If you are a model going to cattle calls all day or an actor reciting lines at one audition after the other, rejection is a stepping stone that balances out the odds. However, if you are in the real world, getting drilled with questions at lengthy interviews, it is hard not to take rejection personally. How is it that one person can look at rejection as a huge set back, while another looks at it as a boost to reach their next big break?
It’s Not Personal
Why are you taking it personal? They didn’t reject you as a person, you were simply not a good match. It could be your qualifications, it could be your answer to some of the questions or it may have even been your personality. Quite often, employees are looking for someone who will mesh well with the team they already have. You may have ample experience, fantastic references and a strong presence, but maybe they already have someone with a bold personality and they fear you may have your differences. Sometimes there is just another candidate that fits into the mold they are looking for better. Stop looking in the mirror and wondering what is wrong with you when you should be excited for the next interview to see if you are a good match.
Don’t Group Rejection
Each rejection should be looked at individually. When you start going down the depressing road where you are counting how many interviews you had in the past month, it is easy to feel like a failure. The big picture can be pretty overwhelming, but when you take each rejection as its own stepping stone, it’s not so bad.
Appreciate the Experience
Do you ever get out of an interview and as you are stopped at that third red light, start hitting your head on the steering wheel, because you think of a better answer to a question? It happens to nearly everyone! Although most employers ask a lot of the same questions, there is always one or two in there that might stump you. Think of each interview as a learning experience where your answers grow stronger and smoother, yet seem spontaneous. This way, when you nail an interview, you really blow them away, leaving no doubt you are the best candidate.
Clear Your Head
It is easy to find yourself consumed by the stress of looking for a job, especially if you have bills piling up. However, that stress in your mind can come across as desperation in your interview, whether you realize it or not. You should walk into every interview positive and refreshed, this means having a little fun. Go to the gym, start running or bicycling or have movie night with some friends. You need to do something to take your mind off of the entire process.
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