Rejection of any sort really hurts. And when you’re applying for jobs, sitting entrance tests and going for interviews, it comes with the territory. You could be one of a hundred applicants for one single vacancy; it’s a competition with only one winner and no consolation prizes.

So the chances are that you’ll have to deal with disappointment: you may not always be the first choice candidate for every job you apply for. The trick is not to let unsuccessful applications affect your confidence:

·         Try not to take it too personally. Competition for jobs is tough. All the employer knows of you is how you came across at one interview or on one application form.

·         Don’t dwell on it; it’ll only make you feel worse

·         Remember it’s a competition; your experience is still limited; you’ll do better next time.

So here are a few tips to help you to keep your self esteem intact and prepare for success in your next application.

Coping with rejection

·         It’s natural to feel hurt and even angry.

·         It’s easy to feel that it’s all your fault and that you ought to have done better.

·         It’s also easy to blame everyone but yourself.

·         Share your feelings: feel free to vent them on your nearest and dearest; give them the chance to massage your ego and boost your confidence by telling you how great you really are.

·         Don’t beat yourself up about anything you did wrong.

And in the end, remember there’s more to life than job applications: take time to remind yourself of all the positive things going on in your life and all the great things you have to offer.

Reality check

Be as honest as you can with yourself. We all have our off days after all.

·         Did you give it your best shot, or could you have prepared better?

·         Did you do yourself justice at the interview, or were there questions that took you by surprise?

·         If you really feel you made the most of your application form or did a good interview, just chalk it up to experience and tell yourself it’s their loss.

But above all, think ahead and plan your next application.  

Learn from the experience

Many employers are willing to give you feedback on your CV, application form or interview performance. If you decide to contact the interviewer after an unsuccessful job application, do remember:

·         Be calm and objective.

·         Thank him or her for letting you know the outcome of your application (you may have to grit your teeth at this point).

·         Ask if they’d mind giving you a bit of feedback to help you to make a better impression in the future.

·         Listen to what they have to say.

You will either

·         Get some constructive criticism which will help you with your next job application, or

·         Get confirmation that you’re a really good candidate, but this time, not the absolutely perfect one.

So you’re ready to carry on with confidence, knowing that getting into the job you want will make it all worthwhile.

Your next move

·         If this isn’t your first rejection, maybe this is a good time to get some feedback on your CV, or brush up your interview skills, so go and see your careers adviser.

·         You could also sign up for a job club, or go to a couple of job seeking skills sessions.

·         Or you could consider getting some experience (paid or voluntary). At the very least it could help you to feel good about yourself because you’re doing something for other people. And it could help you move closer to your target career.