What to Do When You Don’t Get the Job
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: job rejection. Ugh, right? It's like getting stood up on a date, but instead of ice cream, you're left with a bruised ego and a LinkedIn profile that's giving you the side-eye.
First things first: if you didn't land the job, it's absolutely okay to feel all the feels. Frustration? Check. Disappointment? You bet. Anger that makes you want to karate chop your pillow? Totally valid. For us neurodivergent folks (more specifically, my fellow AuDHDers), those emotions can stack up faster than a Jenga tower. It might feel like the universe is playing a cosmic game of "let's make life extra spicy" with you.
The unfortunate reality though is that rejection is just part of the job-hunting process. It’s not a reflection of your worth or abilities. So, let’s talk about how we can process those feelings and move forward with our heads held high.
1. Talk About it (or Write it Down) – Just Let it Out!
Keeping all those feelings bottled up is like trying to stuff a whole week's laundry into a tiny suitcase – it's just not gonna work. It's crucial to let those emotions out before they turn into a chaotic emotional flash mob in your brain.
Need to vent? Call up your bestie, your therapist, or your cat who's probably judging your resume-writing skills anyway. Sometimes, just saying "This rejection sucks!" out loud can feel so liberating and bring you much needed relief.
Not feeling chatty? No worries, grab that journal (or open a fresh Google doc if you're fancy). Studies show that writing about your feelings helps reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, it's way cheaper than actual therapy (though we love our therapists, don't we?). Getting those thoughts out on paper is like decluttering your mind – suddenly, there's room for new, exciting possibilities to move in!
2. Remember: It's Not You, It's Statistics (No, Really!)
I know, I know. Rejection can feel super personal, especially when you're already playing job-search on hard mode as a neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, or other marginalized human. But I promise, it's really not about you. Sometimes, the job and you just weren't meant to be – like that Tinder match who looked promising until they showed up late, spilled coffee all over you, and wouldn’t stop talking about their ex.
Let's get nerdy for a sec and look at some real life statistics. On average, a single job posting receives about 250 resumes. And guess what? Only 12% of those people get called for interviews. (Zety) That's fewer people than the number of unmatched Tupperware lids in your kitchen drawer!
So next time you're feeling down about a rejection, remember: you're not a failure, you're just part of a very large, very fabulous statistical pool. It's not personal, it's just math (and who really likes math anyway?).
You're the Main Character of Your Own Success Story!
Listen, at the end of the day, job rejection isn't the end credits of your career movie – it's just a plot twist that's setting you up for an even more epic second act. Feel your feelings, have a good rant (or write a strongly worded letter to your journal), and remember that this isn't a personal attack on you as a person.
You're talented, you're driven, and you're absolutely worthy of amazing opportunities. The right job is out there, probably swiping through resumes right now, wondering where you've been all its life.
Ready for More? If you're hungry for more job-hunting tips (or just want to hear me make more questionable analogies), follow me on social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn) or tune into my podcast, The Colorful Futures Podcast, on Tuesdays. Together, we've got this!