Rejection: turning it around

The first ingredient of successful job hunting is to believe in yourself and your abilities. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll always get an interview or a job offer. But self-belief represents an approach to life that is important for your own well-being and future prospects. By maintaining self-belief through the ups and downs of job hunting, the knock backs won’t knock you down.

However, if the rejections are coming in thick and fast it is important to assess your approach to identify potential areas for improvement.

You are not getting interviews

If you are not getting interviews, consider the type of jobs you are applying for, the way you apply, how you present yourself, and your skills and qualities. Ask yourself the following questions each time you are not selected for interview:

  • Am I qualified? Is the position suitable for a recent graduate? It could be you are wasting your time on applying for the wrong positions.
  • Do I demonstrate that I understand what the job involves?
  • Is my resume well-presented and professional?
  • Does my cover letter add to my application? Is the tone appropriate?
  • Am I tailoring my applications to particular positions?
  • Do I address the selection criteria, with reference to relevant experience, skills and knowledge?
  • Do I carefully proofread each application? (It is preferable to enlist a friend or family member to do this for you.)
  • Have I highlighted all my skills and job-related qualities?
Post-interview knock backs

It can be harder to accept rejection when it follows an interview. If you are not offered the job or a second interview try to obtain feedback on your performance (note that some companies have a policy of not providing feedback).

Remember...

If you are not selected for an interview or a position it is not a personal put-down. Be positive, move forward and take the opportunity to learn so that you can be more confident next time.

Some important ‘DOs’ and ‘DON’Ts’ when calling for feedback...
  • DO stay positive
  • DON’T express discontent at not being successful
  • DON’T take feedback personally or respond defensively
  • DO finish the conversation on a positive note (you may want to apply to this company again)

It is important to review your performance after all interviews (even if you think you went well). Jot down notes about any questions you had trouble with or answers that worked for you. If you are not offered the job you can look back on your notes and draw lessons for next time.

Turning it around

There are numerous resources to help you identify appropriate job opportunities and improve your chances of success. Use the internet, your university careers service and personal networks for background research and visit your university careers service for assistance with interview preparation, application presentation and skills assessment. See other sections in this publication for more information about applications, interview strategies and marketing yourself effectively.

By Pauline Brown, Careers Consultant, University of Melbourne.