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\n<\/p>\nRejection is never an enjoyable experience. Interview rejection, after you\u2019ve built up your hopes of landing a job and envisioned yourself working for that employer, can knock both your confidence and your career progress to the floor. <\/p>\n
As with any setback though, there is plenty to be learned from interview rejection that can boost your self-esteem and help your performance in the next interview.<\/p>\n
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The reason for that \u2018no\u2019 from the employer may be obvious to you, or perhaps it came as a complete surprise. Either way, ask for detailed feedback on why you weren\u2019t suitable for the job this time around. Be polite and professional, but assertive. <\/p>\n
An employer doesn\u2019t have to provide you with feedback, but generally they will be prepared to explain their decision. Their reasons may be as vague as \u2018your face just wasn\u2019t a fit\u2019 or as detailed as laying out the exact experience and skills you lacked. If you feel that their feedback isn\u2019t clear, ask for more information. <\/p>\n
What can you learn from that feedback?<\/p>\n
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With the knowledge provided by the employer feedback in hand, assess your performance at the interview. What did you do well and what could you have done better?<\/p>\n
For instance, how effectively did you answer the questions you were asked? One of the best ways to respond to interview questions that ask for an example of your work experience is to use the STAR method to structure your answers:<\/p>\n
Other factors you might like to assess include whether you acted in a suitable, professional manner, fully expressed your suitability for the role through your skills and experience, and demonstrated your enthusiasm for the role.<\/p>\n
This self-assessment should indicate how you could have improved your performance at interview.<\/p>\n
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When you have been rejected for a job, especially a dream job, it\u2019s easy to take the employer\u2019s decision personally. What you must remember though is that this was a business decision. <\/p>\n
Ultimately, the employer will choose the candidate who:<\/p>\n
You may have got on like a house on fire with the interviewer, but ultimately another candidate had a more suitable job history. Perhaps you had exactly the right work experience and skills, but the interviewer felt that you wouldn\u2019t fit in with the existing team. <\/p>\n
Whatever the reason is for your rejection, try not to take it as a personal affront. It is not an insult, just a \u2018no thank you\u2019.<\/p>\n
You, as a person and a candidate, are worthwhile and will be of value to the right employer.<\/p>\n
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It may feel as if you\u2019re back at the bottom of the job-search ladder again with your foot on the first rung. That isn\u2019t true though, because you\u2019ve learned from your interview rejection. You know:<\/p>\n
All of that knowledge puts you ahead of other applicants who have not reached the interview stage so far and prepares you to take the next job interview by storm.<\/p>\n