In any job search, there is always the possibility for rejection. It is very important to handle rejection appropriately so that you maintain a professional attitude and do not hurt your future job prospects. Here are a few tips on how to handle rejection in your job search.

The Standard Rejection Letter

Sometimes you will get a rejection letter based on your resume alone. It will say something like “We appreciate your interest in this position and although your credentials are impressive, we have other candidates that we feel are a better fit for the position.” Do not let this get you down. Even if you applied for a job using the best version of your cover letter and resume, you are not guaranteed an interview. At the same rate, if you go through a series of interviews, you are not guaranteed an offer. Just do your best and keep moving forward.

Do Not Overthink It

Sometimes people tend to overthink the reason they got rejected. Unfortunately in business you may never get a concrete answer as to why you were not selected for a position. If you do get rejected (even after a series of interviews) you should not probe the hiring manager for answers. If you are working with a recruiter, you can feel free to ask them if they can provide you with additional feedback to assist in your job search. But be prepared to never get a concrete answer and move on with your job search.

Work With a Recruiter

If you are not getting anywhere in the job market on your own, you should consider working with a recruiter. They may be able to give you some insights as to why you have been having trouble. They have access to market data and can tell you what salary you should be able to demand based on your skillset. They can (and should) provide you with interviewing tips for each position they present to you. Because they work closely with hiring managers, they often know what types of questions you will be asked during an interview so they can give you a heads up.

If you go into your job search with the proper expectations, then you will be better equipped to handle rejection. You should never let rejection get you down. Keep a positive attitude and continue your job search. The right opportunity will present itself and when it does, you need to be in the right mindset for the interview.

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