You didn’t get the job you wanted. It’s frustrating, upsetting and confidence shaking. Before you throw yourself a pity party, here are some things to think about and do to keep yourself on track.
Realize Some Things are Out of Your Control
You never know what is going on inside the company. Maybe they decided to promote someone from within. The job might have been put on hold for budgetary reasons. Or they hired someone’s relative, friend, etc. The reason why you didn’t get job might not have anything to do with you or your qualifications. So, don’t take it personally.
Reflect on Your Interview Process
Notice we said reflect not DWELL on your interview process. Do a quick mental recap to see if there are any areas where you think you can improve for next time. Were there questions you could have answered better? Should you have put together a quick presentation to highlight your work? If so, make a couple of tweaks so you are buttoned up and sharp for your next interview.
Think About What You Did Right
It’s easy to go negative about your interview performance. Instead think about what you did right. Remind yourself of your strengths and pat yourself on the back.
Stay in Touch with the Hiring Manager
The person they did hire for the job may not work out. Other positions could become available. The hiring manager might move to another department or company and need to staff up. You never know what can happen. That’s why you want to keep your communication lines open.
Apply for the Right Jobs
The current job market is super competitive. Make sure you are applying for jobs you are a perfect fit for instead of loosely applying to jobs because it’s so easy to do.
Remember Everything Happens for a Reason
This saying may be trite and overused, but it really is true. It’s possible the job just wasn’t the right fit for you. There is a better one coming your way. So, don’t lose hope.
Move On
There are a lot of jobs out there. Don’t get stuck on the one you didn’t get. Brush yourself off and move on to the next opportunity.
