Out of work? Out of luck! That is probably how you feel as you sit poised in front of your computer, hour after hour, day after day, submitting one application after another. Maybe you even look forward to getting job rejection emails (or the occasional mailed ones) because it is SOME response at least. Even if you are still working, but engaging in a job search to beat a lay-off, you may feel a strong sense of rejection when not selected for an interview or offered a job after an interview – especially if it has been a few months or you have had a few interviews without an offer.
Think about how you feel about your current situation as objectively as possible to better plan for your future. Having a plan and some next steps can go a long way toward helping you out of this negative spiral. So, what else can you do? Here are a few tips for dealing with job rejection:
1. Set Realistic Short- And Long-Term Goals
Long-term goals give you something to focus on, to look forward to. Short-term goals ensure you are moving in the right direction and moving toward your long term goals. Daily goals will get you out of bed in the morning.
2. Do Your Best
Do you approach your job search by sitting in front of your laptop, hour after hour, searching for openings and submitting countless applications? Maybe you have completely given up and are just going through the motions, not even convinced you are a good candidate? Take the time to try to match your resume or application details to what the employer is looking for. That way, you will be one of the few selected for an interview (and hired!). The extra effort and time has value, and they can help you will feel like you are really doing something meaningful.
3. Change Things Up
Don’t do the same thing every day. Search for jobs one day, follow up another, identify companies to cold call once a week, network one day, and visit companies in person periodically. Don’t forget to eat, sleep, get dressed, exercise and go outside every day. Make your own schedule and stick to it!
4. Make Sure You Have the Skills You Need
How hard can job search be? Believe me – you don’t know it all; no one does. Read blogs, articles, and/or books about career planning and job searching. Explore your field or potential occupations to determine if you need more skills to be competitive. Read articles related to your desired job or about job searching and interviewing every day.
5. Garner Support
You may already feel bad if you are not contributing financially to your household. This makes it hard to ask for help. But you can’t do it alone. Ask for help outside of the family if need be. Reach out friends, ex-co-workers, and church or community members. You need someone to listen to your ideas and give you feedback.
6. Network
Chances are you probably know how to network, but maybe you are too dispirited or you don’t see the value in it. Nonetheless, it is a necessity and can result in your next job if you make the time and effort to contact and maintain connection with others. Join a civic group or one at your local career placement office, or volunteer. It is most important to start and continue to get out there and meet people – maintain your connections!
7. Get Creative
If you are just going through the motions or are focused on replacing the job you lost you might be missing opportunities. If you feel that you MUST have a specific position or salary before considering a job you may be missing out on some great prospects! Purchase a real newspaper (or look at every job board posting within a 20 mile area or less) and look at every job. If you do this intermittently, you will have a better indication of what jobs are offered and you may discover a new direction that is perfect for you!
8. Be Realistic
You may own a home. You may be comfortable in your current location and may have loved ones near. But if there are fewer opportunities, you may also want to think about moving to where there are jobs. Think about places in that you would like to live or parts of the country where people you know currently live. Search for jobs in those areas periodically to see if it makes sense to start a job search in another area in addition to your current one.
By employing these tips, you will reinforce the fact that you are doing everything you can to improve your circumstances, boost your self-confidence, and put you in a position to get noticed by more employers for more positions. Give it a try – it can only help. Good luck! |
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