A job market is an uncertain place, even at the best of times. Job seekers have the unenviable task of canvassing dozens of potential employers and inquiring about jobs. And the more positions you apply for, it’s more than likely that rejections will happen from time to time.
However, with each rejection, your mental state becomes negatively affected. As a job seeker, you can hardly afford to let this negative mental state keep you down, and you have to find a way to work around it. So how do you keep your confidence up in the face of multiple rejections? Fifteen members of Forbes Coaches Council delve into how job seekers can keep their outlook positive, even in the darkest of times.
1. Keep Your Focus
Good reflection of the process is essential. So is keeping a way-forward state of mind. Let go of the past and ask yourself, what can I do about it? What is my greatest contribution? Get fulfillment for your basic needs. Where do you get self-esteem and pleasure from? Build visibility in building good networks. Keep your spirit. - Cristian Hofmann, Empowering Executives | SUPERGROUP LTD
2. Don't Take A ‘No’ Personally
Many people believe that a "no" from a potential employer means they are not good enough, not worthy. That isn't true. It simply means "no." Don't take it personally. See it as an opportunity to get a better matching job. Also ask yourself if your current job search strategy really works. Maybe it is time to refine it. Don't expect new results when doing the same things over and over again. - Dr. Natalia Wiechowski, Think Natalia
3. Adopt A Learning Mindset
Conducting a job search can be like learning a language—it has its own set of rules, it can be intensive and it takes time to master. Adopting a learning mindset will help you to depersonalize rejections and setbacks—seek feedback, reflect on what you're learning and refine your approach. You'll become increasingly more "fluent" in the process, which will bring you closer to the job you want. - Patricia Carl, Highland Performance Solutions, LLC
4. Find Your Confident Calm
No doubt, consistent rejection is tough. However, we need to remember that rejection is also a regular part of life for nearly everyone. Focus on what you can control and ignore what you can’t. Look yourself in the mirror, remind yourself of your inherent value and find ways to find your confident calm and get to your zen place. Then get up, get to work and try again. Good things will happen. - Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D, Utah Valley University & Human Capital Innovations, LLC
5. Get Clear On Your Vision
Create a clear vision for your ideal career. Go in depth on what you would be doing, who you'd be working with, your office environment, how you would feel, how you would carry yourself, what you'd be wearing, what you'd be discussing—the works! Review it daily and start to fully embody that vision. You will notice you will start showing up in a much bolder way and kick doubt to the curb. - Elise Montgomery, Coach Elise Montgomery
6. Destroy Your Projections And Expectations
Discouragement is rooted in the conclusion that something should happen in a specific way within some preimagined time frame. It has no basis in anything other than our projections and expectations of what should be. This creates unnecessary (and unhelpful) angst and suffering in a process that should simply be about putting one foot positively forward each day until we land that new dream job. - April Armstrong, AHA Insight
7. Deploy Various Search Strategies
Continuous rejection may create feelings of helplessness when we have few strategies in motion, as we become reliant on a few bets taken. Just as a diversified portfolio yields the greatest probability of ROI on financial investments, the same logic applies to searches. The more strategies in motion, the greater the opportunity for a "yes" and the lesser the impact of rejection when received. - Corey Castillo, Truth & Spears
8. Cultivate A ‘No Means Next’ Mindset
Quickly getting past the rejection of a "no" is the key to job search resiliency. Oftentimes, job seekers get stuck on the "no." They rehash every step of the process, wishing they had said or done something differently. While a quick lesson learned is helpful, ruminating on the rejection will stall your job search and zap your energy. Instead, realize that rejection is simply part of the process. - Cheryl Czach, Cheryl Czach Coaching and Consulting, LLC
9. Find An Online Workshop With Structure
When I am too lazy to exercise, I sign up for a bunch of classes so I'm accountable. Same with the job search—it's lonely and frustrating. So get out (virtually) and sign up for an end-to-end course, private online group and gain the ability to ask questions. You will get focused, motivated, action-oriented and, hopefully, see better results. Reboot what you have been doing and get back on the horse! - Dana Manciagli, Job Search Master Class
10. Consider Spiritual Intelligence Exercises
Searching for work for a long period of time could be demoralizing and defeating. It would be a good idea to consider a spiritual intelligence exercise—an exercise that points your mind back to your sense of meaningfulness and presence. Avoid taking rejections personally. Rejection is a universal feeling because it could happen to anybody irrespective of demographics. Keep moving. - J. Ibeh Agbanyim, Focused Vision Consulting, LLC
11. Design Your Dream Job
Design your dream job and go ask the dream company for an interview—show them what you can do and why you're a great fit, even if they're not hiring. I did this and got my dream job offered to me two weeks later when the Head of Capability resigned, which was my dream job! You don't ask, you don't get! - Jane Anderson, Jane Anderson
12. Socialize And Contribute
Socializing and engaging with friends or people who share similar values like you gives you a sense of belonging and being liked—something you are lacking with job rejections. It not only builds up your confidence, but it also gives you a chance to contribute something to their life, hence doing something of value. Often, while taking part in such interactions you may hear from an opening position you were not aware of. - Silke Glaab, SilkCelia
13. Associate With Positive Influencers
I want my clients in career transition looking forward and associating with positive people whom I call influencers. People like this can move others, move you and use their reputation to help you keep and build confidence. Even well-meaning positive people sometimes don't tell you or don't have the influence to assist you enough. Add an influencer who can move you and others. Stay close to them. - John M. O'Connor, Career Pro Inc.
14. Take Time For Self-Care
When experiencing ongoing rejection, many job seekers push harder, investing more time and energy. The opposite may be what is needed. Exercise, meditation, being mindful or simply sitting in peace looking at nature can calm the nervous system. Ensure that self-care and mental breaks are a priority. Connect with a friend—they can lend an ear and raise your spirits. - Faith Fuqua-Purvis, Synergetic Solutions LLC
15. Seek Relevant Data On The Issue
Getting real data on why a problem persists will help you better understand, cope and shift your strategy. If your job hunt expectations are not being met, contact staffing agents and career coaches who have a better sense of how long the search should be. Find job seekers in your industry and compare notes. Find friendly people already in your job title; they may give you insight and real stats. - Rita Coco, Rita Coco Consulting
