Layoff Journal Week 17 – Dealing With Rejection

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I’ve been battling the rejection blues this week. I was in the second round with a company and felt like things were going well, but got the feedback that I wasn’t a fit and wouldn’t be continuing and it’s got me down. I’m not really back to square one on the search, but definitely a few steps backward. I can see now how I didn’t put my best foot forward in the final interview and how that feedback reflects that, and it’s very disappointing, but a very good lesson for my next set of interviews. I’m thankful for the chance I got to get deeper into the interview process and practice some additional skills I hadn’t practiced in quite some time.

A road sign saying “No” surrounded by a tree that has grown around it.
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash

Looking Back – Compassionate Rejection

I’ve often heard that companies don’t want to give feedback to candidates in the rejection letter because it opens the door for debates, or worse lawsuits over why they were rejected. Now on the receiving end of those rejections I can completely understand both how hard it can be to get that feedback, and also how valuable it can be. This article on Hubspot gives some advice that I’ll be trying to follow going forward when it comes to rejecting candidates. (3 min read)

Looking Forward – Healing From Rejection

This article on BetterUp (7 min read) covers not just the phases of rejection but also has some meaningful tips on bouncing back from that rejection. In particular, the concept of growing from the experience completely hit home. 

Today’s Tip – Bouncing Back From Rejection

Take care of yourself by being around those who bring you the most joy. We’ve had the pleasure recently of spending quality time with family and friends and it has been a big lift in my spirits to share about my job search troubles and the new opportunities that are coming up soon.

Fun Stuff

4 panels. Panel 1 - man leaning in car window, caption: ask me anything Panel 2 - Jess from “New Girl” - “Why should we hire you?” Panel 3 - man again - “Because I applied for the job” Panel 4 - Jess, “That’s on me, I set the bar too low.”
Letter from Cadbury with a 5 Pound note paper clipped to it. It reads: Dear Mr. Jones We regret to inform you that your application for the position of Global Quality Manager has been unsuccessful. We don't normally respond to unsuccessful applicants but in your case we've made an exception in order to return the £5 note you attached to the references section of your application under the line "Elizabeth *wink, wink*" Some notes regarding your application: Listing "Super secret spy work I legally can't talk about" as your previous experience won't fool anyone. In future you might want to refrain from using sentences like: "C'mon, let me be a part of this awesome gig you've got going on." eBay feedback isn't a relevant reference. Your attached sketch of an "everlasting chocolate bar" was unwarranted, absurd and quite frankly it scared us a little We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Sincerely. Alan Castle

Final Words

If I can help with your search, please get in touch with me. Please give me feedback on what you like or don’t care for in this newsletter, and I’ll adjust. For total transparency, I have no affiliation with any of the tools, companies, or resources I share. These are my impressions, not tainted by any outside influences.

https://onlynewmistakes.com/

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