Blog Layout

How To Deal with Job Application Rejection

Veronica Johns • May 03, 2022

How To Deal with Job Application Rejection 


Rejection is never nice, and it is never easy, but it is never a lost cause either. 


Diana Linde, Consultant for the Charity team, and Brianna Lavis, Recruitment Manager for the Customer Experience and Sales team discussed how you can deal with rejection in this episode of #AskMeAnything. 


We’ve taken it a step further and have created a 3-Step guide on how to handle rejection and best practice tips on what to do when it happens. 


Step 1: What to do in the moment? 


Breathe before responding

Do not take it personally and defend or argue. It may be your first instinct but try to stay strong! 


Listen to the feedback

Common feedback from hiring managers is about candidates not showing active listening skills or not answering the question asked. Your reaction is a great time to demonstrate these active listening skills. This is important because it can impact your future reputation with that recruiter or hiring manager. 


Have a growth mindset 

Having a growth mindset and being open to feedback is an important human skill that many hiring managers look for and that is your chance to prove it in the moment. 


Share your disappointment privately 

It is ok to express your disappointment with people close to you but avoid venting on social media as this may come off as unprofessional. 


Step 2: What to do in the future? 


Learn from the rejection. Note down the reasons so you can take some necessary actions such as: 


  • Enrolling in short courses if the feedback was you lack the technical skills 
  • Practicing before your interview, whether that is in front of your family, your pets or simply in front of a mirror. Take the time to practice, there is nothing worse than not being prepared 
  • Do your research before any interview. Check out their LinkedIn and other social media channels and take the time to really understand who it is you are interviewing with. 


However, sometimes it is not about you and there are so many other factors that are outside of your control. What candidates do not always consider is the behind-the-scenes elements as to why they may not be suitable, for example:

 

  • Maybe you were overqualified 
  • Maybe they need a more senior member to join their team as the rest of the staff members are juniors 
  • Maybe the position has been open for a long time.  


The most important thing to remember during any interview process, whether you are successful or not, is that it is an opportunity to network with the interviewer, build a relationship for future roles, and practice your interview skills. No opportunity is wasted. 


Step 3: How to manage your approach after? 


If you are finding that you are being rejected continuously, it is worth taking the time to review your job search process. For example:


  • Are you getting rejected with no phone calls? If you are getting rejected at the application stage - are you applying for the right roles? Are there typos or formatting issues on your CV? Is your cover letter addressed to the right person? 


  • Are you getting rejected after phone screening? You may want to work on your approach in a phone interview. It is recommended not to answer the phone if you can’t speak/are outside or in a noisy environment/in a meeting or if you just woke up and are sleepy. 
    These are common mistakes that do not give off a great first impression and may lead to rejection. Treat a phone call like the first stage or an initial interview. 


  • Are you getting rejected after interviews? You may need to change your approach here. Really listen to the interview feedback. The number one feedback we receive is that candidates are not articulate enough or are overly detailed in their answers, yet not specifically answering the questions asked. 


Ask for feedback  

Remember it is all about the timing. It is best to ask for feedback after you have spoken to someone or have started the interview process, and always ensure you are mindful about how you ask for the feedback, you never want to come across as defensive. 


Remember rejection is never a reflection on you as a person. 


More tips just like these can be found on our Job Seeker page.


Watch the full #AskMeAnything: How can you deal with rejection.


