How to bounce back from a rejection despite an exceptional job interview

interview handshake

You nailed your job interview.

You dressed the part, you were on time, and you answered all of the interviewer’s questions with confidence. In your mind, you were a shoo-in for the position. But then you didn’t get the job offer.

Rejection is never easy, but it can be especially hard when you put so much effort into your job interview and thought you did well. But don’t dwell on it just yet! Let’s cover how to deal with rejection after a job interview, how to learn from your mistakes, and how to stay positive during the job search process.

It’s not you, it’s them

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

There are a million reasons why you may not have been selected for the job, and it’s not necessarily a reflection of your skills or qualifications.

The hiring manager may have had a change of heart on what they were looking for, or they may have been swayed by another candidate. Brush yourself off, and start planning your next move.

How to deal with the rejection
man in deep thought while holding a coffee mug

Image Credits: myperfectresume.com

Rejection hurts, no matter how you slice it.

But it’s not the end of the world. There are many ways to cope with rejection and turn it into a positive learning opportunity.

First, understand that rejection is a natural part of the job-hunting process. Not everyone is going to pick you, and not every company is going to be the right fit. Stay positive and keep your head up high.

Next, try to learn from the experience. What went wrong? What could you have done differently? What do you need to work on to improve your chances next time? And don’t be afraid to reach out for advice. There are plenty of people willing to offer guidance and encouragement.

Use the rejection as motivation and stay positive

Don’t get discouraged.

There are other jobs out there, and you’re more than capable of landing one of them. Second, use rejection as motivation to work even harder. You want to prove to yourself that you’re not worth missing out on.

Finally, stay positive. Don’t let this one rejection knock you down. Remember that there are other employers out there who would be more than glad to have you onboard. And don’t give up on your pursuits—you will find the ideal position sooner or later.

You nailed the interview. You answered every question perfectly and showed off your skills. But you’ve been rejected—what do you do? Don’t panic. Getting rejected after a job interview is common, and it’s not the end of the world. Next, take some time to reflect on what went wrong. Maybe you didn’t sell yourself the way they wanted or maybe you didn’t show that you were a good fit for the company. Lastly, take action. Reach out to the hiring manager and ask for feedback. Then use that feedback to improve your interviewing skills. Keep applying for the right jobs and don’t give up—with a little perseverance, you will eventually get hired.

Read More...

Conquer your fear of rejection when pitching and selling your ideas

man giving a presentation

Imagine this scenario: You have a fabulous idea for a new product or service, and you want to pitch it to your boss and colleagues.

You rehearse your pitch over and over in your head, but when the time comes, you find yourself stumbling over your words and tripping over your feet.

Rejection is a fear that plagues many people when it comes to pitching and selling their ideas. The thought of someone saying no can be daunting, and it’s often what keeps people from even trying. But what if there was a way to overcome that fear?

Let’s explore ways to conquer your fear of rejection when pitching and selling your ideas. We will also look at some tips for preparing for that big pitch. So don’t let fear keep you from reaching your goals—read on and learn how to pitch and sell your ideas with confidence!

The benefits of pitching and selling

When you pitch and sell your ideas, you’re putting yourself out there. You’re making yourself vulnerable. And that’s a scary thing. But what if we told you that there are benefits to pitching and selling your ideas? What if we told you that by doing so, you’re giving yourself a chance to succeed?

Here are just a few of the other benefits:

  • Learning more about your industry and its needs.
  • Building relationships with potential businessmen.
  • Establishing yourself as an authority figure in your field.
  • Gaining experience and confidence in pitching and selling.
Why do we get anxious when selling?

You’re probably familiar with the feeling. You’ve come up with a genius idea and you can’t wait to share it with the world. But as soon as you start to pitch and sell your idea, that sense of dread starts to creep in.

You start to worry about what the other person is thinking. You wonder if they’re going to think your idea is stupid. You get so wrapped up in your head that you can’t even focus. And before you know it, you’ve shut down and stopped functioning.

There’s a name for this phenomenon—it’s called anxiety. And it’s something that a lot of us deal with daily. But the good news is that there are ways to overcome it.

Overcoming your fear of rejection
man looking at his tablet

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You may be surprised to know that many people experience anxiety when pitching and selling their ideas. They feel as if they’re being judged, and they often worry about being rejected.

But if you want to be successful, you can’t let fear hold you back. You need to learn how to overcome your dread of rejection. And the best way to do that is to practice. The more you practice, the more confident you will become. And the more confident you are, the less likely you are to fear the pitching process.

So start practicing today, and before you know it, you will be pitching and selling your ideas like a pro.

