How to Handle Rejection

Hello everyone! I've been uhming and ahhing about publishing this post but I've decided if it is useful to at least one person, then it is worth posting! 

Some of you may have seen that on Friday, I got a knockback for a job I was really hoping to get. Things are even more awkward as someone else in my department ended up getting it. However, I've been offered a different opportunity to soften the blow a bit. Of course I was rather upset at not getting the job I really wanted so I thought I'd do a post on how I handle rejection. This applies to both in the world of work, and man troubles!

1. Talk to someone: I found it really useful to talk to people about how I was feeling. Even if it results in a bitching session, getting it all off your chest feels amazing! Don't complain too much though, or you will just end up feeling more down in the dumps!

2. Accept the rejection early: The earlier you accept it, the better. Give yourself appropriate time to be upset, then start looking for something else or evaluating things to change for the future. If it didn't work out this time, something better is sure to come along!

3. Don't take it personally: Rejection says nothing about you as a person. The person rejecting you isn't personally attacking you, it's just something in particular wasn't right for them. 

4. Busy yourself with something else: Do something you love instead of sitting alone wallowing in your misery. I like to go out for food or go shopping when I'm feeling a bit down. It's so easy to lie in bed all day feeling sorry for yourself, but you shouldn't! It's doesn't help, believe me! (It helped that my job rejection came at the weekend so I could spend my weekend doing the things I enjoy). 

5. Re-frame the rejection: Remember the rejection was not about you personally. When talking about it, don't say "they rejected me." Instead say things like "I didn't get the job" or "It didn't work out." That way you are removing the blame from you and them. 

6. Know when it's time to move on: Easier said than done but if you've exhausted a long time trying and it just isn't working out, maybe it's time to move on and focus on something else. For example, for me I'm going to be focussing more on getting a job in financial services rather than management. Starting with a move to the finance department of my current job next month. 

7. Use it to improve: If you have been rejected for a job, always get feedback on why you were unsuccessful. That way you can see where you need to improve and work on that. It's better to know why than wonder why!

8. Stop dwelling: The more you dwell on it, the more you will feel like you will never succeed! As an almost-graduate, I've been applying for lots of jobs, with numerous rejections along the way. If I let every single one get to me, I would be really de-motivated and depressed! Remember, a positive attitude is the most attractive quality ;) 

I hope this post was helpful to you! These little tips have definitely helped me get over my rejection over the last few days and I'm feeling much more positive about my future as a result! 

xx