Learning to deal with rejections
September 6th 2008 08:40
I have applied for many, many different jobs. And fortunately enough, everytime I am up for a new job, I almost always find what I want. However this is not to say that I never get rejected. In fact, I probably have been rejected more times than I actually got the job, although I think I learned a lot more about the experience from the rejections which really helped me find my next job.
Learning how to learn from the rejections will improve your job searching skills than any classroom and forums can teach you. In the beginning I just thought it's because I am just not good enough, that there are others who had more experience in the field to compete with. So I just gave up. But as I grew a lot older I started asking those employers who end up rejecting me, why I didn't get the job. You'll find the answers sometimes doesn't come down to experience or education, and there may be other reasons that you can actually improve on.
Here are the top reasons why employers may decide not to hire someone.
Reason number 1: We hired someone with more experience in the field than you.
Fair enough. If that's the real reason, then look at their job ad closer and make sure next time you apply for a job, you fit in the exact qualifications and experience they require.
Reason number 2: We just didn't think you were suitable for this job.
If the person on the phone is willing to chat a little more, ask them why. There can be many reasons behind this: it could be your attitude, your attire, your experience and qualifications, your personality or your people skills. Sometimes they are willing to tell you exactly what it is so you can improve on it next time. You just have to ask.
Reason number 3: You are over qualified
The exactly opposite of the first reason, I've had this many times. The first time I applied for Flight Centre (and they rejected me) they felt I was over qualified. The fact that you may have more under your belt than they are willing to take can be a threat to the position. They are afraid you'll get bored easily, or that you'll want to advance up the next level in the role faster than themselves. Take this as a compliment. Some employers think by hiring you they are stopping you from doing what you really can do.
In this case - if you really really really wanted the job (like me with Flight Centre this time round) - then play down your qualifications a little. Otherwise, try for a bigger role that may suit your qualifications better. You'd be surprised where you can take yourself if you only aim for it.
By analysing the reasons and knowing exactly what it is you need to improve on, you are sure to be more prepared for your next application and hence more likely to get the job.
Good luck!
Learning how to learn from the rejections will improve your job searching skills than any classroom and forums can teach you. In the beginning I just thought it's because I am just not good enough, that there are others who had more experience in the field to compete with. So I just gave up. But as I grew a lot older I started asking those employers who end up rejecting me, why I didn't get the job. You'll find the answers sometimes doesn't come down to experience or education, and there may be other reasons that you can actually improve on.
Here are the top reasons why employers may decide not to hire someone.
Reason number 1: We hired someone with more experience in the field than you.
Fair enough. If that's the real reason, then look at their job ad closer and make sure next time you apply for a job, you fit in the exact qualifications and experience they require.
Reason number 2: We just didn't think you were suitable for this job.
If the person on the phone is willing to chat a little more, ask them why. There can be many reasons behind this: it could be your attitude, your attire, your experience and qualifications, your personality or your people skills. Sometimes they are willing to tell you exactly what it is so you can improve on it next time. You just have to ask.
Reason number 3: You are over qualified
In this case - if you really really really wanted the job (like me with Flight Centre this time round) - then play down your qualifications a little. Otherwise, try for a bigger role that may suit your qualifications better. You'd be surprised where you can take yourself if you only aim for it.
By analysing the reasons and knowing exactly what it is you need to improve on, you are sure to be more prepared for your next application and hence more likely to get the job.
Good luck!
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