Dealing with Rejection

It happens to us all...

In life, in love, in work.

But enough of the melodramatic starts. In all seriousness, dealing with rejection in terms of the job hunt is something that I have really come up against recently. 

This is my second round of training contract applications, and obviously the first round was unsuccessful otherwise I would not be putting myself through this again!

I'll put it out there.

Rejection is hard.

But I assume you already knew that. Hopefully I can give you some advice as to how to deal with it. I don't personally think that it ever gets easier, if anything it gets harder when you keep trying but still fail. But what you can do is try to put into practice ways of dealing with it which positively help you. 

My Five Point Plan

1. They don't know you. The rejection is not of you personally. This is a mantra of mine, and it is a little hard to explain. But essentially what the HR reps are judging is you on paper. I have a 2.1 law degree from Warwick, though it is certainly not a strong 2.1. Maybe I am wrong but I think that is my main barrier to an interview shortlist. Especially when competition is so tight that there are possibly 10 like you, but they have a "better" degree.
   
   What I focus on instead is my feedback from professional experiences I have had. My work-experience employer (a corporate lawyer) was very positive about the work I have done for him. And even my team who I lead as President of the University's Riding Club were thankful for the work I had done (correct me if I'm wrong guys!).
   
   Try and focus on the positives, and when you next try to fill out an application make sure you emphasise these.
   
   
2. Dealing with friends and family can be hard. If you are like me I would rather talk about my struggles as little as possible. I have certain people that I will talk to- my parents and my best friend but aside from this I get fed up of people asking.
   I know that they ask only out of concern, but for my own personal sanity I want to avoid thinking about it too much.
   
   I have a really good relationship with my friends and family, and so I have made a rule with them that if I approach the topic first then we can talk about it. Whether this will be helpful to you is really up to you. Personal preferences and all.
   
   
3. Can anything be fixed? Maybe the reason you are being rejected is because there are silly mistakes in  you applications? Or maybe there is something missing to tip you over the edge?
   Ask other people to read your application, and many careers departments will read your applications and give you feedback. See if this is something your university can offer you. I know Warwick even offer this to alumni for several years after. So this is worth checking out.
   
   
4. Try again. Simple as. Pick yourself back up. Next application.
   
   
5. Remember, it is OK to feel bad. Feeling upset or angry is perfectly normal. It shows you care. If you didn't feel some sort of upset then maybe you aren't pursuing the right career.
   
   However, don't let it consume you. Feel bad for a bit, and then channel yourself into something else. 

To conclude...

I hope that all made sense. And I hope it is of some help to you. I have to say even just writing this all out has made ME feel better. Ahhhh free internet therapy. 

I will next speak to you on Friday. Haven't decided what to write about yet. It's all very mysterious and exciting. Good luck everyone.