When Rejection Happens (No Muzzle)

Dealing With Rejection:

We all have been through it once in our life. Applying for that one position that you thought you were born for just to be passed up for the position. Then one day you get that email from HR telling you that you didn't get the position. It probably looked something like this: 

Subject: You Didn't Get The Job

From: The Company That You Knew Wasn't Going To Hire You

Date: Don't Matter 

We appreciate your interest and the time you’ve invested in applying for the position you didn't get with the company that didn't hire you.

We have decided to move forward with another candidate. However, we hope you’ll create an Applicant Presence so that we have your talent profile in our database. We also hope you periodically review other opportunities for which you are qualified and interested. We encourage you to apply again.

Best of luck with your job search and professional future endeavors.
Sincerely,

The company that didn't hire you. 

OK...breathe! It's not the end of the world. But let's get it off of our chest together: FUCK THAT JOB!!! Now that we have that out of the way, let's get down to a few reasons why you weren't hired: 

1.) They couldn't afford you:

 a.) Usually when applying for a salary position the company will ask you how much you are looking to get paid. The company knows how much they are willing to pay, and you just may request more than what the company can afford. There is no concrete way to know if you were too expensive, because the company won't tell you. However, be optimistic in your job search. 

2.) You weren't a match for the company:  

 a.) Some companies have the courtesy to send out a rejection letter even if you didn't have an in person interview. If you had an in person interview and the company didn't feel you were a fit they do not own you an explanation. 

3.) You just weren't the best candidate:

 a.) Let face it: sometime we apply for jobs that we now we won't get. It's like talking to that girl/guy that you knew you had no chance with. A way to avoid this type of rejection is to look at the qualifications of the job and make sure you meet them. If you know you do not meet these qualifications do not be surprised if you don't get the job.

Rejection is hard for everyone involved. However, the great thing about rejection is that you always have your next experience to look forward to. You come out of every job rejection smarter. Use your interview/resume building skills to your advantage and land the job of your dreams. After all, one man's/woman's trash is another man's/woman's treasure!

Gold Medal Resume

A few tips for a Gold Medal resume:

In spirit of the Olympics this year I want to give a few tips for a gold medal resume. These are tips that will help you stand out from all the other applicants that are applying for the same position you are:

1. Read what the job requirements are and tailor your resume to meet those requirements

a.       If you look at a job posting, companies usually post what they call “preferred qualifications”. These are skills/degrees that the company is actually looking for, but will settle for less (and only SLIGHTLY less). Read the preferred requirements for a job and make sure that you are able to fulfill them as needed. 

           2. Don’t be afraid to show pictures of your accomplishments:

a.       As you already may already know, it is highly likely that the HR department will look at your social media profiles when they receive your resume. People live their lives and share on social media for multiple reasons (connect with family, to find a group of like-minded individuals, or just because you want to). If you feel you qualify for a position, then SHOW them why. Upload pictures of degrees, certificates, or any individual accomplishments. A four-year degree should not be overshadowed by one picture of you enjoying a drink with friends in a public environment. Remember: work-life balance.

             3. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE: Do your research on the company:

a.       Review the website of the company you are applying to. Some companies conduct phone interviews before in person interviews. I was eliminated from a position when I was asked “what do you know about this company?” I only knew what I saw on the commercials. A quick hint: view the press releases on the company website. These will tell you the most up to date news on the company. 

It is my wish that these tips help you bring home the gold in your job search. Just like with our Olympic athletes; a job search requires training, dedication, and practice. You won’t get your dream job right off the bat, and not every application you put in will land you an interview. However, when it is your time to shine you will illuminate the world during the deepest, darkest moments of despair in your life.