In today's job market, job candidates and interviewees need to be prepared for rejection when applying for positions.
“Most of the time it seems impossible to find a job,” says Caroline Reidy, managing director of The HR Suite. “It can be quite an overwhelming process, and if you are getting rejection emails, or worse, being ghosted, it can very easily start to feel like you are never going to get a position.”
Reidy says that even if you do get an interview, many companies now require multiple rounds, which can make the whole process even more difficult.
The hardest thing about constant job rejections is the feeling of powerlessness that may keep expanding, says Peter Dudley, executive and life coach with Gray Bear Coaching LLC. “You work hard to show your best self, and then time and again, they pick someone else even when you may be overqualified for the job."
Dudley also says that today's job market is deceptive. With a few clicks, you can find job listings anywhere around the globe, but so can candidates anywhere in the world. “The job you want is most likely flooded with hundreds – if not thousands – of applications, so the hiring manager may never even see yours,” he says. “More applications means more rejections.”
In light of this environment, job seekers can take proactive steps to deal with job rejection. “It really is just a case of pushing through,” Reidy says.
Here are six ways to manage repeatedly hearing “no” from employers without going under. These strategies can help you not only stop being discouraged by job rejection but also bounce back from job rejection more quickly.
Don't Take It Personally
It may be hard not to take rejection personally, but that's what you have to do to keep going,” Dudley says.
“To the company, it's not personal at all," Dudley says. "But to the applicant, it doesn't get more personal.”
Because of this, let yourself feel the sting for a moment, then let it go. He says, “It's impossible to move forward if you're dragging the weight of the last rejection along with you.”
Let Yourself Feel Down
It’s okay if rejection makes you feel deflated and exhausted with the whole process, Reidy says. “Understand that sadness is a normal and healthy emotion and an understandable reaction to rejection,” she says.
Instead of losing confidence or becoming self-destructive, Reidy advises rejected candidates to consider expressing their feelings. “Our self-esteem is harmed by rejection and having a good cry can help you feel better,” she says.
Treat Yourself to Something Uplifting
Balance out the bad news of not receiving a job offer with a positive experience to keep you moving forward, Reidy says. “Following each rejection, treat yourself to a night out or something nice to eat,” Reidy says. “It's OK to sit in your sadness, but it's important to pick yourself back up and try again and again.”
Full article @ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/ways-to-deal-with-job-rejection