Let’s talk about rejection, shall we? Many times in our lives, we have gotten rejected, yes even as kids too. Remember that one time you wanted candy from the store and your mum flat out refused to answer you or that time you wanted to go play with your friends and she didn’t allow it? Take a journey down memory lane and recollect how you handled it. You were probably very dejected, sad or even angry. These are normal emotions to feel when you get rejected. 

Most times, we hate being told “No”, but the sad truth is that on our journey of living and existing, we cannot avoid getting Nos. One of the most common rejections that you’ll face in your adult life is that rejection mail or message after applying for a job. Unfortunately, the world population is multiplying on a geometric progression and available jobs are not corresponding with this population increase. So, it’s inevitable that you won’t get a rejection mail, even if it is once in your job search. How then do you deal with it? 

First things first, allow yourself to feel whatever emotions course through your veins at that moment. It could be anger, disappointment or sadness, but allow yourself to feel it. It’s okay to be disappointed that a job you really wanted didn’t work out and it’s okay to feel sad about it. What is not okay, is to dwell too long on the negative emotions you feel. Shake them off as soon as you can and counter them with positive emotions. One of the best ways to handle rejections is to keep a smile on your face and have a positive attitude. 

Another tip to handling rejection is to focus on your strengths. It is very easy to put blame on yourself after getting rejected, however, it is not the ideal thing to do. Focus on your core strengths and things that you believe make you stand out. This would make you feel much better about the situation and help you create a positive attitude. It’s not even rude to mutter to yourself severally, “it’s their loss”. If it’ll help, say it.

It also helps to broaden your options. Have a plan B. Don’t limit your applications to just one or two firms, apply to several ones at the same if possible. So that when that “sorry, your application didn’t meet our requirements…..” message shows up, you can hold out hope that you applied to others and it’s not the only option you have. 

It could also be of help to know that daily, by the hour, companies roll out dozens of rejection emails and letters. You’re not alone, you’re not the first and you’ll definitely not be the last person to be served such a mail. So keep that chin up and apply for the next available opportunity you come across.

Rejections are not the end of the world and not the end of existence. At a time, not too far away, you’ll be adequately matched with your dream job.