How to Bounce Back From Job-Search Rejection

“I’m sorry Mr. Jones, hired another candidate.”

“Your passion is great, but we just don’t think you’re the right fit for our company.”

“Thank you for your time, but we regret to inform you that all our slots are filled for the position you’re applying for.”

“We appreciate your application, but we have found a more qualified candidate.”

Have you received an e-mail or call like that lately? Felt lousy, didn’t it?

Well, in this battered economy with competition at an all time high across all employment sectors, rejection plagues hardworking, talented people like you every day. The truth is, if you don’t have thick skin and don’t put yourself out there to get shot down by the missiles of rejection, then your job search is going to be a long and painful process.

As someone who has dealt with my share of rejection in my personal and professional life, I have worked hard to develop my own system to handle the occasional rebuff. It’s essential for your personal wellbeing and career success that you be rejected and find ways to cope.

Here’s my own three-step process to turn rejection into a powerful weapon. Use it as a starting point to build your own personal-betterment plan:

Step 1. Reflect: Look inward at the source of your fears, frustrations, and insecurities.

Why do you feel as down as you do? Do you put too much pressure on yourself? Are your expectations unrealistic?
Although difficult to do, resist the urge to take the rejection personally. We all beat ourselves up at times and negative feedback or criticism from others can hurt, but it’s important not to take rejection as a personal blow to your character.
Don’t stifle your frustration and hold it in. Pent up anger and resentment can lead to high stress and health problems. Talk out your feelings with a trusted wingman. Perhaps they will provide a unique and fresh perspective on the situation. Go to the gym and hit a punching bag. But then let it go. You can’t hold onto your frustration and even worse, take it into an interview.

Step 2. Inspect: Next, focus on your actions and seek out weak areas for improvement. Ask yourself some basic questions such as:

Could my interview preparation been better? Did I take the time to do my research or was I ‘”flying by the seat of my pants”?
Was my resume tight, error-free, packed with appropriate keywords, and relevant to today’s economy?
Were my clothes and personal grooming top-notch? Did I present the quality image of someone a company would want to spend money on and have represent them?
Am I using my time while out of work to get educated via courses, seminars or professional associations? It’s important not to become complacent while out of work — complacency kills.
Can I see the “big picture” of where I need to improve? Can my wingmen help with my inspection? Am I ready to hear and act on their honest (and sometimes brutal) feedback?

Step 3. Project: Finally, be a forward thinker. You need to be able to put the past behind you and look to the future. Establish realistic goals and don’t be afraid to take chances!

Establish a flight plan for success that will grow with you as you take on new challenges in your business and personal life. Look to the future with enthusiasm and excitement rather than fear and loss.
Practice. Chair fly your best interview. Envision being hired and picture yourself in your dream job. How does it feel? Focus on that feeling and let it set the tone for any future interviews.
Build your brand through online tools such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Get out and meet new people via networking events. Even volunteering can help move you closer to your goals if done properly.
Always put your best foot forward. Prepare for the worst, but expect the best. This will build confidence and help you through the tough times and the inevitable rejection that everyone faces in their careers.

Rejection can truly be a blessing if your response to it gets you fired up and eager to push up the throttle on your performance. Meet it head on with confidence but arm yourself with a viable battle plan. While it can be a humbling experience, rejection can free the spirit. It can be just what you need to step outside of your comfort zone and take action that leads to growth. This is the true measure of mission success.

Remember, attitude alone doesn't determine altitude. Attitude plus action determines altitude. How you respond and then act on your rejection will help determine your success in the job market.