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Job Rejections: Keeping Up Momentum

Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 30 September 2024

There is no doubt about it, job hunting is tough, especially when you’re dealing with rejections. It’s natural to feel disheartened when you’ve spent hours perfecting your CV and attending interviews, only to receive the dreaded “Thank you for your interest”. The key to your success lies in how you handle these setbacks and keep up your momentum.


Here are our top tips on staying motivated and keeping up the momentum after job rejections, let’s dive in.


It’s Not Personal

Rejection is very rarely a reflection of your abilities. There could be many reasons why you didn’t get the job, maybe they found someone with just a bit more experience or a better cultural fit, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. In the competitive job market, rejection is part of the process. Keep reminding yourself that every rejection is just a step closer to “You’re hired!”


Seek Feedback

If possible, ask for feedback. Some employers are happy to give you an insight as to why you weren’t selected, which can be a valuable tool for you moving forwards. You might need to simply tweak your CV, brush up on interview techniques, or develop specific skills. Constructive feedback helps you improve and get you ready for your next opportunity.


Focus on What You Can Control

Rejections can make you feel powerless, but there are always things you can control. Focus on enhancing your job search strategy. Polish your LinkedIn profile, expand your professional network, or sign up for online courses to boost your skills. Taking positive action keeps you proactive and helps progression.


Create a Solid Routine

Job hunting can take a lot of energy, so it’s important to structure your day to maintain motivation. Set aside specific times to apply for roles, update your CV, and practice interview skills. Treat the job search like a job in itself, this will help you stay organised and prevent burnout.


Celebrate Wins

Got an interview? Updated your CV? Received positive feedback? Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Each one is progress, and keeping a positive mindset will help you stay on track. Stay persistent and believe in your potential. The right opportunity will come along, and when it does, you’ll be ready to grab it!


Remember, rejection is part of the journey to finding the perfect role. Keep going! If you need some tailored support in your job seeking journey, our team can help. We have over 35 years’ experience in the recruitment space. Contact us here. 

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LinkedIn Poll Results - December 2024

by Simon Clark • 19 December 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, our latest LinkedIn poll sought to uncover the primary professional goals of our network for the upcoming year. The responses we received provide a clear indication of shifting priorities in the modern workplace as we head into 2025. An overwhelming 64% of respondents identified 'Better Work/Life Balance' as their top professional goal for the new year. This significant majority underscores a growing trend among professionals prioritising their well-being and personal time equally with their career ambitions. It reflects a broader movement towards achieving a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, emphasising the importance of mental health and overall life satisfaction. 'Career Advancement' still remains a priority for many, with 21% of the votes, showing that climbing the professional ladder continues to be important but perhaps balanced with a desire for quality-of-life improvements. Surprisingly, both 'Skill Development' and 'Networking' received the same level of focus, each garnering 7% of the vote this month. This suggests that while continuing education and expanding professional connections are still valued, they may currently take a back seat to more pressing concerns related to personal well-being and career progression. These poll results highlight a critical shift in professional goals as we move into 2025, with a notable emphasis on achieving a sustainable work/life balance. This insight is invaluable for employers and HR professionals as they plan support systems and corporate cultures that align with the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Key Indicators of a Successful Interview

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 29 November 2024
Interviews are often the most nerve wracking part of the job seeking process and whilst you might be happy that you got the interview, you might wonder if it went as well as you’d hoped. This is a natural reaction to something as important as your career but there are several key signs that suggest your interview was a success, let’s take a look at them. Positive Body Language and Engagement We can usually tell when we get on well with someone and you can also read subtle signs in the interviewers body language which could mean that you left a good impression. Were they leaning forward, engaging with you and seeming interested in what you had to say? Did they respond enthusiastically to your answers? These are all good signs. The Interview Takes Longer Than Expected Interviews are typically structured to a strict timeframe to allow the interviewer to see multiple people and find the best candidate for the job. If your interview has gone over the allotted time but it doesn’t feel rushed, this is a really good sign and means that the company is open to learning more about you and sees potential. Natural Conversations If you have built up a natural rapport with your interviewer and the interview doesn’t seem like a basic question and answer session, this bodes well. If the interviewer also shares information about the company culture, team and future plans with you at this stage, it’s a sign they see you becoming part of their company. Next Steps Discussion If the employer takes the time to explain what the next steps of the process are going to be during your interview, asks about your availability for further stages or lets you know about their onboarding process, these are all good indicators that you are being strongly considered for the role. Introduction and Highlighting the Benefits Another sign that your interview has gone well is if your interviewer introduces you to other team members or key decision makers during the course of your interview. This shows that they personally have deemed you a good fit for the role and could be looking for a second opinion before they make a hiring decision. The interviewer could also begin to highlight the benefits of you working for their organisation, they might mention the ‘perks’ of working for the company, any career progression opportunities or just that it’s a great place to work. They could be trying to sell you the role within the company which often means they think you are a strong candidate.  Whilst the above points aren’t a guaranteed measure of success, they are really encouraging signs that your interview has gone well and that you have made a good impression on the company. If you are currently navigating the job market and need some professional support and guidance, we can help, contact us for advice and information on our current vacancies today.
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