How To Deal With A Knockback After A Job Interview

I know what it’s like to be refreshing your emails and waiting near the phone for hours on end after an interview or application - only to be told that you won’t be taken any further in the process.

It can be a big blow to the ego after rejection by an employer, especially if you believe you held true to what the company is looking for.

Wondering what to do if you find yourself in a similar scenario? Luckily for you, I am the master of self-reassurance and knockback etiquette.

Firstly, reflect on how you did through the process. Are there ways you could improve for next time? Likewise, if you think you aced it, ring up the employer who knocked you back! Feedback is always helpful and they won’t mind telling you some areas you could improve in, or maybe they’ll just explain why you weren’t right for their company.

Experience is important to a potential employer. If you find your resume consists of only a name and an address, you’re in need of a little boost. Some things I found helpful were enrolling in a two-day barista course, doing my RSA online and also completing a senior first aid certificate. These little things can make a huge difference to your potential as an employee - in a range of areas.

Also, if you’re game, offer to start off at a business by only doing work experience. Not only are you setting up potential employment down the line but you’re also putting experience on your resume. Win/Win.

Lastly, I can’t stress how important it is for you to have some self-confidence, no matter how many knockbacks you’ve endured. If you believe in yourself, it’s likely an employer will believe in you too. I’m not saying you should strut your stuff in the interview room and lay down the law. What I mean is, know who you are and know your capabilities and limits.

If you don’t have confidence in your own skill set, how are you going to sell it to an employer? Individuals are unique and talented in their own way; it just takes being self-assured enough to put that best foot forward.

It’s okay to throw yourself a pity party after a knockback (I know I do), but don’t forget that you’re a determined person with the potential to improve and to maybe even score a better job than the one you’ve been knocked back from.

Create more opportunities for yourself and have some faith!

Congratulations to Teghan for winning this writing challenge, answering: How To Deal With A Knockback After A Job Interview. Teghan wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!