient.
What Do You Need to Accept Rejection?
Once you have centered yourself and jumped back into the application game, figure out what you want to do. Do you have a list of non-negotiable items for your next job? That could be a certain industry, benefit package – whatever means the most to you. Find yourself before finding your career (or even your next paycheck). Learn about you while learning about the jobs that are out there. Maybe your values have never changed but your perspective has. Is there a way to align the two? Figure that out as you look for a new role.
So, next time you have this experience, keep these ideas in mind. After all, it is called a career path. How often are paths straight lines? Learn to accept the rejection(s) and accept yourself as well.
