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Rejection is always hard to take, especially when it involves a job offer from a place where you really want to work. You labor as hard as you can, preparing a great resume, cover letter and LinkedIn site. You practice for the interview. Your hopes are high. And then you find out someone else got the job.

When this happens, it’s OK to allow yourself a little time to grieve. But then you need to move past it. Try to keep things in perspective. Remember it’s not personal. It’s a numbers game. Remember that you cannot succeed without resilience, picking yourself up again after you get knocked down. Keep in mind the Japanese proverb, “Knocked down seven times, get up eight.”

Here are a few other things to keep in mind.

1. Numbers, numbers
For any good job, companies are going to receive a boatload of applications, sometimes in the hundreds. Normally, only about two percent of all applicants ever make it to the interview stage. With these numbers, you need to realize that the odds are long for anyone applying for the job.

With so many qualified applicants, it may come down to minor differences between people that ultimately decide the issue.
Remember the job search process is going to take time, and it is a numbers game – the more networking you do, the more job openings you will learn about, the more times you apply, the more interviews you get.

2. It’s not personal.
When we experience rejection, it is hard not to take it personally. But remember the numbers again. With so many applications to evaluate, it is impossible for human resource people or hiring managers to consider anything beyond facts and figures on resumes.

3. Focus on the process
You have to look on the job search as a learning experience. Each application you make will help you hone your job search skills, to do it better than before. If you are rejected, it is an opportunity to do it again with more insight, making adjustments and fine tuning. The words of Samuel Beckett apply here. “Ever try, ever fail, no matter, try again, fail again, fail better.”

Take time to reflect on what might have gone wrong or what you can improve. Also, you can solicit feedback. Talk to the hiring manager or the human resources department for any information they can provide about why you were passed over.

4. It just takes one
Reminder — All you need is one job offer, just one. And you have achieved your goal.

Winston Resources. It’s the name to remember if you are looking for a job. We are one of the most respected staffing firms in New York City, with an outstanding placement record. Give us a call today.


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