I am a solid month into my career pivot and am getting the hang of rejection. Failing to land a job still hurts, but it teaches me how others perceive me. If I must feel the sting of rejection, at least I can learn something valuable from it.
At first, all rejections were brutal. I felt like a failure and perceived the dismissal as a personal affront. One rejection basically ended my job search for the day. However, this trajectory was unsustainable, and I quickly became numb to the process.
I then had an interview where I was asked about my ideal workplace, and my extemporaneous response was that I appreciated feedback so that I knew what I needed to work on. At that moment, I realized that an interview rejection was just one question away from valuable feedback.
So, when the following rejection message came through on LinkedIn, I replied: "There is no need to respond, but if you are comfortable with it, would you mind letting me know if anything stood out as a barrier to hiring me? Thanks again."
The information was helpful on the few occasions that the (non-)employer would get back to me. I discovered that, at times, I needed more passion for the position or that they were looking for more of a specific type of experience. I have more than enough passion and expertise, which must come through in my resume or the interview. It might be hard to read, but this is invaluable feedback.
It is a simple reframe, but rejection can be a precious tool for growth if you're willing to learn from it by asking for feedback. Here are the benefits:
1. Uncover Blind Spots: You might be unaware of certain habits or weaknesses hindering your interview performance.
2. Gain a Different Perspective: Remember, the interviewer saw you through their own lens. Their feedback can offer valuable insights into how you're perceived by others and how you can present yourself more effectively.
3. Demonstrate Professionalism and Growth Mindset: Reaching out after a rejection shows you're committed to continuous improvement and willing to take constructive criticism. This leaves a positive impression on the employer, even if you didn't get the job this time.
4. Refine Your Interview Skills: Every interview is a learning opportunity. Feedback helps you identify areas for improvement, such as your ability to answer behavioral questions or articulate your value proposition.
5. Tailor Your Approach for Future Interviews: The feedback you receive can help you tailor your preparation and approach for future interviews, increasing your chances of success.
Rejection is a natural part of the job search process. Don't let it discourage you. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger in your following interview.