When You Should Not Be Disappointed If You Didn’t Get The Job

Looking for a new job or even your first start in your career is challenging.

Sometimes you will be successful and at other times it will be rejection.

If it’s the latter (rejection), it’s really easy to go into a negative frame of mind.

To start believing that there’s something wrong with you because you aren’t getting a job.

We all know that at the end of the day there’s only so much you can do.

My take on job search is that you shouldn’t be disappointed if you didn’t get the job if you did the following.

You were targeted

By that I mean you applied for a job that was a good fit between what you had to offer and what the employer was looking for.

You took time to tailor your application

One CV or covering letter just isn’t going to cut it.

You have to be willing to take the time to tailor your application.

You did your research

When I started out in my career over 40 years ago it was hard to find out about an organisation.

These days the internet, search engines and online and offline networks makes it easy to do your research.

You identified potential questions and wrote out answers

Everyone does this don’t they?

Yes but to a varying degree of rigour.

Believe it not some people identify less than 10 potential questions.

Some identify questions but don’t write out answers.

You practiced answering questions

As a minimum you practiced answering questions out loud.

Ideally you will have video recorded yourself answering questions.

Even better have done a mock interview with someone.

You managed your nerves

Without doubt you will be nervous.

Nerves are completely normal.

It’s all about making sure they don’t adversely impact on how you perform on the day

You answered the questions they asked

Not those that you wished you had been asked.

You sold yourself

The interview is a selling opportunity.

It’s important you sell yourself and your value.

You asked the hiring manager good questions

This can often differentiate you from other candidates.

Don’t lose out on this opportunity

In truth rejection is part and parcel of searching for a job.  Just don’t get rejected because of something that you could have influenced.

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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