Rejected Again!Tips for turning job rejections around

Marie Gervais, PhD., Director

Shift Managementhttp://shiftworkplace.com

What we will cover

• You and the job market – reality check

• Preparing for the job interview

• Ways to turn rejections around via: email, phone and in-person

• Practical tips to remember

• Dealing with your emotions

• Restoring confidence• Beyond Plan B

You and the job market – share your experience!

You and the job market

PROS• You have what it takes

to succeed• Your skills and

personality are unique• Somebody is looking for

you specifically• Yes you can – Plan B

CONS• Competition is stiff,

others have your skills• No body owes you a job• Life is not fair• Your job will not make

you happy• Expect rejection

First things first

• Your resume(s) 1,2,3…• Your online profiles• Your desired outcome• Where do people who have the job you have

hang out?• Networking

Next on the list

• Dressing the part• Your presentation of yourself• Study the company profiles• Look for people who work there and connect• Know Canadian business cultural norms

DID YOU MISS ANYTHING?Share your comments!

Knowing your target

You’ve done all that and now…

• You get an interview• They love you• You are sure you got the job• Time passes… you worry• Letter or email comes and you were not

chosen• You feel terrible

AARRGG! Rejection!

Time for Plan B- emails

If the email says… “We regret to inform you …”Email back:

“Thank you for contacting me, would it be possible to arrange for a phone conversation to find out what I could do to improve my chances

for the next position?”

Time for Plan B – phone calls 1

If the person on the phone says:“I’m sorry but we don’t have any positions

available right now…”You can say:

“Can you tell me when you expect new positions to be available?”

Time for Plan B – phone calls 2

OR say:“Do you know of other companies that are

hiring?”

Time for Plan B: Phone calls 3

OR say:

“Who should I talk to about preparing myself to be ready for a position when it becomes

available?”

Time for Plan B: in-person 1

If the person at the reception desk says… “Please apply online, we don’t take any in-

person applications…”You can ask:

“When people are interviewed for a position here, who do they speak to?”

Time for Plan B: in-person 1

OR “Would you happen to have the name and contact information for your recruiting/HR

person?”

Time for Plan C: going further 1

If you are told you are not a good “fit” for the company…

You can ask:

“Could you describe an employee who would be a good fit?”

Time for Plan C: going further 2

OR

Could you tell me what I would need to develop to become a better fit?”

WHICH OF THESE IDEAS CAN YOU TRY?

Type your answers in the chat box

Wait! There’s more…

Practical tips:

• Assume the first no is just a maybe• Remember the “three cups of tea” principle• Look for ways to be of service – how can you

help the other person? • Leave them thinking good things about you

Practical tips:

Always try for:1. A referral2. A new lead3. Something you can learn

But I feel so low…

Dealing with the emotions

• Expect the worst and respond to good news cautiously

• With people you don’t know, you have a 1-10% chance for the job

• Get to know someone and you will increase your chances by 40%

• Don’t attach emotionally to any one position

Restoring confidence

• Take care of yourself, find ways to de-stress• Exercise, get some fresh air, breathe• Talk to a friend or relative• Ask others what they would say your strengths

are• Rethink how you are presenting yourself• Consider how you could improve next time

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DEAL WITH THE EMOTIONS?

Please share your tips in the chat box!

Beyond Plan B

• So what if everything fails?• How long should you continue?• Thinking about a different career• School or no school? • Community participation and service

You can do it. Play another tune, recombine your skills. We believe in you!

More tools:

CoachingContact us on http://Clarity.fmfor career coaching.

Find a mentor with:http://mentorcity.ca

Contact for mentors:• ERIC - Edmonton• CRIEC - Calgary• TRIEC - Toronto

Work and Culture Online Take the facilitated course:Register by Dec 1 and get 20% off. Course runs Dec 1-Jan 30. Cost: $120 (with discount)http://workandculture.com