Share This blog

Recent Articles

By Veronica Johns 19 Mar, 2024
Learn with Sue - Walk and Talk with Nikki Beaumont, CEO and Founder of Beaumont People Our very own CEO, Nikki Beaumont, was featured on the latest episode of "Learn with Sue - Walk and Talk" podcast hosted by Sue Langley! In this insightful episode, Nikki delves into the roots of Beaumont People, sharing invaluable advice for recruiters embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. She discusses the importance of staying people-focused and align with core values, providing listeners with strategies to maintain a human-centric approach in the fast-paced world of recruitment. Tune in to hear Nikki's journey, learnings, and how Beaumont People has evolved over the years. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation filled with wisdom and inspiration! Click here to listen to the full episode.
By Veronica Johns 14 Dec, 2023
Transforming Leaders: Recipients Announced for "Let Them Know It's Christmas" Giveaway In the spirit of festive generosity, the "Let Them Know It's Christmas" Scholarship Giveaway concluded with tremendous success as we proudly announce the deserving recipients of a LEAD scholarship. This initiative aimed to spread joy and support future leaders. The organisations awarded scholarships are: AlphaSys Bangarra Dance Theatre Black Dog Institute CASPA CCNB CEDA (Committee for Economic Development of Australia) Diabetes Victoria HeartKids Human Nature LifeBridge Momentum Collective NDS Raise Foundation Red Kite Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Royal Far West Second Bite Spinal Cord Injuries Australia Story Factory. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional recipients of these scholarships. Our team takes immense pride in the opportunity to support a diverse and inspiring group of individuals with our LEAD scholarships. The applications we received were nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing profound passion and generosity from team leaders to their team. The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by all applicants made the selection process a truly challenging task for our team. We are proud as an organisation to be part of the leadership journey for all the recipients, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the profound impact these scholarships will have on them personally, and professionally.
By Sally Sheperd 22 Nov, 2023
FIA Conference 2024 Guest blog by Sally Shepherd, Executive Manager Membership and Marketing - Fundraising Institute Australia. FIA Conference 2024 is the meeting ground of curiosity and creativity, empathy and action. Fundraisers from across the country bring their passion for change to this event to develop their skills, innovate, share and be inspired to increase their impact further. It attracts leaders, managers and specialist fundraisers alike, with sessions to suit all levels of expertise and fundraising experience. The conference features plenary sessions, masterclasses, international keynote speakers and over 100 local experts and Australia’s largest fundraising exhibition of companies dedicated to supporting the for-purpose sector. The Role of the CEO in Fundraising Excellence This year’s program features a leadership track for emerging and embedded leaders with individual speakers from charities and supplier organisations and several expert panels to address key issues including: Leading Through Fire; Building Trust The Importance of Overheads, and Behaviours for High Impact Leadership. One of the keynotes speakers, Usha Menon, says, ‘ Show me an organisation where fundraising thrives, and I will show you an organisation where the CEO leads and sustains a culture where every stakeholder believes in resourcing the mission .’ Her masterclass will unlock the power of leadership in fundraising excellence and show how it can be the catalyst for change. Usha will explain how essential effective leadership is for driving engagement, performance, and organisational success. The role of the CEO in fundraising excellence is that of the strategist and its Chief Ecosystem Officer, to drive this success. This session will delve into the mindset required to deliver fundraising excellence, breaking down the psychological barriers that could potentially be holding an organisation back. It will provide practical tools designed for CEOs, Senior Management, and Board Members, including frameworks for fundraising evaluation and decision-making. Delegates will share and compare goals and related strategies with like-minded leaders moving from insights to actionable plans needed for fundraising to not only survive but thrive.
By Bree Lavis 16 Aug, 2023
Supercharge Your Business: The Secret to Seamless Seasons in the Australian Market Picture this: the hustle and bustle of a busy season, the phones ringing off the hook, and a flood of customer inquiries coming your way. As a business operating in Australia, delivering top-notch customer service is at the heart of your success. So, how can you conquer those peak periods and maintain an exceptional experience for your customers? The answer lies in the power of Temporary Hiring. In this article, we'll uncover how embracing these temporary superheroes can help businesses like yours navigate the ups and downs of the Australian market, ensuring a smooth ride during the busiest seasons. Ride the Waves with Flexibility Just like our stunning Aussie beaches, business demand can have its ups and downs. But fear not! Hiring temporary Customer Services Representatives allows you to ride the waves of fluctuating customer inquiries with ease. These superheroes of customer service provide the flexibility you need to scale up your workforce when the storm hits. By doing so, you can ensure that every customer receives the attention they deserve, without sacrificing service quality. With the ability to adapt on the fly, you'll be ready to conquer even the busiest of seasons. Unlock the Local Know-How Australia is a diverse and multicultural nation, and your customers come from all walks of life. When it comes to providing exceptional service, understanding the local landscape is key. That's where hiring temporary customer service representatives with their local know-how shine. These Customer Service heroes bring an understanding of the Australian market, its culture, and its nuances. They have a keen sense of the local preferences and customs, allowing them to effortlessly navigate the demands of your customers, no matter their background. By tapping into their local expertise, you'll ensure a customer experience that fosters a genuine connection and resonates with the diverse range