Let's be honest, it's always quite disappointing when you receive bad news after a job application, especially when you have given your all for a job that seemed so right for you. However, you can turn such a loss into a gain! Read here how you can make the most of your application, regardless of the outcome.

The more appealing the job vacancy, the greater the sense of disappointment can be when you hear they have chosen another candidate. Yet, the moment of rejection is also the moment to immediately get back on the proverbial horse and make the best of it. It is a great opportunity to learn where your strengths lie and what you may still need to work on.

WHAT WENT WELL? WHAT DIDN’T?

To start, you can immediately ask why you were not chosen. Perhaps you didn’t explain something clearly, seemed very insecure, or maybe it wasn’t about you at all but there was simply a candidate who fit the profile they were looking for better. Whatever it is, you only find out by actively asking. Always remain friendly and polite, of course. There is no point in making accusations or being insistent. Also, ask what they liked about your application. Not only does this boost your mood and confidence a bit, but it also helps you discover which personal qualities come out best during an application.

FIND SOMEONE TO SOUND OFF WITH

After a rejection, you can feel insecure. You may repeatedly wonder what you might have done wrong. Especially if you have been rejected multiple times, you may start to doubt yourself more and more. To prevent yourself from making things out to be much bigger and worse in your head than they are, it is sometimes better to talk about it with someone. A good friend or a career coach. Talking about it can help you lose the negative emotions you may feel more quickly and provides a sounding board to check if your thoughts are correct. For example, if you were told that you weren’t hired because they felt you wouldn’t be proactive enough in certain situations, discuss with someone you trust how they see that. See if you can think of situations where you were indeed very proactive. With such examples, you might be able to better present yourself in a next application.

DIFFERENT JOB OR NEW SKILLS?

If you find that you are often rejected for the same reasons, you have three options:

• Consider whether you as a person really fit the job you keep applying for
• Explore whether you can improve your application skills
• Think about what you can do to improve the skills you need for that job

In the first case, you might start reorienting yourself towards other jobs that better suit you. You can also enlist the help of a career coach for this. They can also often assist in the second and third cases. Improving your presentation during an application or learning new skills is a fun challenge but not always easy. It's nice to have someone to spar with and discuss the best way to acquire those new skills.

YOUR IDEAL JOB IS WAITING FOR YOU

Finally, perhaps the most important advice: never, ever give up! Stay positive and do not take a rejection personally. Your ideal job is waiting somewhere for you, and until you find it, each rejection is a valuable learning moment that will ultimately help you advance in your career.

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