Coping with Job Interview Rejection

So, you finally got a job interview!

You’ve prepared everything, from your outfit to general answers for common interview questions to the journey. You visit the office, meet the interviewers, have a glass of water and after you’ve finished your interview and being told you will be contacted soon, you’re about 92.5% certain that you have the job (7.5% unsure as you forgot to ask a question at the end). Then, you get THAT email: ‘Thank you for your interest in the company. Unfortunately, you have been UNSUCCESSFUL on this occasion’.

And then the email’s deleted.

You might be feeling a load of emotions: disappointment, frustration, sad and a little heartbroken (or anger). Whatever it is, it is completely normal to experience these feelings and you should take some time to process your emotions and thoughts. Rejection and failure is a learning experience; it does not define you but is a pathway to become better and stronger. We all make mistakes from time to time, but what sets you apart from everyone else is acknowledging, accepting and learning from your errors. The fact that you landed the interview is an achievement in itself, as the job market is very competitive. Interview failure is completely normal and is vital ingredient to success. Think about company CEO’s, directors and even your interviewers, who were all, once upon a time, in the exact same boat as you. Upon falling into the water, they learn how to swim instead of drowning.

Now, how can you learn from this rejection?

Ask for feedback from the interviewers on your interview performance, to be aware of general areas of improvement and key skills, experiences and requirements you do not have. Email the employers, thanking them for their time and asking for feedback which displays a sense of tenacity.

Exercise positivity, a skill employers desire in employees as they are able to pick themselves up quickly, be resilient and show openness to self-improvement.

Establish short-term and long-term goals, in terms of your job and your personal life. What do you want to work on? How long shall it take you to master a skill? How will it contribute to my professional and/or personal development?

Work on yourself and take time to improve your qualifications, skills and competencies, in line with what the employer is looking for or what you wish to personally achieve. Take courses, volunteer, engage with professional networks, plan a business idea, do mock interviews, practice digital marketing, join a sports team, read subject/skill-specific books. Whatever it is, be open and focus on what you wish to achieve.

Review and update your CV, cover letter and re-think your interview answers, in line with the job description of the role. Reassess your job search strategy by considering applying to a broader range of positions and industries.

Stay persistent, keep applying to other job opportunities and do not give up. Every interview failure or application rejection is a learning experience, helping you to get better for the right role. If you are overwhelmed, take a break or seek advice from career counsellors who can provide personalised guidance.

There’s a variety of reasons as to why you might not have got the job. Maybe your cover letter was poor in presentation, or the company found a candidate who had a loads more experience than you, or you were unfocused and distracted in the interview. Whatever it is, the reason is not a reflection of your capabilities and to become successful, you must remember to acknowledge, accept and act upon the mistakes.