4 Steps after Job Rejection

Ugh, getting rejected from a job you really wanted/thought you were a good fit for is one of the worst feelings 😩 We’ve all been there 🙁 It’s important you know that it might’ve had nothing to do with you and you might’ve actually been a great fit. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out 😭

🗓️ BUT — it’s just one job and one time. Who knows? Maybe next month there will be a new opening! So here’s what you should do if you’re rejected from your dream job.

Throw a Massive Pity Party

It's okay to feel a bit sorry for yourself after a job rejection. Give yourself permission to experience disappointment and frustration. This is your pity party 🎈 Allow yourself a day to process your emotions, but don't let it linger for too long. Throw on your sweatpants, get your favorite takeout and put on some sad girl music for the night 🥡🥢 

Acknowledge That This May Have Had Nothing to Do with You

It's not always about your qualifications or skills. The company might have hired internally, chosen the CEO’s nephew, or even eliminated the position 🫨 Take a step back and recognize that this rejection may not have had anything to do with you.

Know It's Their Loss

A job rejection doesn't diminish your value. Some companies are just not really good at hiring 🤷🏻‍♀️ If they knew how badly you wanted the job, you might have been the better hire. They might have made a mistake and not know it. 

Respond to the Rejection Email

🖥️ Regardless, you need to send a response to their rejection email. Something short and sweet:

“Thank you so much for letting me know.

While I am very disappointed, I want you to know that I enjoyed meeting the team and learning more about a career at [company].

[optional: ask for feedback, although they may not be allowed/have the time to give it, it shows self-awareness and confidence]

I hope our paths cross again very soon and I wish you all the best moving forward.

Thank you!

[Your name]”

Get an auto rejection from a do-not-reply email? 🔵 Connect with them on LinkedIn (all the people who interviewed you) and press “add note” before you send it.

Fun fact: I got rejected from an internship at Nat Geo in college & then got hired 4 years later to creatively lead, design & produce their TikTok account 🌟

🚫👉🛣️ A rejection is simply redirection. If the company can’t see that you’re a wonderful hire, that’s a them problem. Or maybe their hands were tied!

Embrace the emotions, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward with confidence. You got this! ✨

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