It’s extremely frustrating, but dealing with rejection is something everyone has to do. We know after a big rejection (like one from a dream employer) you might feel like throwing in the towel, screaming at the top of your lungs, and going to live with the penguins in the arctic. While penguins are pretty awesome, there are definitely more practical ways to get yourself moving forward in the job hunt.
Take a breather.
It’s okay to take a few days or even a week off from your job hunt. Especially if this particular rejection came from an employer you were super excited about. Take the free time to treat yourself to a drink, a nice dinner, or something else that helps you de-stress. You’ve put in a lot of hard work up to this point and it’s important to reward yourself for it.
Ask for feedback.
This one can be difficult for some people, but it can also be really helpful for future interviews. If possible, email your interviewer thanking them for their time and ask for some feedback. What did they like or dislike about your resume? Your interview skills? Where do they think you could improve the most? Having those tips from a hiring manager can do wonders for you when you’re prepping for the next interview.
Keep a positive attitude.
Probably the most imperative point of everything we’ve talked about in this article, keeping a positive attitude is key to maintaining a successful job search. It’s easy to let yourself fall into a deep, dark hole of “I’m never going to find a job and I’ll have to live with my mom forever.” That hole isn’t helping you get a new job. If you’re having trouble staying positive, try reading an inspirational book about a person you idolize.
Doing the three things listed above will definitely give you a boost when it comes to moving forward after a rejection. Always remember, something awesome will come along and you’ll get to leave those rejections in the past (although we won’t judge if you do end up going to live with penguins — we’ll totally come visit).