How to Reframe Job Search Rejection

Make sure you're taking a long-term view while searching for your next role - that's how you build a career, not just land a job! Three pro-moves: 1. Respond with grace to every rejection and use it as an opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the company more broadly. Why: If you make it pretty far through a process (past the hiring manager), the company likes you and sees a strong match. You would likely do well there, even if another candidate wins out for this role. A positive reaction to a rejection helps strengthen the relationship with the team, and let's them know the door is open to the future. Real Life Results: I've seen others share their successes; I can personally tell you I've received 3 offers from places that have previously rejected me, and 2 were when they circled back within a few weeks to months of a rejection, with another opportunity. Ex. "Thank you so much for this update! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed because COMPANY was truly my top choice, and a place I know I would thrive, but I'm so glad you found a strong match for this opportunity, it's an awesome role and team!! This process has been wonderful and only strengthened my interest in working with COMPANY so I hope you'll keep me in mind for similar opportunities - I'll be keeping my eyes peeled too. Careers are long and I hope we'll have the chance to be colleagues one day!" 2. Take that interview, even if something about the opportunity is less than ideal. Why: Maybe the comp is low, maybe title isn't quite what you wanted. But it's still a chance to learn more and network. If the company is of interest to you, take the chance to learn more. Yes there's an opportunity cost in terms of your time, but it may be worth it to get some networking in. Real Life Results: I've shared before that the initial salary range I was quoted for my job at Zapier was lower than what I would have expected...I continued any way, and fortunately managed to get leveled up which landed me an offer I was happy to accept! In the past, accepting an interview for a job in a location I was not willing to go to also landed me a great opportunity. Ex. There isn't one. Just say yes if there's something appealing - you might decline this opportunity, but open the door to an even better one! 3. Keep in touch with people after networking chats, interviews, etc. Why: Anyone you've met with once is in your network. When you share updates, you keep the lines of communication open. This makes it easier to make an ask in the future, and also keeps you top of mind for them! Real Life Results: This approach has helped me get referrals or connections to hiring managers, some of which have led to offers. Ex. "I know we chatted a few months ago - since our conversation, I completed my certification through PMI, and moved into an agile-focused role in my dept. I'm still interested in opportunities with COMPANY in the future, so certainly keep me in mind in the future!"

The worst thing you can do after receiving a rejection is to abandon the relationship you’ve built with the recruiter or hiring manager. If you’re tempted to walk away because of a “no,” try looking at it from a different angle. You never know what other opportunities could come your way. When I was rejected from Apple in the semi-final round, I reached back out to the recruiter, highlighted two other roles I was qualified for, and asked if she could introduce me to the respective hiring teams. Because of how I performed throughout the process and the genuine connection I developed with her, she sent two introductory emails on my behalf. Although I ultimately didn’t land those positions, I gained new contacts and received positive feedback on my file. Here’s my three-step process after a rejection: 1. Follow Up 2. Research other roles you qualify for 3. Send your findings to the recruiter/hiring manager and keep the conversation going You never know what might happen: recruiters and hiring managers could move to other companies where you might be a perfect fit. Or you might discover another role that leads to a “yes.” Don’t underestimate the power of maintaining relationships and following up. #StephSynergy

The job search process is a masterclass in resilience. Over the past few months, I’ve advanced to final interviews for executive marketing roles but ultimately did not receive the offer. While that can be frustrating, I recognize how fortunate I am to get this far, knowing how tough the market is. Rather than dwell on outcomes, I focus on what I can control: how I prepare, position myself, and improve. That’s why I’ve developed a structured approach to tracking my interview processes, analyzing patterns, and refining my strategy. Here’s what I’ve learned from my recent experiences: 🔹 The process takes time ↳ One interview process took about four weeks, which aligns with the industry average of 4-6 weeks for VP roles. ↳ Another lasted over nine weeks, well beyond the standard for senior marketing positions. ↳ Every company moves at its own pace, but long hiring cycles risk losing strong candidates. 🔹 Finality matters ↳ I appreciate when companies provide a clear rejection rather than leaving candidates in the dark. ↳ While I don't seek feedback (I can’t control others' perceptions), I do value closure. Ghosting doesn’t change my trajectory, but a definitive answer allows me to move forward. 🔹 Rejection isn't personal ↳ In one case, I was told my experience aligned more with a higher-level role, reinforcing how I should position myself in future opportunities. ↳ In another, I was the only candidate to present a tailored strategy deck, yet another candidate was selected. This wasn’t a reflection of my ability but rather an internal decision based on fit. 🔹 Data-driven reflection helps For every final-round interview, I document: ✅ Timeline of the process ✅ Key takeaways from each stage ✅ Industry benchmarks for comparison ✅ Areas for improvement in my approach ✅ Strategic connections made I also make it a point to connect with my interviewers on LinkedIn after the process, whether or not I get the role. Building relationships is invaluable, and you never know when paths will cross again. Since this structured approach has helped me navigate my job search, I’ve put together a Job Interview Report Template as a case study. I hope this can be useful for others going through similar experiences. Feel free to adapt and use it! If you're in the job search trenches, I see you. It’s tough. It’s exhausting. And sometimes, the silence is the hardest part. But every interview is progress. Every "no" brings you closer to the right "yes." If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear—how do you navigate job search setbacks? #JobSearch #Resilience #MarketingLeadership #CareerGrowth

