Dealing with rejection

As a third-year student it is high time for me be concentrating on securing a career after graduation. I have been writing a lot about internships and interview tips recently as I think much of my student life at the moment revolves around my employability. One vital experience during the quest for employment is being turned down by several other employers themselves.

I thought I had a pretty solid plan for after graduation. I keep telling my friends that my biggest fear is to move back in with my mother, jobless and depending on her to feed me! After receiving feedback from one of my recent interviews stating they have opted for another candidate, I decided to write this blog solely on this idea of ‘rejection’. Everyone has to go through it at one point. I have been rejected several times before; from part-time jobs, to sixth-form college applications and internships. The thought of my time at University ending in a few months and the possibility that I would have nothing for me when I graduate made this fearful image flash in my mind.

Come to think of it, all this doomsday talk of joblessness is a hyperbole. If I don’t get a graduate job straightaway there is always retail work until I find a long-lasting career in politics. If I change my mind, I can always go on to do a Masters. Funding for a Masters degree has been improved for it recently. I am trying to see the bigger picture – I still think I have a solid career plan, but there’s a difference between a plan that is constricting and one that is open to opportunities.

Lessons learnt

At least now I can take lessons on what I can improve on in the next interview. In my case it is to do more research on who I will be working for, display more excitement for the role, and to relate the role to my career’s big picture. I think what I could have also displayed was what I could do for the employer and not be so focused on what the job can do for my professional growth. Of course, employers want to see that the role is a contributing force to your development personally and professionally but, in hindsight, I think that I made the mistake of focusing too much on this and not on the prize: what I can give to the organisation and why this is crucial for them hiring me.

 

It’s nothing personal 

Conversely, if you do find that you had performed to the best of your ability, that you were confident, went above and beyond researching the company and displayed technical skills flawlessly and then still find that you have been turned down, then at least you can take comfort knowing that the company was the wrong employer for you.

Coping mechanisms 

As I am writing this, the ‘rejection’ email is still fresh in my mind. It has been a good coping mechanism to write down where I think I went wrong and what I could do from here. Writing how I’m feeling about the situation helps to make sure I really do believe that one job rejection does not make me a failure. It certainly does not make me less special or not good enough. I know for a fact that I am doing a lot to make myself employable. One job rejection does not make myself incompetent. Success is not a short and straight road.

Make all the mistakes and put what you’ve learnt to good use 

Whether you’re an undergraduate student waiting for that internship, a sixth-former waiting for that university offer or an academic looking for a grant, you may get turned down at one point. I’m glad I speak to my friends when things don’t turn out the way I set my standard to. Friends really do give the greatest advice. Now, as a university student, is the best time to make mistakes. This is the time for you to learn at a high level and to not be afraid to learn by doing.

If you are or have been in the same position as me, go on ahead with your resilience!

Rylyn