How To Cope With Job Rejection
Navigating life as a military spouse or partner presents unique challenges. Encountering rejection after a job interview can compound some of those difficulties. Rather than viewing rejection as a personal failure, remember it is a normal aspect of any job search journey.
Here are some ideas on how to navigate rejection in a positive way:
Seek credible feedback
It’s essential to seek credible feedback following an unsuccessful interview.
This will provide you with valuable insights about areas of improvement. Learning about these aspects of further development can help you make adjustments. This will improve the outcome of future interviews.
Make positive changes
It’s easy to dwell on disappointment. Instead, channel your energy into positive action. There are endless ways to enhance your skill set and marketability. For instance, you can attend workshops, enrol on professional courses, or seek mentorship.
Explore our “Upskilling & Reskilling” and “Career Advice – Employment Support” for ideas and support.
Focus on your accomplishments
It’s important to have a positive outlook on your incredible skills, accomplishments and past successes.
Practise self-reflection, for example, by writing down any challenges you have overcome. Reflect on your strengths and the value that you bring to the role. Identify your strengths by creating a list of your unique technical and soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving and adaptability. Recognising these strengths boosts confidence and helps maintain a positive outlook.
Celebrate your achievements both big and small. Remember the times when you reached a personal milestone or when you learned a new skill. Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your successes. This can help you recognise that one job rejection does not define your worth or ability.
Utilise employment support resources
As a military spouse or partner, you’re not alone in facing the challenges of job hunting or rejection. There are specialised support resources and organisations tailored to the military community.
They can provide personalised help and guidance throughout your career and help you access support with job searching techniques, CV improvements, interview practice, confidence building and networking.
Stay motivated
It can be tough, but it’s essential to remain focused on your goals. Set realistic short-term and long-term objectives and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember that each rejection brings you closer to the right opportunity.
Embrace resilience
Coping with rejection is never easy, but remember that it’s a natural part of the job search process. Leverage your resilience as a military spouse or partner to persevere. Every setback is a stepping stone to success. With the right support and mindset, you can emerge stronger than ever on your career path.