Unsuccessful job interviews are stressful. The nerves, the excitement, the waiting, and finally the rejection can all lead to a negative emotional response and feelings of failure. But they can also be a great opportunity for learning and growth. Follow our top tips on how to bounce back after an unsuccessful job interview.
Reflect
After a job rejection, it’s totally normal to keep running things over in your head and think about what you could have done differently. However, often rejections come for many other reasons than our interview skills, and they might have nothing to do with you as a candidate. Reflect honestly on the experience and try to identify what went well and what could have gone better.
Feedback
If possible, ask for feedback from the employer. This can be painful and you might feel embarrassed, but feedback can be incredibly helpful for giving you target areas to work on.
Focus on the Positives
One of the biggest struggles in dealing with rejection is the negative self-talk it can trigger. Instead of focusing on what you see as your shortcomings, focus on your strengths. Even making it to the interview stage is a fantastic achievement and shows the potential that you have!
Learn from the Experience
Every “failure” is a learning experience and will help you to come back stronger than ever. Take this time to consider what kind of career you really want. What do you need to do next to pursue it? Identify areas of improvement and work on honing your skillset and self-presentation, ready for the next interview!