Dealing with rejection without losing motivation
Rejections are part of job hunting, but that doesn’t mean they ever feel good. Whether you are just starting out or have been applying for a while, every rejection can hit hard (not always of course, sometimes the role or the company simply isn’t the right fit). You might doubt yourself or wonder what you should have done differently. Good to know: you’re not alone. Everyone gets rejections, even the people who now have their dream job. The key is not to avoid them completely, but to decide how you handle them. And that’s what determines whether you stay motivated to keep applying.
Why do rejections hurt so much?
A rejection often feels personal, even though it almost never is. You’ve invested time and energy into your application and you were hoping for a chance. When that chance doesn’t come, it affects your confidence. On top of that, we often put pressure on ourselves: you need to find a job, preferably soon, and that makes the disappointment heavier when things don’t work out.
It helps to realise that employers sometimes choose from dozens of candidates and there are countless reasons why someone else might have been picked. That doesn’t mean you weren’t good enough. Recruitment is a subjective process. No matter how many forms, theories or frameworks are involved, in the end it comes down to two people in an interview room making a judgement. It’s smart to reflect on what you could improve, but it can also bring some peace of mind if you keep this perspective in mind.
Common pitfalls when facing rejection
Taking it all too personally and letting one application define your confidence
Quickly assuming you don’t stand a chance and losing motivation
Only focusing on rejections and forgetting about the progress you are actually making
How to learn from rejection
We believe the real strength lies in changing your perspective. By turning every interview into a learning moment, the definition of success shifts. Instead of making “getting the job” your main goal (which statistically doesn’t happen about 95% of the time), it may be smarter to focus on improving a little with every experience. How you define those success criteria is up to you, but here are some ways to think about it.
Get to know the people and the company across the table. If there is no click with them, chances are slim that the organisation is going to be a great fit for you.
Use your applications as practice. Reflect, ask for feedback and keep sharpening your CV and preparation. You learn best in real situations where something is at stake. Wondering where Nexie comes in? We can help you avoid common pitfalls and save yourself some disappointment with practical advice, useful theory and mock interviews to make the real deal less nerve-wracking.
And maybe most important: make it a good conversation. When you release the self-imposed pressure of “I have to impress,” you’ll find yourself more relaxed, and that in turn often makes the conversation better for both sides.
If you manage that, you’ve reached your goal. And chances are high the other person also enjoyed the conversation. Win-win. But there are two things to keep in mind: how do you stay authentic, and how do you make sure you don’t lower your standards?
Staying authentic while keeping your standards high
Feedback is valuable, but it doesn’t mean you need to twist yourself into someone you’re not. It’s about being open to learning while staying true to your own values and personality. Your energy, your story, your way of doing things – that’s exactly what makes you stand out. If you change yourself completely, you risk coming across as a cardboard cut-out giving all the “right” answers. That’s not a recipe for success.
At the same time, don’t let authenticity become an excuse to stop growing. Saying “that’s just the way I am” shouldn’t be a reason to avoid improving. Keep your standards high: prepare properly, be critical of yourself and keep developing your skills. The art is in finding the balance: learn from feedback while staying true to who you are.
Keeping your motivation up while applying
Job searching is more like a marathon than a sprint. Although sometimes it suddenly does feel like a sprint when you’re rushed through a process, so maybe the saying isn’t perfect. Either way, what helps is finding a rhythm you can actually sustain, and that rhythm will be different for everyone. A few ideas:
Set yourself realistic goals, like a certain number of applications per week
Celebrate small wins, such as being invited for an interview
Keep your network active. Let friends and former colleagues know you’re looking – opportunities often come through side routes
Don’t forget balance: taking breaks and making time for sports, hobbies or social activities helps you recharge
Extra tips to stay positive
Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring every rejection. It’s about putting it into perspective. See a rejection as one step closer to the right match. Many people later say they’re glad they didn’t get certain jobs because a better opportunity came along afterwards. Remember, applying is also a process of discovery: what suits you, what gives you energy, and what you really want to go for. With that in mind, every rejection feels a little lighter.
Looking for less rejections?
Sadly, rejections are an unavoidable part of the game. They say nothing about your worth as a professional or as a person. They are opportunities to learn, grow and get closer to the right role. Job searching is also a bit of a numbers game: the more you apply, the higher the chances of getting hired. By staying motivated and viewing rejections as part of the journey, you actually increase your chances of success. Want some extra support, like a fresh look at your CV or practical tips for your next interviews? Book a free CV scan or sign up for one of our trainings.
