Poll: How do you take rejection?

[Professor James]

During a career fair I went to, multiple people there were discussing about being denied when applying to a job and certain reactions. I didn't think of it much before but it made me wonder how others handle being passed over for a job.

This thread also doubles as a test to see who actually reads the post or poll question when in threads.

Captcha: Labour of love, how appropiate on a rejection topic

 

[Aris Khandr]

Being denied the job doesn't bother me so much. What I really hate is being told "We're not hiring, but you can always put in an application." I have NEVER seen anyone go through those applications once they are ready to hire. They just put out a 'Help Wanted' and start taking more and look through those. So it's really saying "We're not hiring, but feel free to waste your time because you're desperate." I hate that.

 

[Vegosiux]

Rejection is awesome when looking for a job. I mean, at least they bothered to let me know!

Most employers don't even do that.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I think I'm too grizzled to care at this point. I just give it my best shot and fuck 'em if they pass me over, I'll keep trying.

 

[ClockworkPenguin]

It sucks. And it gets demoralising when you send out loads, and spend time on each one, and still get nothing. But you've just got to move past it and carry on trying.

Also, its better when they at least let you know. The ones who just don't respond are annoying.

 

[Eleuthera]

Job-application rejection I take with resignation, I never expect to be hired anyway. Which is also why, once I get a job, I stick around for a very long time (unless I'm fired).

 

[Zantos]

Rejection is awesome when looking for a job. I mean, at least they bothered to let me know!

Most employers don't even do that.

Totally true! Just a quick e-mail to say "Thanks for your application but no" makes me see the company more favourably for taking the time to let me know. And if they include a bit of feedback when they do it? Well, perfect!

OT: I used to take rejection quite personally, but job searching taught me not to. Now I just take any advice to heart and use it to do better. It's still a bit disappointing, but what can you do?

 

[PatrickXD]

I don't have an extensive experience in this, but I'm not really bothered by it on an emotional standpoint. I take it personally in terms of 'I'm not what they're looking for, how do I change that?'.

 

[Charli]

With a bar of chocolate, some internet time and a sleep.


And yes for jobs, if they even contact you back... Then fantastic. 80% of them don't even bother with that courtesy anymore.

 

[MetalMagpie]

And yes for jobs, if they even contact you back... Then fantastic. 80% of them don't even bother with that courtesy anymore.

Yeah, I especially hate the ones who say "You'll hear from us within X days/weeks" when what they really means is "You'll hear from us within X days/weeks if we want you". At least some honesty would be nice.

When I applied to HP, the guy who did my telephone interview specifically said I'd hear from them either way within 7 days. Three months later, I decided their continued silence was probably a "no". Six months later, I got a phone call asking me to come in for a face-to-face interview. By that time, I already had a job!

Even if I hadn't, I don't think I'd have worked for them anyway. A company that treats potential employees like that probably doesn't treat its actual employees all that well either.

 

[Auron]

Set the next target, it must be a hit sometime right?

 

[erykweb]

Yeah, I especially hate the ones who say "You'll hear from us within X days/weeks" when what they really means is "You'll hear from us within X days/weeks if we want you". At least some honesty would be nice.

When I applied to HP, the guy who did my telephone interview specifically said I'd hear from them either way within 7 days. Three months later, I decided their continued silence was probably a "no". Six months later, I got a phone call asking me to come in for a face-to-face interview. By that time, I already had a job!

Even if I hadn't, I don't think I'd have worked for them anyway. A company that treats potential employees like that probably doesn't treat its actual employees all that well either.

See, when they do that, it is a kind of test. If you call back on the 8th day to check with them, they will usually think that you really want the job more than the others if you took the time to follow up. If they have already hired someone else and didn't call you back either way, they are scum. But it has worked twice for me, so I think I am starting to see a pattern there.

 

[Phasmal]

I get a bit hurt but I don't take it too personally. If there's nothing I can do, there's nothing I can do.

 

[Nickolai77]

I do find rejection quite demoralising. Generally i don't take it personally though- if they're not hiring they're not hiring and it's hardly unconceivable that there's someone else out there who's better qualified than me. What really annoys me though is when i apply for a job or an observation placement over email and they don't even bother to explain why they rejected my application. That i take more personally because i think it's plain rude.

 

[the darknees abyss]

I take ok sure it hurts a little but if they don't like me who cares

 

[Porygon-2000]

A tub of ice cream, and my Dido soundtrack.

Nah, not really. I lost my Dido CDs ages ago

Really, pretty much like everyone else. "Oh gee, I didn't get the job. That sucks. Oh we'll, time to look for another one."

 

[Ardenon]

Depends how badly I want this specific job, if its really common then I know I can get in elsewhere if denied at this one place

 

[JemothSkarii]

I'd like a written rejection or a phone call to be honest. I've never gotten a job rejection before but I've applied for so many jobs...

Wait, that means I did good

Right?.....Right? Guys?