Lessons From Rejection

So you didn’t get the job. Bummer. Things don’t always work out. 

Before you apply online to the next opportunity, it’s time for a time-out. It may be your first rejection or just one in a long string of “no-thank-you” emails, but it’s worth taking the time to find out what went wrong. They say one definition of insanity is to keep doing the things you’ve been doing and expect different results. Your job search process may not be working and needs an overhaul.

The first place to start your investigation is your last rejection. Many employers are wary of giving feedback after an interview, especially if the candidate didn’t get the job. But some are willing to give some feedback, especially if you were part of the second- or third-round interviews.

Errors on a cover letter, resume or supporting documentation can be an instant “no.” Even if the job description doesn’t spell it out, accuracy and attention to detail is an important skill for any position. A candidate is expected to be at her best at the interview. If you present a prospective employer with anything with misspellings, poor grammar or sentence structure during the interview phase, what can they expect when you’re relaxed and out of the spotlight? More of the same. 

Don’t bother making excuses. There is no excuse for submitting mistakes. Blaming anything for your lack of attention to detail won’t work. Instead, the employer will have another reason not to hire you-- your unwillingness to take responsibility for your actions.

Lack of energy during an interview can be a show-stopper. Interviews can be stressful and tiring. Keeping up your energy, especially if the job isn’t on your “A” list or is a long-shot, is critical. Trying to take more than one interview a day can be a big mistake. You might be energetic for the first and totally dragged out for the second one. You can’t tell the second employer how amazing you were at the first. Schedule no more than one interview a day so you’ll be fresh and able to give it 100% of your enthusiasm and energy.

Losing your focus during an interview may have lost the job. There are lots of distractions in an interview, and one big no-no is giving any attention at all to your cell phone. Putting your phone on the interview table, checking messages or even checking an incoming call can break the rhythm of the interview. 

What did you wear to the interview? A basic, professional, tailored suit is perfect for men or women. You may have heard it’s OK to be more casual nowadays, but you can underwhelm an employer if you decide to go casual when other candidates look professional. You rarely have the opportunity to see other candidates who are interviewing for the same job. If you look professional walking out the door you’ll never have to wonder if you’re dressed appropriately.

One sure way to sabotage an interview is arriving late. It doesn’t matter how late. One of the basics of any job is punctuality.  It doesn’t matter if you’re hourly or salaried. Being on time is an indication of how you’ll value time and your team members. 

A rejection isn’t the end of an interview. There are valuable lessons to be learned, never to be repeated. Go ahead and ask. You may learn exactly what not to do in your next interview.

Photo Source: Stuart Miles. Freedigitalphotos.net