Five ways to deal with setbacks when job hunting
Searching for a job can be a rollercoaster of an experience, especially if the job hunt takes longer than you expect. And whether you’re brand new to the job market or an experienced worker, the reality is that everyone has to deal with job application rejection at some point.
While it may be a pretty much universal experience, being turned down from a job isn’t something that feels especially positive. In fact, over time, job application rejection can start to knock your confidence and leave you feeling low. So how can you handle these setbacks and stay optimistic as you search for work?
At CAP, we’ve been working with job seekers for decades, helping with both the practical and emotional support needed to find work and feel confident in your skills. So here are our top five ways to handle job application rejection:
Five ways to handle job application rejection
1. Deal with those feelings of rejection
When you get a ‘no’ from a possible employer, whether it was for a job you had your heart set on or even one you weren’t sure about, it’s very normal to feel deflated. You might start to question your skills or wonder if you’ll ever find a job.
However, it’s so important to remember that a job rejection is not a reflection of your value as a person. It doesn’t mean that you will always be turned down. Remind yourself that this situation of searching for work is temporary, and that you are another step closer to finding the employer who will say ‘yes’ to hiring you.
The Bible says that every person is unique and inherently valuable to God, no matter whether they have a job or not, and regardless of what other people may say.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14
2. Learn from the experience
Even though your job application was rejected, it doesn’t mean that it was a waste of your time. You can learn a lot from your experience, and that will make you better at applying for jobs in the future.
If the employer sends you any feedback with the rejection, make the most of this! Read through it carefully and consider the reasons they give. Were you missing some key skills? Maybe you could take a course to learn some more. Were they looking for more information than you gave in the interview? Get someone to help you practice interview questions before next time.
Every job application can be a useful experience. It prompts you to update your CV, think about your skills and practice attending an interview. All of this means that you have practiced these things ahead of the next application, so that hopefully you will feel more confident.
3. Choose politeness and grace to others
Resist the urge to be grumpy with the employer delivering you bad news, or to snap at the friend whose career seems to be succeeding more than yours right now. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. On top of that, the way you react to disappointment is something prospective employers will notice, and handling it with politeness can help build good working relationships for the future.
Some years ago, I had a phone call from a head of HR, telling me that I had not been chosen for the job I’d interviewed for. Although it was disappointing news, I made a point of thanking her for the way she’d conducted the whole process, and told her that it was the best, warmest interview I’d attended, regardless of the outcome. A couple of weeks later, she phoned me again to offer me a different role at the organisation! I’m especially glad I was polite on the phone, since we went on to become colleagues.
4. Decide on your boundaries
One way of responding to job application rejection is to let it motivate you to try again, and to keep on trying until you succeed. This can be a really positive attitude to adopt, but it’s still important to set a limit to how much time and energy you are going to put in each week to the job application process.
Applying for jobs can feel like a full time job in itself, but with no set hours or annual leave! Set yourself some sensible boundaries, for example: ‘I’ll spend this many hours filling in application forms and answering emails, and then I’ll go for a walk or meet up with a friend.’
5. Get support to make your next job application shine
Searching for jobs is easier when you’re not doing it alone. A CAP job club offers you a community of job seekers in the same situation as you, as well as the expertise of a coach who can support you with the next steps in your career. Our job clubs cover essentials like interview tips and help to update your CV, alongside one-to-one coaching.
