How to manage rejections in interviews:

By Harish Athreya

How to manage rejections in interviews:

Varun waited with anticipation for that call from the hiring manager. He had a really great interview and was confident in his answers. All he wanted to hear was, “We would like to extend you an offer.” When the phone rang, Varun hurried to pick it up. With a smile on his face, he exuberantly answered it. Then he received the dreaded news – they didn’t select him!

Feeling crestfallen, Varun locked himself in his room, worrying his parents. Concerned, they called his friend Ashmith over and asked him to talk to Varun. Ashmith forced the door open and instantly understood the situation upon seeing Varun’s devastated state.

“Hey Varun, I know how you must be feeling right now. I went through the exact emotions when I was rejected by that renowned organization last month. You might be feeling inadequate, ruminating on what went wrong, and how you could have done things differently. You’re frustrated because you missed the chance to sell yourself effectively, and perhaps you’re also consoling yourself by thinking that maybe the one selected was a better fit. These reactions to rejection are natural. What’s crucial is how you move forward.

Listen, I want you to try these five steps:

Step 1: Be Gracious. Even though your emotions might be overwhelming, thank the interviewer for their time. Ask them to consider your profile for future opportunities. Remember, among the many applications they received, they chose to bring you in for an in-person interview. Showing gratitude is a memorable trait. If you couldn’t do it during the call, consider sending a brief email expressing your appreciation for their time and effort.

Step 2: Acknowledge. Feeling disappointed, rejected, hurt, and angry after rejection isn’t wrong. They’re your emotions, and it’s okay to have them. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them overwhelm you. It’s crucial to set these feelings aside to move forward.

Step 3: Reframe. You might never know why you were rejected. There could be numerous reasons beyond your control, such as a better-qualified candidate or internal decisions. Focus on what went right during the interview instead of dwelling on the negatives. Reflect on moments when you felt confident, nailed questions, or received appreciation from the interviewers, and continue doing those things consciously.

Step 4: Take Stock. Reflection is the best teacher. Extract lessons from the experience. Maybe a question challenged you, or you learned about an industry issue during the interview. If possible, ask the hiring manager for areas of improvement. Once you’ve learned the lessons, act on them.

Step 5: Keep looking. Rejection might lead to inaction, causing you to disengage from the interview process. Don’t let this happen. In this digital age, job opportunities are abundant on various platforms. Not all may suit you, but a few might. Remember, all you need is one “YES.” Keep applying and don’t stop. The next one could be the perfect fit. Remember, you won’t get hired if you don’t engage in the process.

Additionally, nobody gets offers from every single interview. Keep interviewing, and you’ll find the right position for you.”

Varun looked at Ashmith, and a spark appeared in his reddened eyes. He held Ashmith’s hand and thanked him wholeheartedly for being there for him. Varun’s parents sighed in relief!

 

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