No Job Joy # 21 Rejection

You might say this is a "make lemonade when life gives you lemons" post but here it goes anyway.

Hearing that you are not the one may be tough, the reflection of how to move on can be a joy. No, I will not go through the stages of grieving.

First there is the realization that while you were not the final selection you have skills that someone is interested in. Second that you have the network to be able to break through the 400 other resumes and 10 others who bothered to follow up to get to the next step. Third you have the opportunity to learn what you can do better next time. Finally you can look forward and see the things you liked about that job/company and where to find others that may be an even better fit.

I am not saying don't be upset about not getting the job, especially if you were a great fit and you really wanted it. What I am saying is look for the lessons and move on. The quicker the better. Otherwise your disappointment will show up as lack of enthusiasm in your next interview or even your cover letter and possibly cost you another opportunity.

No one likes rejection but the more practice you get at dealing with it the faster you can be ready when the next opportunity presents its self.