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Embrace Job Rejections and Give Your Career Search a One-Two Punch!

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By Emily Armstrong-Jones  on Saturday, November 4, 2023
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Emily Armstrong-Jones

Emily Armstrong-Jones is an expert in resume critiques, career advice, and recruiting. Emily was sought by Leet Resumes to continually research best industry and career product practices while holding our team accountable to the highest standards.

Master the art of learning from job rejections and give your job search a brand-new perspective. Uncover insights, strategize, and communicate effectively to turn your tables around!

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๐ŸฅŠ Embrace Job Rejections and Give Your Career Search a One-Two Punch

Imagine this: After hours spent perfecting your online resume, sending off your cover letter template filled out on Google Docs, and sending a beautifully crafted letter of introduction for a job, it all ends with a stinging rejection. Itโ€™s the rotten cherry on top of the job search sundae.๐Ÿ’ But here's a twist: what if you could learn from job rejections, instead of letting them weigh you down?

Image of a professional standing at a crossroads signifying a difficult decision. Conceptual depiction of job rejection and career progress.2 Well, fasten your seatbelts, folks. We are about to dive into the uncharted waters of learning from job rejections. And beware, itโ€™s not for the faint-hearted.๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿ˜ฎ The Shocking Rejection: What did I do wrong?

Image of a professional standing at a crossroads signifying a difficult decision. Conceptual depiction of job rejection and career progress.3 In the immediate aftermath of getting that dreaded "we regret to inform you" email, some may resort to lamenting their fate, pointing fingers at the unfairness of life, or in extreme cases, writing a two weeks notice template for their current job (while sobbing over a tub of ice cream). But the brave heart will ask, "what did I do wrong?"๐Ÿฆ

Here's your first action item: Request feedback from the recruiter. But remember, ask for specifics. No sugar-coating or vague phrases like "You just weren't a fit." Drill down. Was it your student resume that didn't resonate? Or were your listed skills not the best fit for what they were looking for in a pharmacist, restaurant manager, or CNC programmer?

๐Ÿค” The Insight Phase: Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

After understanding what went wrong, the next obstacle is taking a long, hard look at your strengths and weaknesses. This, my darlings, is not for the overly sensitive. Imagine your ego as a delicate, thin-skinned fruit โ€“ we're about to peel it back, layer by layer.๐ŸŠ

The second action item is all about introspection. Was your resume summary not compelling enough? Did you oversee (fellas, that's an oversaw synonym for you) too many tasks on your previous job? Did you not support (supported synonym, folks!) your team adequately? And while you're at it, ask yourself: should my resume be just one page? A rhetorical question, because yes, it should be. ๐Ÿ‘

๐ŸŽฏ The Strategy Shift: Certifications and Skills

Once you've identified your weak spots, it's time to level up. You've heard of the concept of failing forward, right? Well here's where it comes in. But instead of falling flat on your face, think of it like a hop, skip, and a jump forward.โ˜„๏ธ

Beef up that simple resume of yours. Look for certifications for jobs. Check if there's a new trend or skillset in demand. For instance, if you're thinking about a career in restaurant management, look for related certifications. Or if you're a teacher, brainstorm teacher resume skills that will make you stand out. You got this!๐Ÿ’ช

๐Ÿ’ฌ The Grand Finale: Practicing the Art of Communication

Let's wrap things up with a bow. So, you've analyzed your rejection reasons, understood your strengths and weaknesses, and overhauled your skills. What's next? Well, it's one of the most crucial parts of your job search โ€“ communication.โœ‰๏ธ

Tailor your cover letters. Make them as personalized as LinkedIn's 'People You May Know' suggestions. Use action words. Show that you're interested and involved (another synonym gem for you guys), not just applying for the sake of it. And after your interview, don't forget to send a thank you letter. A small token of appreciation goes a long way.

When faced with rejection, don't just sulk and eat ice cream (even though it's comforting). Use it as a learning opportunity, a stepping stone for better things to come. Happy job hunting!๐ŸŽ‰

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