Job-Hunting: 7 Ways to Cope With Rejection

Job-hunting can often feel like a rollercoaster ride (sometimes an out-of-control rollercoaster!) full of ups and downs and moments of doubt. If you are doing it properly, it can often feel like a full-time job and staying motivated can be difficult.

One of the hardest parts of the journey is handling rejection, especially when you have put in extensive time and effort into securing a new role. Rejection is an inevitable part of the process but how you handle it can make all the difference in the long run.  In this article, BARBRI's Careers & Employability Manager Steph Day gives you coping mechanisms that could help when you get that "Unfortunately..." letter.

7 Tips to Help You Cope with Job Application Rejections

The key to overcoming setbacks is being resilient, and having the right mindset can transform those rejections into opportunities for growth. 

Remember to keep all options open, as you never know where it could lead or how it could pan out. Sometimes the role or company you were less interested in – turns out to be the ONE!

Life often takes us where we need to be and to whom we need to meet to grow and learn effectively. Every situation and everyone we meet can teach us something.

1. Rejection is Not Personal!

One of the most challenging things about rejection is taking it personally. I am sure we have all thought, "I would have been perfect for that job…why couldn’t they see it?" 

It is essential to recognise that job rejections often have little to do with your worth as a person. Employers often have very specific needs, and sometimes other candidates simply fit those needs better – it is not a reflection of your skills, experience or potential.

If you can shift your mindset and view rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow, you will handle these setbacks better. 

2. Refocus Your Energy

Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. 

Were there any gaps in your skill set that you could work on? Did your CV or cover letter need improvement? Did you research sufficiently? Did you prepare for the interview as well as you could have? Was there a specific question that you didn’t answer as well?

Consider asking for feedback – especially if you attended an interview. This will help you analyse your performance and improve.

Be kind to yourself though. It is very easy to focus on the negative and not all the good things you would have done too.

3. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

One common mistake jobseekers make is to focus all their energy on one application or one company. This can lead to frustration and upset when things don’t work out. It is so important to look at all the available opportunities out there, as this will not only increase your chances of landing a job but also reduce the emotional impact of rejections.

Job hunting is often a numbers game, and you will need to apply for more than just one job. Just make sure all your applications are high quality and targeted to the job advert though. 

4. Keep Networking

Networking isn’t just about getting a job – it’s about building relationships within your industry and gaining useful information that may help you secure the job that you want. There are many jobs out there that never actually get advertised. It may be worth doing a speculative approach, you have nothing to lose!

Job opportunities may come through connections rather than traditional applications. Often, it is who you know. Don’t be shy – reach out to people in your industry, attend networking events or connect with other professionals on LinkedIn.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

It is so important to celebrate the small wins along the way when you are job-hunting. It may be landing an informational interview, having a networking meeting over a coffee, getting a second-stage interview or receiving positive feedback regarding your CV… every step forward is progress. 

6. Look After Yourself

Job hunting can be exhausting, so taking care of your wellbeing during the process is imperative. Make sure to take breaks when needed and get plenty of sleep and exercise.

If you are feeling stuck or burned out, step away for a day or two to recharge and refocus. You won’t write a good application if you are not in the right head space. If you need help, seek advice and be honest about how you are feeling to your trusted support network. 

7. Remember the Bigger Picture

Remember that job-hunting is a journey and rejections are part of the process. They don’t define your worth. 

Keep your eye on the bigger picture – the right job is out there, and every "no" brings you one step closer to that opportunity that’s a perfect fit for YOU!

You have what it takes and with persistence, you will get there. Don’t let one rejection, or even a few rejections, define your path. Trust that the right opportunity will come when the time is right.

Make Job-Hunting More Successful:

• Use the BARBRI CareerHub for further information, tools, advice and guidance. Current BARBRI SQE Prep students already have access. If you're not yet one of our students, sign up to the free mini version called HeadStart.
• Job-hunting needs to be strategic and methodical – put a plan in place and think about how you are going to approach it.
• Remember the visible and hidden job market - seek out all opportunities!
• It takes time, so don’t rush the application process. 
• Once you have a completed application form, CV and covering letter, you will be able to use this as a starting point and then tweak and target to each individual job advert.
• Keep a record (for instance a spreadsheet) of every job you apply to – the site you applied through and date you applied, plus the name and details of the hiring professional if known.
• Download the job advert or description and file it somewhere. When you are applying for lots of jobs, it is easy to forget who you have applied to and even what they are paying! If you are called forward for interview, you will need all this information!
• Keep pushing forward, and stay positive and focused on the end goal. You've got this!