I had coffee with someone who wondered how I could be so productive and positive after such an exhausting experience. They’ve been out of work two months before me; I understood the weariness in her typically youthful face and the sadness of her voice. I explained this is the second time in 27 years being part of a management misalignment, re-org/layoff. I remember so vividly the shock and paralysis in 2008. No one says it’s normal to feel like you’re in a haze, you’re angry, you’re hurt. It’s grief and that is normal. I gave her 4 steps that I took to recover and these 4 steps became muscle memory everytime I transitioned from one place to another thereafter. The same 4 steps will save you emotional pain when you know your compass, aka your core values, are being tested or misaligned. - first, start with your why. Why do you work? Why did you want to work there? Why this job? Why this career? - second, what. What did you bring to the team? What did they give you/or what did you learn? What would you do again? What would you do without? What are your non-negotiables? - third, assess. Spend one week assessing if you are up to speed with the market, latest trends in industry, familiar with the newest tools. Go toe to toe with the job descriptions and evaluate yourself. Then get acquainted with the stuff that is missing. Webinars, free conferences, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera + certifications. As you are applying + interviewing, keep learning and apply what you are learning to the conversations. Building your own plane and flying it at the same time; businesses do it all the time! - fourth, create your compass. What motivates you to get up and work? And what do you need to see/feel/hear to be excited about aligning your personal brand with theirs? How will you know if what they say rings true for you? What kind of environment do you need to thrive in? Then use these answers to sort through the jobs, use these answers to reframe your resume, use these answers to refine your networking skills and use these answers to interview opportunities for your career prospects. Use these answers to dissuade your negative thoughts and the people around you who might not understand your compass.

"Sorry, we've decided to go with another candidate." The rejection email hit my inbox like a ton of bricks. My heart sank, and for a moment, I felt lost. But here's a twist: What if it's not rejection, but a redirection? I remember a time when I was sure a role was my perfect fit. The job description seemed tailored to my skills, and the interviews went smoothly. I was so close, yet it slipped away. Instead of dwelling, I reframed it. This mental shift was crucial for my professional growth. I sent a thank-you note, expressing my admiration for their work. I highlighted specific aspects of the company that impressed me during the interview process. This simple act kept the door open for future opportunities. It's a small world, and maintaining positive relationships is invaluable. Then, I treated myself to a day of joy. Self-care is essential when navigating career challenges. A favorite book, a long walk, and a coffee with a friend. These simple pleasures helped me regain perspective. It was refreshing. I felt my energy and motivation returning. And guess what? A few months later, a better opportunity came along. One that aligned even more closely with my long-term career goals. Looking back, I realize that initial rejection was a blessing in disguise. It pushed me to refine my skills, expand my network, and clarify my professional aspirations. So, next time you face a rejection, remember: It's not the end. It's a step towards something greater. Here are some strategies I've found helpful for bouncing back from setbacks: 1. Practice gratitude: List three things you're thankful for in your career journey. 2. Seek feedback: Ask for constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement. 3. Upskill: Use the time to learn a new skill relevant to your field. 4. Expand your network: Attend industry events or reach out to professionals you admire. 5. Revisit your goals: Ensure your career path aligns with your values and aspirations. Remember, resilience is a skill. With each challenge, you're building your capacity to adapt and thrive in your professional life. How do you bounce back from setbacks? Share your strategies in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and grow together! 💪 #CareerGrowth #Resilience #JobSearch #ProfessionalDevelopment #OpportunityInDisguise #PositiveAttitude #CareerAdvice

