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How to Maintain Confidence and Be Persistent During Your Job Hunt

Written by

Sarah Lorenz-Coryell

Reviewed by

VidCruiter Editorial Team

Last Modified

June 29, 2023
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Job hunting can be challenging. So, what can you do to maintain confidence and be persistent during your job hunt? That is what we are going to look at here today.

What You Need to Stay Resilient During Your Job Search

There will be highs and lows as you look for your dream job, which is why resilience during the job application process is critical. Working on yourself while you search is a great way to grow and prepare for the challenges you may face at a new job. 

Here are some characteristics to cultivate that can help you stay resilient as you work your way through the job application process:

  1. Perseverance: Overcoming rejection takes grit and determination, especially during the hard times when it come fast and frequently.
  2. Adaptability: The job market is constantly changing, and the wants and needs of companies also change, so you need to be adaptable and flexible in your hunt.
  3. Positive mindset: Positivity is necessary during the application and interviewing process as it will set the tone for each one of your job interviews.
  4. Continuous learning: While looking for your dream job, you can use the time to make yourself more attractive by adding to your skill set.
  5. Networking: Sometimes, landing the perfect job comes down to whom you know and finding out about opportunities from your network of contacts.

Knowing how to handle these rejections and how to remain persistent when they occur is key to landing that dream job and turning your luck around. Understanding why it can happen can help you be better prepared to deal with it when it occurs.

Why Rejection Happens During Job Interviews

Several reasons exist as to why rejection may occur at a job interview. Knowing what they are, preparing for them, and how to overcome them will give you the resistance and persistence you need. 

Here are the five main reasons why you might face rejection during a job interview:

  1. Poor qualifications or experience: Sometimes, there is a disconnect between your experience or skill set and what the company is looking for in their new hire.
  2. Poor interview performance: Everyone has bad days, and sometimes the interview does not go well, and you don’t make the right impression.
  3. Fit concerns: The hiring team may feel you are not the addition they were looking for in the team dynamic.
  4. Common red flags: During interviews, background checks, and reference reviews, there might be something the company doesn’t like about your application.
  5. Competitive applicant pool: There are some jobs, markets, industries, and companies that are in high demand and attract a lot of applications, upping the competitiveness.

The important thing to remember is that rejection is normal. It is a common part of the job search process and does not always reflect your skills or worth as an individual or employee. Following well-known interview tips can make the process easier.

How to Handle Rejections During the Job Hunt

Once you face your first rejection, or your tenth or your twentieth, it can be hard to stay positive and keep yourself motivated. This is common, but knowing how to bounce back and keep pushing forward will help you persevere. 

In some cases, rejection happens before the interview. If you are struggling to advance as an applicant, consider reworking your resume so you can get more interviews. 

Here are six things you can do after a job interview rejection that can help soften the blow and keep your persistence high:

  1. Acknowledge and accept what happened: Give yourself time to be disappointed and frustrated about the rejection but don’t let it bog you down and dissuade you.
  2. Seek feedback and self-reflection: If possible, ask the interviewers for feedback or set up mock interviews with friends or family to practice and reflect on your performance.
  3. Learn from the experience: Every interview is a learning opportunity, and if you can see it as such, then even a rejection can be a positive step in your journey.
  4. Maintain a positive mindset: Persistence and positivity go hand in hand, so working on both will help you maintain the right outlook as you line up your next job interview.
  5. Move forward with persistence: The most important thing to do after a less-than-ideal job interview is look for more opportunities.

Remember, everyone faces rejection at some point, and it is often a stepping stone toward success. Use it as motivation to improve and continue striving towards your career aspirations.

Persistence and Dedication During the Job Hunt Is Critical to Success

 You can learn to adapt, improve, and take those failures as learning opportunities. Treat every interview like a fresh start and a new opportunity to make a great impression. The way you handle rejection during your job hunt can have a significant impact on your career success. Get more training, network, and improve your skills while you continue your search. It can be frustrating, challenging, and upsetting when you face rejection after rejection, but it does not have to be the end of the road.