Embarking on the journey to land your dream job is exciting yet challenging and it involves all kinds of emotions and feelings—we’ve all been there. We recruiters always bet on talent and put our efforts in finding the best spot for everyone who applies, but the truth is that this is not always possible. And when that's the case, feeling disappointed and even discouraged is totally normal.
If you find yourself currently facing this situation or recently had, it’s important for you to know that when a company decides not to move forward with your application, it may not be a goodbye, but a promising "see you soon.” Skills and interests can evolve in the future, and so can opportunities. Not being a match for the position you wanted might be hard, but you can consider this moment as an opportunity to grow and keep developing your skills.
I’ve been a recruiter for a few years now, and with the experience I gained along the way, I put together some handy tips to help you on this journey. These insights are thought to empower you to bounce back stronger and secure the job of your dreams.
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Don’t Take it Personal!
- The decision not to move forward with your application is not a reflection of your worth as a person or professional, trust me with this. When you are not selected for a job, it is often due to a variety of factors, such as specific company needs, timing, or changes in the hiring plan.
- Believe me, you are not the problem! We tend to think that there might be something wrong with our profile, that we personally failed at some point, or that we are not qualified enough for the job position itself. That’s not the case with most recruiting processes, maybe it’s just not the right moment or your skills may not match that specific position, and that’s perfectly okay.
Ask For Feedback
- After being notified that your application is not moving forward, the first step is to understand what happened and take advantage of it, as it's really valuable information. Read feedback carefully, pay attention to everything your interviewers share, and be open and responsive to this information.
- Remember, your time is valuable. Your dedication and effort throughout the application process matter, and it's important that you recognize this. Don’t be afraid to request more information if the answer doesn't convince you. Your priority now is to grasp the feedback to be able to capitalize it for the future.
Analyze Your Process
- After receiving all the necessary feedback about your process, it’s time to identify patterns and look for areas of improvement: there’s always room for growth. A good feedback will help to understand what was positive in the process and which aspects you should work on. Ask yourself, “What could I have done differently?”, and you will be better prepared next time, trust me.
- Recruitment processes vary and have different types of interviews, depending on the position you are applying for and the company. Analyze in which part of the process you had some difficulties and how that relates to your professional search. At Avature, we have a guide for candidates on how we recruit and what we expect from each interview. If you are applying or thinking about it, you may use this in your favor to understand what we evaluate in each stage and see where you could have done better.
Think How You Can Capitalize Your Experience for Next Time
- Go over your path and performance during the recent interview process, how you’ve got here, and prepare for future interviews. Before applying for a similar job, take your time and respect the natural process of growth and improvement—avoid rushing things. Depending on what you're focusing on, like improving your English skills, it might take a few months. Stay committed to your goals, and you'll achieve them sooner rather than later.
- Think about your new options and capitalize your experience. Nowadays, we have many tools available to make our profile and application interesting. At Avature, we have several blog articles on recruiting, with tips and tricks from recruiters and also stories from Avaturians. Give them a read, you may find them useful to be better prepared for next time.
Work on Your Confidence
- Don't take it personal. As I said before, we recruiters make decisions based on skills, background, and experience, which do not speak of you as a person, but of your professional profile in relation to this specific position at this specific time.
- Stay positive. Having an optimistic mindset will boost your performance during the next interview process.
- Seek for support:
- Ask someone else, “What do you think I am good at? Where could I improve?” Their point of view will help you understand your strengths and work on your improvement opportunities.
- Whether it's friends, family, or a career coach, ask for their help, guidance, and encouragement during the job search process. They know you better than anyone and want to see you grow in your career. Lean on them!
- Believe in you and trust your skills and capabilities. The right job for you is out there.
Expand Your Network
- You have met interesting people along your recent interview process. This is an opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with the people who interviewed you on professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out—recruiters are always on the lookout for talented people like you. You never know where your next adventure might be waiting!
Calibrate Your Job Hunt Better and Keep Applying
- To calibrate your job hunt better, know what you want to do and what you are passionate about before applying to an open position. Identify your goals, motivations, and expectations so you can enjoy what you are going to do next.
- Being part of a company and undertaking a specific role are daily responsibilities. Read job descriptions thoroughly and imagine yourself in that position. What motivates you about it? What doesn't?
- Learn all you can about the company you are applying to. Companies usually share a lot of information about their culture and values, so there’s plenty of info out there you can rely on before and during your interview process.
- Keep looking for your dream job! Don’t give up and keep applying, there are lots of opportunities out there. Take it from me: there will be a next time and you will succeed.
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While you may prepare consciously for interviews and present yourself as effectively as possible, a recruiting process can be affected by external factors beyond your control. Sometimes, changes in hiring needs, timing, or even the skills of other candidates which may match that specific position better can unexpectedly impact the outcome of your journey. However, it is essential to recognize that this lack of control doesn’t necessarily mean something negative. In some cases, it can bring positive results, including new opportunities, valuable feedback, and personal growth gained through the experience itself.
It’s important to focus on the aspects that we can change and improve for the next opportunity. A closed door today may lead to an open one tomorrow. Embracing these kinds of situations as an opportunity for growth is crucial, and the steps you take afterwards can significantly impact your future success.
The journey may be challenging, but with perseverance, continuous improvement, and a positive mindset, you will not only come back stronger but also find the perfect match for your professional goals.
Keep pushing forward and success will inevitably follow.