How to handle interview rejection
Obviously nobody enjoys being turned down for a role. Especially if you’d worked hard with your preparation, and felt the recruitment process went well. In the current competitive job situation, where it's a buyers’ market, sadly more and more people will be rejected.
However, with the right approach, you can turn the negative experience into an opportunity to succeed. And here’s how to do it:
Get detailed feedback from the interviewer/recruiter
Get as much feedback as you can from the interviewer/recruitment consultant. Feel free to ask a second time if the initial response is not detailed enough. And make sure you find out both positive and negative comments.
Review the feedback/experience
It’s human nature to move on from a negative decision by trying to forget about it. However, putting it to the back of your mind won’t help your next interview. So, go through the whole process as objectively as possible, recognise the positives, and also see where there’s room for improvement.
Work on the negatives
Nobody is perfect. Focussing on your negatives will help you improve your interview technique. Think about feedback from past rejections, and also from appraisals Are there any recurring themes? If so, work hard to fix them.
Take it on the chin
It’s important to recognise that sometimes rejection is simply out of your hands. For example, perhaps the successful candidate had much more relevant experience, or other skills, like a 2nd language. There things can’t be changed overnight, no matter how hard you work! So focus on the things you can realistically change.
Time for a re-think?
Perhaps that role wasn’t right for you, or you the right fit for it. You may need to refine your future applications and concentrate on opportunities that are a better match to your experience. As a generalisation, in this market, hiring companies are likely to recruit candidates with excellent relevant skills and experience, rather than take a gamble on potential.
Get resilient!
Being rejected at an interview happens to everyone. So stay positive, and do all you can to learn from the experience, to help you get ready for the next opportunity. Future employers will be impressed by your strength of character and resilience.
As an experienced Interview Coach, I help candidates in this situation, to make sure you have a strong competitive advantage next time round. I offer a free 30 minute consultation. Contact me on 07531 279923 or peter@essentialinterviewcoaching.co.uk for more information.