It can be challenging to keep the momentum of a job search going when dealing with rejections, long and daunting interview timelines, bad interviews, or unresponsive employers. When your job search is dragging. It’s important to persist with resilience and confidence – the right job is still out there waiting for you!.
Until then, we at WorkMoney also want to offer some ways to find value in those rejections and setbacks during your job search?
Ask for feedback
Are you left wondering why you didn’t get the job after receiving a rejection email? This is where you can ask the recruiting team for feedback and advice. You may not always hear back, but it’s always worth a shot. This way, you can know how to better prepare for the next job application or interview.
Your feedback might be detailed and structured, or it could be as simple as another candidate being more qualified. After receiving feedback, it’s important to apply this feedback to future attempts. For example, if the interviewer says that you’re missing a certain qualification and you’re looking for similar roles, you may want to look into obtaining specific certifications or taking classes.
Asking for feedback can also leave a good impression which would be important if the recruiter becomes a part of your network.
Expand your network
Even though you didn’t get the job, it’s always a good idea to keep in contact with the recruiter and the organization. If you left a good impression, they may reach out again with a different role or opportunity.
Another way to expand your network in a job search lull is by reaching out for informational interviews. Search for people in your network who are in your industry, went to your school or university, or are connections through past coworkers. Reach out to them for a 15-minute conversation so you can ask for advice about their employer, industry and how they got their job. Let them know that you’re currently open to work, and if they would be willing to share your resume if a position opens up. This creates a “warm lead” if you discover an open role at the company to apply for, and could help you stand out from the competition.
Revise your job search materials
Being in between jobs is a great time to revise items like your resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, references, and cover letter. Maybe you’ve recently completed a certification and need to add it to your resume, you’ve acquired new skills that you’d like to display, or you’ve made a new connection who has offered to be a reference.
It’s possible to find advantages while being in between jobs, and it’s important to take your unemployment time to figure out how to best use those advantages. It could also be helpful to contact a career counselor to help improve your resume and cover letters.
Treat your job search like a job
Being unemployed can feel overwhelming, hopeless, and frustrating. A lot of these feelings are due to a lack of structure to your day like you’re used to while being employed.
Creating a day-to-day schedule for yourself and implementing time for your job search each day may improve your motivation, confidence, and perseverance to find a job. Rather than looking here and there for a job with a loose schedule every other week, treat your job search like a job. Create reasonable daily tasks like searching the career pages of companies you’re interested in, having one of those information interviews we shared earlier, or applying for unemployment benefits. Then, when you’re done with your task, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and enjoy the rest of your day. This will help you feel more in control of the job hunt and you will most likely find something quicker and more efficiently.
Reach out for support
In the midst of a job search, it’s important to reach out for support. Whether you contact a career counselor for resume improvement, a recruiter, a past coworker, or a friend, this will help you stay motivated to keep your job search on the right track.
WorkMoney also has other resources to help you along the way, including connecting you to government and local programs for financial assistance and essential needs.