YOU have been praying for that big break and you finally get the call for an interview. Two days after what you consider was a great interview, you get the call, but not the answer you were anticipating. A job rejection is something that nobody wishes to experience, but it happens. The sooner you get over the disappoinment, the sooner you’ll be on the way to finding the best post for you.

1. Be confident and open-minded

You are brilliant, and you graduated top of your class, and while confidence is important, always leave room for the possibility that things don’t always work out the way we want them to. If you decide to claim a job that was never given to you, it becomes more likely that you will become depressed when you are rejected.

2. Don’t beat yourself up

A rejection can impact your confidence severely, but it’s not healthy to torture yourself. Instead, think of yourself at point zero and use this opportunity to assess yourself by revisiting and building on core values. Consider your tone, language, dress and all the other factors while creating the positive energy you need to prepare for your other interviews.

3. Take away something positive

Despite the outcome, you must have learned something from the interview. If you executed it well, it may very well be that the recruiters were hoping for something different, and it may not have necessarily been that you failed at the interview. Use the interview experience as a tool to build a wall of resilience.

4. Ask for feedback

While some employers provide feedback along with rejection letters, not all of them do. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking politely about the reason for your rejection. Never assume that you didn’t make the cut because you were not competent enough.

5. Identify your weaknesses

One of the most common factors for an interview rejection is lack of technical knowledge. But there are a number of reasons that could have factored in your rejection. Use the feedback to address your weaknesses. It is best when this is done immediately, so that you will be more prepared for your next interview.

6. Initiate your plan ‘B’

It is never a wise decision to apply for one job. Apply for several jobs for which you meet the criteria, even when you don’t want to. Pursuing multiple decisions may work in your favour, since one job rejection may help you to master the weaknesses and prepare yourself as necessary for the upcoming ones.

7. Leave the past in the past

Consider what went wrong, assess the interview, and make the corrections to your errors. But, don’t dwell on it. Don’t try to discuss it with everyone who is willing to listen, and more importantly, don’t allow it to become a nightmare. Instead, focus on your achievements, and your dreams. This should be a source of inspiration and motivation for you.

8. Remind yourself you are not alone

Hundreds, nay thousands of people get turned down every year. It is important that you know you shouldn’t use interviews as professional validation. It does not mean that you are not professional or lack the ability to do the job. All it means is that you were not what they were looking for at that particular time.

9. Erase that frown

The best way to face your fear, which is rejection in this case, is to keep a smile on your face. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that it will be okay. Your dream job is waiting for you. All it requires is for you to search a little harder, and sometimes a little wider, but it’s already there.

Cheer up!