A client came into our coaching session feeling completely disheartened. They were struggling to land interviews and seriously considering giving up because they didn’t have enough time to keep going. Fast forward after that meeting, They were juggling: - 4 screening calls - 2 interviews - 2 coffee chats with CEOs And yet… they were still on the verge of quitting. Because they weren’t passing every interview and still felt overwhelmed. We took a step back and did what most people skip: a full strategy reset. Here’s what changed: 𝟭) 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 Instead of chasing every opportunity, we focused only on roles where there was a strong fit. Once we broke down the supply-demand dynamics, they realized they were spending too much energy on long-shot roles and wasting time in the process. 𝟮) 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 We reframed interviews from “must-win” moments to learning opportunities. Not every role is the right one, and that’s okay. The goal became refinement, not perfection. 𝟯) 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 Looking at their recent wins, we shifted priorities: Less time on new skill-building (their current portfolio was already opening doors) A slight reduction in networking (because it was already working) A sharper focus on interview preparation (where the real leverage was) 𝟰) 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Success isn’t a finish line; it’s a moving target. We set up a system for regular self-review, making sure time and energy were being spent where it mattered most. Takeaway: If you’re not getting results, it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. It means your strategy needs a tune-up. Pause. Reflect. Adjust. That’s how momentum builds. Share your stories or ask questions below. I'm here to support you. If you enjoy the content, follow me Jaret André for more job search tips. ♻️Repost if you find this helpful

"I was rejected because of my age." I hear this a lot from older job seekers who believe that ageism hinders them from finding a job. Now, I am not saying that they might not be experiencing this. But job seekers should do some self-reflection before jumping to that conclusion. As a recruiter, I rejected my share of older job seekers. And it was not because they were of a certain age. Here are some of the reasons: -Their pay requirements were above the range for the role. -Their skills were a mismatch for the job. -Their resume did not articulate why they would fit the role well. -What was stated as necessary to the candidate, such as a fast-paced environment or risk-taking, was not a part of the corporate culture. No matter the candidate's age, the same criteria would be used to reject candidates. It is easy for job seekers to jump to the explanation that blames others. But before you do, evaluate how you are coming across online and through your resume and interviews. While it is hard to change others and their biases, changing how we present ourselves in the job market is much easier. Some things that might help... -Show Enthusiasm -Update Your Skills -Tailor Your Resume -Research Employers -Practice Interviewing -Have an Online Presence -Use Age-Neutral Language -Seek Age-Friendly Employers -Use a Modern Resume Format -Address Age-Related Concerns Proactively Present yourself as a person who provides value that the employer needs. If they can see you as the solution to their problems, you will have job search success. ______________ I am Shelley, and I am a career coach. I help people to find work where they can thrive. This includes career transition planning, job search strategy, resume critiques, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation. 🟣If you like this post, please follow me. 🟪Tap the 🔔on my profile to be notified when I post. 💜Join my free newsletter for bi-weekly job search information to help you do better in your job search. To do so, go here---> http://eepurl.com/isBwe-/

Endless interviews, ghosting and rejections, oh my! Job hunting right now is exhausting. If you are struggling with your job search you are not alone. I know what you are dealing with: ➙The emotional hit of instant rejections ➙The confusion of on again/off again messages ➙The disappointment of hours of preparation with zero results It's hard to keep going in the face of these barriers. 🌟But the job offers go to those who don't quit!🌟 Here are some strategies to help you keep going: 1️⃣ Reframe "Radio Silence" ↳ It has nothing to do with you ↳ They don't have systems and processes ✅ You don't want to work there 💡The truth: They're showing you who they are. ↳ HR is overwhelmed, understaffed, and disorganized ↳ Management doesn't have its act together 2️⃣ Change the KPIs ↳ Key Performance Indicators should be things YOU control ↳ Measure connections, conversations, applications & preparation ✅ Focus on your own growth 💡The truth: You can't control the job market or an employer. ↳ Your energy is best spent on becoming the best candidate ↳ Research, relationships and practice pay off 3️⃣ Self-Care First ↳ Stick to a daily routine ↳ Use time-blocking to avoid burnout ✅ Winners play the long game 💡The truth: Burnout and defeat show in an interview. ↳ Prioritizing mental and physical health gives you energy ↳ Another hour scrolling job boards is a poor use of time 4️⃣ Build A Support Team ↳ No one should be job hunting alone ↳ People who can be objective are best ✅ Asking for encouragement is smart. 💡The truth: Job hunting is lonely. ↳ Make a specific ask of family & friends ↳ A career coach or accountability buddy can also help 5️⃣ Use Multiple Tactics ↳ Don't rely on 1 or 2 strategies for your search ↳ Avoid getting comfortable and try something new ✅ Winning candidates use ALL the strategies 💡The truth: Shaking things up will keep you energized. ↳ The minimum: Job boards, target employers, connections & applications ↳ Stay on top of tactics by following career coaches on LinkedIn 6️⃣ Take Breaks ↳ Don't sit for more than 2 hours at a time. ↳ Take off 1-2 days a week ✅ Always make time for things you enjoy 💡The truth: Job hunting is NOT a full-time job ↳ You cannot sustain a serious job search without taking breaks ↳ Tell anyone who gets on your case you appreciate their concern Job hunting isn't easy. It's not even simple. Complaining and focusing on the negative won't change that. Remember: the only person who loses if you give up is you. ♻️ Repost to help other job seekers stay strong 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career resilience strategies 📌 Need help right now? DM me to get on my calendar.

