Job rejection can hurt, especially if it’s a job you’ve been working towards and then suddenly, you receive the classic email of, ‘Unfortunately, we’ve gone with someone who has more experience’.

It leaves us feeling empty and deflated, thinking future interviews might end somewhat the same.

But these experiences can actually increase our chances of succeeding in the future rather than decrease them.

This is how you can use job rejection to your advantage:

Seek feedback from your interviewer

The last thing you might want to do is keep conversing with the company that chose another professional for the job, but seeking feedback can help with your future job search efforts.

As a recruitment consultancy, we always aim to give feedback to those who progress to the interview stages with points they can improve on so they can ultimately reach success.

So, if your interviewer hasn’t provided you with feedback yet, then ask them to. They might be more than happy to give you tips on what they think you can do better. After all, you’ve likely put lots of time and effort into the process, so you deserve some guidance.

And take the constructive feedback positively—it’s easier said than done—but in this case, be open with it to increase the chances of your next interview.

Think back to your interview

Although it can be tempting, don’t push the experience to the back of your mind. Instead, reflect on the interview; and if you had more than one, reflect on each stage and think about what you can improve on for next time.

Think:

• If I could re-do the interview, what would I do differently?
• What questions did I have more confidence answering and which ones did I stumble on?
• What interview stage went more smoothly and why?
• How could I build rapport better next time?

Answering these questions honestly will help you figure out what you can do next time to ensure a more positive experience.

Before the interview you can also try practising some answers to key questions. This could help with your nerves, too, as you’ll be familiar with some of the conversation.

Refine your job search

Sometimes, just sometimes, being rejected for a job can be a blessing in disguise.

Ever felt this way before? Facing job rejection can give you the opportunity to evaluate the role from a different perspective—one where you didn’t get the job—where you can decide if this type of position is what you really want.

Use your job rejection as an advantage to see if the role would’ve 100% matched your qualifications, abilities, and most importantly your lifestyle and passion by reflecting on what the interviewer told you would be required on a day-to-day basis.

Sometimes just wanting a new job can hinder our senses and after rejection we realise the job wasn’t suitable for us after all. If this is the case, then it’s time to alter your search before submitting your next application or accepting an interview.

Take it in your stride—because what else can you do?

Take your current job rejection—and every setback you’ve faced in your career—as a chance to level up and improve.

Instead of letting it get to you, learn how to deal with disappointment and develop a strong mindset, as learning to overcome hurdles like these will make it easier for you to succeed in the future.

Have a question for us? If you’re a job seeker on the lookout for your next role, a hiring manager looking to fill a position, or want to know more about this topic, contact us at Humanised Group! We’re here to help you succeed.