How to Deal With Job Rejection

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Every rejection or circumstance that doesn't go your way seems to take a piece out of you. I had worked steadily for the past 10 years only to have a temporary job end this summer. I've been applying to jobs steadily for the past six months. Today, I work up to a lovely job rejection letter and instantly knew today was not going to be a good day. And just a few moments ago, I got an email that I've been waiting on for over two months. As it turns out I actually was hired for a job back in October but I've spent the last couple of months waiting to see if the company won a contract bid. I just received word they did not. Big surprise.
As I said, every disappointment takes piece of you with it. I'm literally at the end of my rope.

LJ of MI 10:07PM December 12, 2011

I found this site just in time.
I have always been told how much of a hard worker I am. No other manager ever worked this hard and to achive all goals set from the company and for myself.
Wellll, I got an Oprah moment and decided to leave a very good job. I hated everyday I had to work with someone that did not back me.
Now, I am on the internet everyday sending out my resume. Headhunters, recuriters would call for interview over the phone and I am thinking I am hitting it out of the park and never hear from them again.....Dropping off resumes in person and the manager I am talking to is 20years younger than me. Most jobs I am applying for I am dumbing down my resume not to be told I am over experience .All I am asking for if someone from HR is taking the time to interview you that they would please let the person know that you are not a fit by letter or an email. It seems I keep thinking I have a chance. The only way I know they found someone is that I don't see the ad on the hiring sites anymore.
Thanks for this site. I was at a time that I have lost all hope.

Victoria of IL 3:56PM December 07, 2011

A very good article about coping with rejections and the factors possibly attributable to the knock back. However, despite doing my best to assimilate these reasons, rejection still hurts like anything!

Ala of AL 11:41AM December 05, 2011

I have been applying for jobs in since last year. I have got jobs which have not been relevant to my area or interest, but I am still sending my resumes. I hopeful something has break.

Es of HI 7:49PM June 06, 2010

I also would like to know why I was rejected for a job for which I knew I was well-qualified, so would it be alright to ask? The information that an honest hiring manager provided could help you. Perhaps it was the score on a test, a typo in your resume that was not caught beforehand or not good enough info in it. There are so many possible reasons. My problem is, I'm not getting interviews. The closest I got was being told I would be interviewed, only to find that the admin was unprepared for me, so I just got tests and filled out an app. She said she would call me to do the interview over the phone, but it's been well over a week and she hasn't. I gave her my resume just in case I wouldn't have the chance to do so. I really would like to know why I was not interviewed, even what edge the lucky person had over me. Was it skill sets or a bad reference, the test scores or personality? At least I would know what to work on.

sikofit of AZ 6:17PM October 06, 2009

Is it ever appropriate to contact a hiring manager after you have been rejected to ask why? I understand that it may not be you personally, but if that is the case could asking them and getting an answer possibly help you to improve your interviewing skills?

Rachael of MA 11:03AM September 29, 2009

Alison, I have been in a deep depression from not getting the job I wanted. I know it's an employer's market out there, but it was still a blow. This article is just what needed. Thank you so much.

Lawgirl of OH 9:33PM August 25, 2009

but, OF COURSE, rejection always feels personal--especially if you were interviewed only by a bureaucrat who displayed no special intelligence or enthusiasm.

Muser of NM 7:50PM August 24, 2009

You may be lucky. I saw a case where a large company was hiring on the one hand, even with ads in the New York papers, and getting rid of all the people in that section a month later. It was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing. It happens, especially in large organizations. Also, markets can change rapidly these days.

Jim of PA 5:05PM August 24, 2009