Creating a pitch that will sell

When you’re pitching an idea, you want to make sure that it’s going to sell. You want to paint a picture for the person you’re pitching to that makes them see how your idea can benefit them.

But it’s not always easy to do that, especially if you’re shy or introverted. You might find yourself getting tongue-tied or feeling awkward. That’s normal, but it’s not going to help you close the deal.

Prep and practice your pitch until it’s perfect. And then, when the time comes, own it. Be confident in what you’re saying and sell your idea with conviction. Remember, the person you’re pitching to wants to see how your idea can help them (or their company), not how amazing you are.

Practice, practice, practice
woman video-recording herself

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It’s perfectly natural to feel a little tense when pitching and selling your ideas. After all, you want to make a good impression and you want your idea to be well-received. But it’s necessary to remember that practice makes perfect.

Try roleplaying with a friend or colleague. Or video yourself pitching and selling your ideas—this is a simple way to see where you can improve. And don’t forget to celebrate little successes and not mull over minor trips!

When it comes to pitching and selling your ideas, don’t let your fear of rejection hold you back. With the right mindset, you can approach any opportunity with confidence and come out on top. Start by preparing for your pitch. Make sure you know your material inside and out and practice until you have the speech down pat. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to deliver. No one is immune to rejection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. Stay motivated and focused on your final goal, and don’t let a little setback stop you from reaching your ultimate destination.

Read More...

An experienced executive recruiter shares ways on how to cope with rejection from job search

receiving a job interview rejection

We get it. You’ve been sending out resumes and going for interviews but to no avail. Coupled with the pandemic with no clear end in sight, it’s tough to cope. In fact, more job cuts are expected amid COVID-19 according to Singapore’s tripartite advisory. The competition for job openings is definitely intense out there.

Furthermore, it’s probably common to be faced with more rejections in recent months. We understand it’s not easy to deal with them… especially if you’re constantly worried about your monthly expenditures and how to keep up with your daily spendings. Thankfully, an experienced executive recruiter shares with us some ways to cope with rejection.

#1: Everyone is in this together

While it’s possible to step out of an interview feeling like you’ve aced it, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get a reply from the interviewer. Take some comfort in knowing that everyone else is in the same situation together. You’re not the only person having feelings of fear, stress, or situational depression from rejection.

#2: It’s just not meant to be

Overthinking might be the worst thing to do after being ghosted or rejected. If you’re trying to find some closure, maybe telling yourself that ‘it’s just not meant to be’ will work. As cliche as it sounds, the right time (and position) will come when it’s due. Not getting selected for a position doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not good enough.

#3: Look within yourself
fidgeting during an interview

Image Credits: Depositphotos

You may be highly competent for a job on paper and experience-wise but sometimes it’s good to look within yourself. By that, we mean an analysis of your approach. How do you think you carry yourself during an interview? When asked why you left your previous position, do you start to unload by putting the blame on your ex-colleagues? Or do you exude positive attitudes instead?

#4: Ask for an opinion and adapt

If you think the constant rejections you’ve received have to do with the way you speak or approach an interview, ask for an opinion. Gather a few friends you can trust or mentors you look up to and share your interview style. Listen to their honest feedback and make the change if necessary. Then, keep practising till you’re confident of your pitch.

#5: Adjust your definition of success

Here, we’re talking about managing your expectations. Your pre-pandemic job goals might make sense in a strong job market. But we all know that’s not the case as the world battles the virus and its effects on our lives. Even if your present circumstances might seem far from your original dream job, celebrate the small victories along the way.

#6: Be well aware of your outstanding qualities
Colleagues having a discussion

Image Credits: Freepik

Constant rejection can zap away your confidence and make you doubt the good qualities you have. It’s important to be well aware of your outstanding qualities and triumphant achievements in the past no matter the job interview result. To help counter a negative thought, mentally recall a moment in time where you managed to prevail over adversity.

#7: Keep a list of positive affirmations

You will be surprised to know the marvellous effects of positive affirmations on a tired and defeated mind.

“This is merely a minor setback; I will find a new job!” 

“Just because I was rejected for the job does not diminish my self-worth and value.” 

“I am smart, talented, and have a lot to offer.”

“I won’t give up and will make it through this tough time!”

#8: Take good care of yourself

You’re the only person in full control of your mind, body, and spirit. To cope with rejection the healthy way, it’s essential to take good care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, and keep up with that positive social interaction. It also helps to expose yourself to stories of successful people who’ve gone through the fire pit and risen up stronger. The right time will come for you. Take heart!

Read More...