Bouncing back when you don’t get the offer

Getting rejected can be devastating. When it happens, we’re hurt. And when we’re hurt, we sometimes want to do stupid things like giving our ex a piece of our mind, calling to say we’ve gathered up all of his or her belongings and put them out on the front porch in a cardboard box in the rain, or begging for our ex to take us back.

 

During your job search, rejection is practically inevitable. And when it happens, as hard as it may be, the last thing you want to do is beg for another chance or lash out and tell the recruiter he or she is making a big mistake. This strategy doesn’t work when you get dumped by someone you’re dating, and it definitely won’t work when you get rejected by an employer. All it will do is make you sound desperate and/or unstable and close the door on what little chance you might have of being reconsidered for the position now or in the future.

 

If you don’t get an offer, don’t take it personally. Any number of factors, including some that were within your control and some that weren’t, could have played into the company’s decision to pass you over in favor of somebody else.

 

Take some time while everything is still fresh in your mind to assess what went wrong and what went right. Correct the issues that are correctable while making sure to repeat the things you think you did well.

 

It’s also a good idea to follow up with the company. But when you do, don’t ask for feedback about why you weren’t selected for “that” position. Most recruiters will shy away from getting into specifics either because of company policies or a subconscious fear of a possible confrontation. Instead, ask them if they would be willing to share any “general” feedback that would help improve your candidacy. It’s still unlikely they’ll give you anything of substance, but you’ve got to ask if you’re going to improve.