How to plan your next steps after job rejection
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19/10/2021
The dream job you were hoping for has just slipped through your fingertips – you’ve just been informed that you were unsuccessful following a job interview. But what next? Where to from here? What if this isn’t the first role you have just missed out on?
I always tell candidates to treat each job interview as practice for the next. Focus on where you feel you lacked depth or understanding. When in an interview, don’t be afraid to ask questions, or ask the interviewer for a question to be repeated or rephrased if you didn’t understand.
But what do you do, after you get that call…
1. Seek feedback from your interview/application
When you receive the call to inform you that unfortunately, you have not received the job you were hoping for – don’t be afraid to ask the interview/recruiter for some detailed feedback from your interview. Ask some specific questions, was it in relation to your experience, or did you lack depth into one of the (behavioural) interview questions
If you have received an email to let you know you have been unsuitable, don’t be afraid to make the phone call to follow up – in this day and age; I would hope you receive verbal feedback following an interview.
Ask specific questions so you can some detailed, tailored feedback, not just a general response. Take this feedback on board and think about how you can use it to your advantage in your next interview.
2. Make changes and self-reflect on your interview feedback
Take note of the feedback and see how you can improve for the next interview. If you were given feedback on a specific question where you lacked depth, practice and come up with more detailed examples you can use in your next interview.
Have a look at your resume/cover letter/KSC and ensure it was tailored to that specific job. Often, candidates will have a general application/ resume which is where they can fall behind others who have put in more effort. This can also come across in interviews.
3. Don’t give up, keep trying
Sometimes feedback can be hard to accept, but it is all about how you take it on board. Treat it as a learning experience, to continue to learn and grow. Don’t be disheartened.
4. Talk to your family and friends about your rejection
Sometimes it is great to vent your frustrations but to also talk through your experience with those close to you. This can help work through feedback verbally, come up with ideas and brainstorm with others.
5. Don’t take it personally
Yes, someone else may have been successful in landing the job – but it isn’t anything against you personally. Ask the interviewer where the gaps were between yourself and the successful candidate. This can help you!
6. Keep applying for appropriate jobs and working on applications
Don’t be disheartened, keep applying! The market is tough now, but you must be in it to win it!
Identify your mistakes, learn from them and move on. Stick to a job search plan. Be positive when you search for a new role. Improve your resume and interviewing skills. After all, everyone gets rejected from time to time, but the most crucial point is what you learned from your experience and how you tackled your disappointment.
Feel free to contact the KLC Recruitment team if you would like to book an interview session! www.klcrecruitment.com.au
