It’s never easy to get a job rejection – and they can really sting. With all the effort you put into tailoring your resume and practicing for the interview, reading the dreaded “We are moving forward with another candidate” email is frustrating. However, while your confidence may have taken a hit, a rejection is not a complete dead end. 

You can use a job rejection as an opportunity for feedback in order to refine your approach to job hunting, grow from the experience and focus on landing an even better opportunity! When you handle a job rejection like a pro, you shift your perspective and focus on taking action towards success. 

Six Tips to Turn a Job Rejection Around 

Here’s how you can regain your confidence and land your next role. 

Tip #1: Strengthen your job search strategy 

If a company has recently rejected you, this is your opportunity to refine your approach and stay motivated to find another job that may fit better with your values and career goals. Use this time to expand your LinkedIn network and attend industry events to connect with thought leaders.

Go back to your cover letter and edit it with stronger keywords and highlight achievements. Continue to practice your interview skills and prepare for common questions. 

Tip #2: Reflect 

Look back on your experience and ask yourself where you can improve. Did you communicate your skills and achievements effectively? Are there skills you can sharpen before the next interview? Did you research the role and company as much as possible?

Thinking through how you can improve and the skills you can work on will help you prepare for your next opportunity. 

Tip #3: Get feedback 

It’s not a bad idea to ask for feedback from the employer to understand what happened even further. As an example, you could send a short email saying, “Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you and the team at [company]. While I’m disappointed, I’d love to hear any feedback you may have so I can continue to improve.”

While you may not get a response from every company, the insights you get from companies that do respond will help you strengthen your future interviews. 

Tip #4: Don’t dwell 

Allow yourself to be disappointed. It’s normal to feel upset when you’ve put in so much time and effort into something. However, don’t linger on your negative feelings for too long.

Process the disappointment and then shift your focus to moving on and finding another opportunity! 

Tip #5: Stay open 

While you may have been rejected now, it doesn’t mean the door is closed forever. Remain professional and express continued interest in the company.

You could say that you would love to stay in touch for future opportunities to continue to keep you on their radar in case a position that is a better fit for you opens up. 

Tip #6: Stay resilient 

Don’t let rejection stop you from pursuing your dreams! The right opportunity is waiting for you and you need to stay driven, continue applying and remind yourself that setbacks are a normal part of the journey.