of individuals in our wonderful nation. Win the Game of Efficiency In business, every dollar counts, especially during those peak seasons. Hiring temporary Customer Services Representatives is a cost-effective strategy that keeps your budget in check. Rather than permanently expanding your workforce, you can bring in the workforce you need on a temporary basis who have all the skills required to support your customers. This approach helps you optimise your resources, keeping your operation lean and efficient. It's like finding the winning move in a game of chess – strategic and impactful. By embracing temporary staffing, you'll ensure your business is agile and ready to conquer the busiest times without breaking the bank. Team Up with Recruitment Experts Finding the right temporary staff can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fret not, for there are recruitment agencies ready to lend a helping hand. Beaumont People specialise in finding talented professionals who fit your needs like a glove. We have the inside scoop, the secret contacts, and the know-how to identify the perfect match for your business. By teaming up with Beaumont People to support you with those urgent temporary hiring needs or a more longer-term strategy , you'll save precious time and energy, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business. Busy seasons in the Australian market can be a wild ride, but with the power of temporary hiring, you can surf those waves like a pro. Their flexibility, local know-how, cost-effectiveness, and partnering with Beaumont People make them the ultimate secret weapon for seamless seasons. So, don your cape, embrace the excitement, and let these temporary superheroes help you deliver exceptional customer service. Get ready to supercharge your business and ride the wave of success in the ever-changing Australian marketplace.
By Renee Jofers 15 Aug, 2023
Hiring Fresh Grads? Here's How to Assess Their Education
By Veronica Johns 14 Aug, 2023
Winners of Beaumont People's Annual Awards 2023
By Veronica Johns 19 Mar, 2024
Learn with Sue - Walk and Talk with Nikki Beaumont, CEO and Founder of Beaumont People Our very own CEO, Nikki Beaumont, was featured on the latest episode of "Learn with Sue - Walk and Talk" podcast hosted by Sue Langley! In this insightful episode, Nikki delves into the roots of Beaumont People, sharing invaluable advice for recruiters embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. She discusses the importance of staying people-focused and align with core values, providing listeners with strategies to maintain a human-centric approach in the fast-paced world of recruitment. Tune in to hear Nikki's journey, learnings, and how Beaumont People has evolved over the years. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation filled with wisdom and inspiration! Click here to listen to the full episode.
By Veronica Johns 14 Dec, 2023
Transforming Leaders: Recipients Announced for "Let Them Know It's Christmas" Giveaway In the spirit of festive generosity, the "Let Them Know It's Christmas" Scholarship Giveaway concluded with tremendous success as we proudly announce the deserving recipients of a LEAD scholarship. This initiative aimed to spread joy and support future leaders. The organisations awarded scholarships are: AlphaSys Bangarra Dance Theatre Black Dog Institute CASPA CCNB CEDA (Committee for Economic Development of Australia) Diabetes Victoria HeartKids Human Nature LifeBridge Momentum Collective NDS Raise Foundation Red Kite Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Royal Far West Second Bite Spinal Cord Injuries Australia Story Factory. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional recipients of these scholarships. Our team takes immense pride in the opportunity to support a diverse and inspiring group of individuals with our LEAD scholarships. The applications we received were nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing profound passion and generosity from team leaders to their team. The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by all applicants made the selection process a truly challenging task for our team. We are proud as an organisation to be part of the leadership journey for all the recipients, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the profound impact these scholarships will have on them personally, and professionally.
By Sally Sheperd 22 Nov, 2023
FIA Conference 2024 Guest blog by Sally Shepherd, Executive Manager Membership and Marketing - Fundraising Institute Australia. FIA Conference 2024 is the meeting ground of curiosity and creativity, empathy and action. Fundraisers from across the country bring their passion for change to this event to develop their skills, innovate, share and be inspired to increase their impact further. It attracts leaders, managers and specialist fundraisers alike, with sessions to suit all levels of expertise and fundraising experience. The conference features plenary sessions, masterclasses, international keynote speakers and over 100 local experts and Australia’s largest fundraising exhibition of companies dedicated to supporting the for-purpose sector. The Role of the CEO in Fundraising Excellence This year’s program features a leadership track for emerging and embedded leaders with individual speakers from charities and supplier organisations and several expert panels to address key issues including: Leading Through Fire; Building Trust The Importance of Overheads, and Behaviours for High Impact Leadership. One of the keynotes speakers, Usha Menon, says, ‘ Show me an organisation where fundraising thrives, and I will show you an organisation where the CEO leads and sustains a culture where every stakeholder believes in resourcing the mission .’ Her masterclass will unlock the power of leadership in fundraising excellence and show how it can be the catalyst for change. Usha will explain how essential effective leadership is for driving engagement, performance, and organisational success. The role of the CEO in fundraising excellence is that of the strategist and its Chief Ecosystem Officer, to drive this success. This session will delve into the mindset required to deliver fundraising excellence, breaking down the psychological barriers that could potentially be holding an organisation back. It will provide practical tools designed for CEOs, Senior Management, and Board Members, including frameworks for fundraising evaluation and decision-making. Delegates will share and compare goals and related strategies with like-minded leaders moving from insights to actionable plans needed for fundraising to not only survive but thrive.
Share by: