Handling Rejection - Sometimes things don't work out

Hey there! The main topic here applies to the situations where you get laid off, fired, or you are having a hard time finding anything because of repeated rejection... it happens! You aren't the only one, so keep reading.

Well, let's assume that you're looking for the next possible opportunity. In order to do that, you have to mourn your last job or last interview and LET IT GO. Find some closure by figuring out what caused it, and take some of the blame; nobody can do anything perfectly, so realize that this is a chance for you to improve! Just these past couple of weeks, I got turned down on two exceptional jobs that I interviewed for. I was a little disappointed to not get an offer, though there is a lot to learn from such "failures;" just remember that even the best people who were inventors like Thomas Edison, had more than his share of failures before he was a huge success.

Of course, moving on from rejection it is not always easy, but you have to focus on the goal: your next opportunity. If you stay cold, bitter, jaded, then every interview you go to, those interviewing you will be able to see it, or smell it. You will be cringing, and when they asked what happened in your last job, you might just say too much, which really throws up a red flag for companies looking at candidates.

So here are things to keep in mind when going hunting for interviews:

1. Refresh your resume: nobody has the perfect resume. Does your resume represent you fairly? Does it show the skills and benefits that you bring to the type of jobs that you're applying to? Have someone in a similar industry take a look at your resume or ask for a practice interview with someone so you can get more direct feedback. Give your resume a FACELIFT, change the template, and benchmark against resume examples online. This may seem counter-intuitive, though if you're not getting the attention you feel you deserve, you need to add some more juice to your resume or have it professionally written, for example.

2. Do what they are asking. If they ask for a cover letter, give them a cover letter. If they ask you to come in for an interview, BE ON TIME AND PROPERLY DRESSED! Follow up with them after an interview, you know, the list goes on (and I can cover this in the next blog).

3.a. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask what their concerns are about you taking the job so that you can address those concerns and spend more time talking about what you have to offer.

3.b. Don't be afraid to ask for criticism. As we are all looking to improve (right?) and get better, even if you get turned down for a job after an interview, go ahead and follow up with questions of how to improve. I have done this myself, with mixed results, but phrase it politely and ask for their honest opinion:
   "Hello Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your time last week. I am appealing to you to ask for your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism so that I may improve. Getting a job isn't hard, but finding a great job is very difficult. Realistically, the position I interviewed with you for is what I intend to do next in my career, so this reaction to me is disconcerting. Please share your findings/observations with me so I can figure out how to do my best for my next interview.

Thanks again for your consideration and time."

4. Be PROFESSIONAL, ALWAYS. Whether you're getting let go or they didn't even give you a chance at the interview, be polite, respectful, and professional. There is no reason to burn bridges or attack anyone; if the job is out of your hands, let it go. This will help you to move on, rather than being angry or hurt. If you take it professionally, rather than personally, then you'll end up winning in the end.

Overall, these basic steps can help you as you go for your next great opportunity. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to comment or get in touch. My next possible blog topics are 1. another followup to cover-letters; 2. best ways to prepare for an interview; 3. what it means to be a "professional." Have more topic ideas? Send them my way,

Moving forward: Expecting the Unexpected!

I came across the following piece and thought it was great:

http://www.cornonthejob.com/career-advice/expect-the-unexpected-harrison-kratz-shares-details-of-his-journey/

Basically, no matter what you do, keep your head up and work hard! Your motivation, regardless of your position, can lead you onto your next big thing.

Maybe you are not enjoying your current job or you are just about to give up in your search. DON'T STOP! There is much speculation to whether or not, "it is easier to find a job when you already have one." This is a bit tricky, and the truth lies within your own personal situation: are you financially stable? If you live check to check, losing your job can be devastating. Therefore, keep your job until you can replace it. Also, if you ended employment, it can be difficult explaining why you are no longer employed at your interviews; this can be a red flag to potential employers.

Keep working in what you do have, but look at other opportunities. There is no rule or formality that says you can't get a new job at any given time! The only reason you need to move on is that you "found a better opportunity." It happens more frequently with displaced and shifted and underpaid workers everywhere. Many companies feel that they're at the top of the food chain, and that they can pay less than before, though I do not think that is reasonable; if you underpay, that person is going to jump ship on the first good opportunity that is 5 miles closer or pays $5k more a year! Take advantage of this yourself.

Is company loyalty dead? Well, it is not a question of loyalty so much as are you getting what you are giving. If not, maybe it is time to look elsewhere.

Still on the job hunt? Don't dispair! You just need to keep looking. Also, get yourself immersed in something else, be it a hobby, side project, part-time job or even volunteering. This can help you prepare for your next step too, and employers will value your motivation and work ethic on the side, as well as your ability to have a successful and healthy work/life balance.

Also, if you're still searching and not having much luck finding interviews, its TIME TO CHANGE! Change your resume, or start a linked-in profile to begin networking with people you know or have connections with. Just do something to get yourself out there! Pretend you're a sales person trying to make the big sale, because in reality, YOU are your only salesperson, and the service you're selling are your own services!

Also, consider getting a resume professionally written. Yeah, it is somewhat pricey, but think about how much money you will make because you ramp up your job search and increase your chances at finding a better fit with a company that really hits the spot for you!

Just keep moving forward; if you're motivated, you will find your place.


-Alex
(and feel free to ask questions!)