Handling Rejection After a Great Interview

You walk out of the job interview feeling confident, secure in the fact that you impressed the hiring manager and proved yourself as the most qualified candidate. You wait for the phone call, but instead, you get that dreaded letter. "Thanks for your interest, but the position has been filled." Nobody likes rejection, but there are ways you can make this negative experience positive. Consider these tips for handling rejection.

1. Recognize Your Emotions

It's okay to feel disappointed, upset or even angry after a job rejection, but it's important that you don't dwell on these emotions for too long. Channel your negative feelings in a fun, constructive way. For example, take a short break from the job hunt and engage in a fun hobby or activity to give yourself time to recharge. This helps you return with a positive outlook.

2. Keep in Contact

If you receive a rejection email from the hiring manager, thank him for the opportunity to interview and ask him to keep you in mind for future job opportunities. Never respond to the hiring manager with an unprofessional tone or rude response, as you may find yourself face-to-face with him in another job interview in the future.

3. Focus on Other Opportunities

Don't hold out hope for that one dream job. Keep your options open, and seek out promising positions within multiple organizations. Pinning all your hopes to one job sets you up for a bigger let down if you do face rejection from the potential employer.

4. Review Your Resume

Take the time to read over your resume and make necessary changes before going to another job interview. Make sure your skills and qualifications match up with the jobs for which you're applying, and check for any inaccuracies, grammar issues or spelling errors. Be sure to tweak every resume you send to tailor it to the position and employer.

5. Assess Your Interview Skills

Think back to the job interview and ask yourself what you could have done differently. Were you sending the wrong body language? Did you fail to show enthusiasm? Did you sell yourself and establish your personal brand? Think about how you responded to certain questions. Consider asking the hiring manager for some feedback on your job interview skills.

6. Maintain a Routine

Create a job search routine that works for you, and stick to it. Spend some time every day scanning job postings, networking with prospective employers, sending out resumes, reading industry articles or perusing career-related social media sites.

Getting rejected by an employer after a successful job interview serves a big hit to your ego. Don't let it get you down. Follow these step for handling rejection so you can bounce back and continue your job search with a positive attitude.

Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net