October 18, 2023
Hearing that you have been unsuccessful in a job application can be a bitter pill to swallow, but with the right response it can actually be a catalyst for a better career. That’s the view of Amanda Coulson, owner of SVC Solutions.
The job that we do often says a lot about the person we are. If you work full-time you will spend a significant majority of your waking hours in your place of work, so it is bound to have a great influence on your way of life.
It’s no surprise then that when we go through the process of changing our job or looking for a new career move, we are prepared to invest a lot of time, energy and emotion in that search. If we get the reward of securing the job we wanted, all is well. However, it’s not always so easy if your application is unsuccessful.
No one enjoys rejection, but the truth is that it is a common part of the jobhunting process and that the way you as an individual respond and react to not being selected can make a big difference to your success at a future job interview.
One of the most critical things to keep at the forefront of your mind is that success or failure in a job interview is not a reflection on who you are as a person. There will be a reason and often the decision on who gets a job relies on a number of determining factors around the very specific nature of the job and the dynamics of the team that individual is likely to join.
During my career of more than 30 years being involved in recruitment, I can recall countless occasions when a candidate has been hugely disappointed to miss out on a specific job, only to be delighted with a new role they secure just weeks later, recognising that this was the right result for them all along.
Although it’s tough when you are told you haven’t got a job, always try to take the positives, even from a negative result. Keep an open mind to advice or feedback following an application, as this learning might make all the difference in a future job application that turns our to be a better fit.
If you are working with a recruitment agency, this can make it easier to get appropriate comments on your performance during an application. A good recruitment partner will not only share that feedback with you, but can also provide support and advice to take you to the next level.
It’s never easy to tell a candidate that their application has been successful, but by working with a recruiter you will be best placed to receive helpful and constructive feedback.
Some of the worst examples of handling the emotions around a failed job application are when anger and frustration become involved. Don’t become angry or resentful over missing out on a particular position and if you are working with a recruiter, listen carefully to their advice on what the best next steps might be. Overzealous protests or any level of harassment from a candidate are never going to change an employer’s decision, and are likely to impact negatively on your reputation with that prospective employer indefinitely.
Not every job vacancy is right for you, but with the right attitude, a desire to learn and the work ethic to commit to the task, by working with the right people, you will find yourself being led to the right job for you.
Speak to our team of recruitment experts to see how they can help you find success in your job search. For more information, visit https://svcsolutions.co.uk/recruitment/