In our professional journeys, failure and rejection are inevitable companions. But here's the empowering truth: how we respond to rejection can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. As I maneuver a slowdown in my business, I am learning to navigate the emotions mindfully, with resilience and a growth mindset. I remind myself that, "this too shall pass," that setbacks are not permanent labels but temporary moments in our journey and just like seasons come and go, business realities change too. Here are some self-compassion practices that have been helpful for me: 1. Pausing to breathe: Taking time to pause, step back and take a deep a breath is helping me bring spaciousness between experiencing the emotion and choosing (how) to respond. 2. Treating myself with kindness: I am making every effort to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding I would extend to a friend in a similar predicament. Not only am I acknowledging all emotions without judgment, I am also reminding to feel and process these emotions, knowing that it's okay to experience disappointment. 3. Reframing failure as feedback: Acknowledging that this is not an end; it's a chance to gather valuable feedback. Instead of viewing it negatively, I am viewing it as an opportunity to learn, objectively analyzing what I could have done differently, and how I can improve moving forward. 4. Seeking support: I had to remind myself that I am not alone in facing these challenges. I have leaned on friends and mentors for support and reached out to my network to keep me in mind for collaboration opportunities. 5. Trusting the process: I have to admit that I am not fully there yet but I am reminding myself to trust the path I am on and that any and all experiences align with my journey. Embracing the wisdom of “this too shall pass” and acknowledging the impermanence of emotions is helping me ride the waves without getting carried away. I am curious how you embrace failure and rejection? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #embracingfailure #resilience #growthmindset #selfcompassion #thinkaloud

💡 Tips from a Recruiter That You Didn't Ask For! 💡 🌟 Navigating Job Rejection: Here's What to Do Next! 🌟 I see many capable and skilled candidates face job rejections, and delivering the news is one of the most challenging parts of my job; here’s how to bounce back effectively: Request Feedback 🗣️ - While not all employers provide specific reasons for a rejection, it's always worth asking for feedback. Understanding any areas for improvement can be invaluable, even if the details are scarce. Maintain Relationships 🤝 - Keep your interactions with recruiters positive, even after a rejection. A good relationship can lead to future opportunities and inside information on upcoming roles that could be a great fit. Stay Positive ✨ It's natural to feel disheartened. Instead, focus on your strengths and the opportunities ahead. Every experience is a step forward in your career progression. Network Actively 🔗 - Continue to build your network. Engage with industry professionals, attend events, and participate in forums. Networking can uncover new opportunities that might be just the right fit. Refine Your Skills💪 Use this time to enhance your skill set. Whether you’re learning a new software tool, taking a leadership course, or improving your interview techniques, every bit of progress makes you a more attractive candidate. Reassess Your Goals 🎯 - Reflect on whether your career goals align with your applications. Sometimes, a rejection can be a signal to consider a different path or new industries. Keep Applying 🔄 - Don’t be discouraged from applying to other roles within the same company if you’re passionate about working there. Timing can be crucial, and persistence often pays off. Remember, a rejection isn't the end—it's a part of your pathway to the right opportunity. Stay engaged, stay prepared, and keep those professional relationships strong! #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #RecruitersLife #TipsFromARecruiter #TenacityAndGrit