Rejection: Turning it Around
The first ingredient of successful job hunting is to believe in
yourself and your abilities. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll always get
an interview or a job offer. But self-belief represents an approach to
life that is important for your own well-being and future prospects.
By maintaining self-belief through the ups and downs of job
hunting, the knock backs won’t knock you down.
However, if the rejections are coming in thick and Post-interview knock backs
fast it is important to assess your approach to
It can be harder to accept rejection when it follows
identify potential areas for improvement.
an interview. If you are not offered the job or a
You are not getting interviews
second interview try to obtain feedback on your
If you are not getting interviews, consider the
performance (note that some companies have a
type of jobs you are applying for, the way you
policy of not providing feedback).
apply, how you present yourself, and your skills Some important ‘DOs’ and ‘DON’Ts’ when
and qualities. calling for feedback are:
Ask yourself the following questions each time  DO stay positive
you are not selected for interview:  DON’T express discontent at not being successful
 Am I qualified? Is the position suitable for a
 DON’T take feedback personally or respond
recent graduate? It could be you are wasting
defensively
your time on applying for the wrong positions.
 DO finish the conversation on a positive note (you
 Do I demonstrate that I understand what the
may want to apply to this company again)
job involves? It is important to review your performance after
 Is my resume well-presented and professional? all interviews (even if you think you went well). Jot
 Does my cover letter add to my application? Is down notes about any questions you had trouble
the tone appropriate?
with or answers that worked for you. If you are not
 Am I tailoring my applications to particular
offered the job you can look back on your notes and
positions?
draw lessons for next time.
 Do I address the selection criteria, with
reference to relevant experience, skills and
Turning it around
knowledge?
There are numerous resources to help you identify
 Do I carefully proofread each application? (It is
appropriate job opportunities and improve
preferable to enlist a friend or family member your chances of success. Use the internet, your
to do this for you.)
university careers service and personal networks for
 Have I highlighted all my skills and job-related
background research and visit your university careers
qualities?
service for assistance with interview preparation,
application presentation and skills assessment.
See other sections in this publication for more
Remember...
information about applications, interview strategies
If you are not selected for an interview or
and marketing yourself effectively.
a position it is not a personal put-down.
By Pauline Brown, Careers Consultant, University of
Be positive, move forward and take the
Melbourne.
opportunity to learn so that you can be
more confident next time.
/1/ graduateopportunities.com
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141