Rejection can sting, especially when you haven't experienced it in a
while. In fact, without a rejection strategy, you could find yourself
derailing - just as you are finally executing on your career search. The
great news is that learning to deal with rejection is like building a
muscle that hasn't been flexed in a while. With a plan and practice,
your rejection 'muscle' will strengthen and you will be able to forge
ahead, regardless of what is thrown your way.
To get ahead of rejection, here is a strategy to have in place:
- Expect rejection. Rejection is nothing more than another step in
the relaunch process. When you put together your relaunch plan and
arrive at the execution stage, you will be planning for applications,
informational meetings, interviews and follow-ups. Build in the
rejection as part of this plan. Don't bet on just one opportunity to pan
out for you. Do not wait to make more phone calls until others call you
back. People are rejected everyday by employers, clients, partners, and
even volunteer organizations. It's statistics. Expecting rejection will
help make sense of it when it happens.
- Ask yourself: What did I learn here? There is a gift in each
rejection. Perhaps you learned that applying on-line is not for you, the
company wasn't a good match, you weren't fully prepared for the
interview, or not completely clear on your messaging. Now, how will you
incorporate this learning into your relaunch? Take advantage of the
experience to improve for the next opportunity.
- Request Feedback: Ask for feedback from anyone you are interacting
with during your relaunch. Yes, it is true that large organizations may
not provide concrete feedback, but do not assume that is always the
case. Talk to HR reps, those you met for informational interviews, and
those reviewing your resume and helping you to prepare for interviews.
Seeking and accepting feedback helps you grow your rejection muscle.
- Brush it off and don't look back. When you have accepted rejection
as part of the process and when you have learned from it, now you can
focus on your strengths and move on. When you are looking back, you
cannot look forward.
If you can get ahead of rejection, you will feel much more confident in
your career search. It is not whether you fall, but how you get back up.
And with a strong rejection muscle, getting back up will be no problem!
