DEALING WITH JOB APPLICATION OUTCOMES
When You Get a Positive Outcome
Celebrate Your Success
Take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and achievements.
Review the Offer
Look beyond the salary! Consider benefits, work-life balance, and career development opportunities.
Communicate Professionally
Respond promptly and politely, whether accepting or negotiating the offer.
Plan Your Next Steps
If you accept, prepare for your first day and any onboarding requirements.
When You Receive a Negative Outcome
Applying for jobs is an exciting step toward your future, but it can also be an emotional journey. Whether your application results in an offer or a rejection, knowing how to handle the outcome can help you grow, stay motivated, and plan your next steps.
What matters most is how you respond and move forward.
Keep Active
Don’t isolate yourself. Stay busy, keep moving, and give yourself space to clear your head. This will help calm your mind and give you perspective. Going for a walk or run is great for some, so think about what would work for you.
Talk it Through
Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. Having support reminds you that rejection doesn’t define your value or abilities but that it is actually something to utilise as a tool to grow (see next point!).
Reframe Rejection
See it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Each rejection offers insights to help you grow and get closer to the right role.
Stay Resilient
Resilience means bouncing forward from setbacks. You may feel like giving up, but remember, every "no" puts you one step closer to the right "yes."
Stay Positive
It’s natural to feel disappointed, but focusing on your long-term goals and keeping a positive outlook will help you stay motivated to find the role that is right for you.
Remain Polite
Whilst you may feel so disappointed that you want to respond in such a manner to the recruiting company, it is important to think about your own reputation and ensure you leave a job process having made a positive impression on the hiring manager and company. You never know, just because this role wasn’t right, a future one may be with that company.
So, how do you practically move forward after rejection?
Ask for Feedback:
Whilst you may not receive detailed feedback from all job applications, if feedback is provided, really seek to learn from it as it can highlight areas to develop and strengthen your next application.
Review Your Application:
Refine your CV and cover letter in light of what you have learned from the experience. Don’t forget, the Career Hub is here to support you in updating your application materials.
Build Your Network:
Opportunities aren’t always advertised. Networking, whether on LinkedIn or at industry events, can open doors and connect you with people who may be able to support your job search in other ways.
Remember:
Rejection is redirection. Every setback is helping you move closer to the opportunity that’s right for you.