How to survive rejection

For every person who tastes the joy of acceptance there are many others who feel the pain of rejection. Rejection is part of the job seeking process and happens to everyone at some point. It is vital to remember that you are not alone in rejection – it happens to all of us at some stage in our lives.

How you cope with rejection is what matters and how you cope with rejection will define your future far more than how you cope with your successes. In the latest careers article from Go Zambia Jobs we explore how you can learn from rejection and turn it into a positive.

Job rejection in context

The current employment market in Zambia is extremely tough – especially for young people. There are thousands of very bright and very capable people all looking for work but with a limited number of jobs many will suffer rejection before they feel the joy of acceptance. It is important to remember that just because you are rejected for a job it doesn’t mean that you are a bad person, that you are not intelligent or even that you were not capable of doing the job. It might just mean that there were lots of applicants and the employer had to choose one highly capable candidate ahead of you. Keep trying and you will get your reward.

Learning from rejection

Remember that the reason(s) for rejection from one company can lead to acceptance at another. When you have been rejected for a job it is vital that you review your application and interview (if applicable) and search for ways that you can improve for next the time. Here are a few things that you may want to consider:

  • Did you have the qualifications stipulated in the job advert – could you undertake further study to gain additional qualifications?
  • Did you have the required experience – could you gain additional experience that would help next time?
  • Where you prepared for the questions raised at interview – would more preparation help you in the future?

Turning a negative into a positive

Even the process of writing and rewriting your applications will help you to improve your application each time you apply for a job. Similarly, by attending interviews you will have gain experience of the interview environment and types of questions employers ask and how you should answer. Remember that if you change nothing – nothing will change. However, by turning rejection into a positive experience and learning from these experiences you will be in a much better position in the future.

Try to stay positive and always remember that, “The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

Further Information

To find more careers articles visit: Careers Advice

Search for Jobs

To search for the latest jobs in Zambia visit: www.gozambiajobs.com/jobs

4 thoughts on “How to survive rejection”

  1. I have worked in a micro-finance company for over 6years now, i have trying to charge employment because of working late and i have not upgraded or gone to school since inception at this company.
    What can i do i really want to go to school.

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