Being Resilient: How to Bounce Back After Missing out on a Great Job

Today’s legal support job market is more competitive than ever before. For every successful candidate, there might be several rejections. This is a fact of life when it comes to your search – however, it doesn’t make it any easier.

It’s a Candidates’ Market

Professionals who have avoided the job market for years are now exploring new opportunities. Even if you are highly qualified, there is only one opening and it may be difficult to land the role.

  • There is another job out there that is perfect for you. Continue to pursue opportunities that are the right match for you. The more you network and spread the word, the better your chances. The more interviews you go on, the higher the likelihood you will get hired – and the better your job search skills will become.

Here are some additional tips for handling a job rejection and moving forward:

Do a Reality Check

Be realistic about the pros and cons of the job. Identify factors that indicate you were not the right fit. These include any aspects of the role that would have felt wrong to you. Make sure you are looking at the reality and not the fantasy.

  • Acknowledge your disappointment. Allow yourself to admit you are deflated. Even if it was the wrong job for you, it still hurts to be turned down. At the same time, recognize that this rejection was just one single occurrence. Do not allow second guessing to enter your thought process.
  • Depersonalize the rejection. Accept it as part of the job search process. The decision not to hire you was based on the firm’s specific criteria, which may or may not be relevant to your performance. You still have excellent attributes and talents.

Get Feedback

Contact your legal support recruiter promptly after hearing of your rejection. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to be considered. Find out what you can do differently in the future.

  • Ask for one or two reasons why the employer felt you were not a good fit. Use positive, open language that invites constructive criticism. This shows you are a person who seeks to self-develop, is resilient and performs well under stress.

Stay on their Radar

Just because you were turned down for one particular role does not mean the firm didn’t find you impressive. You were selected as a top candidate for their team; otherwise you would not have gotten an interview.

  • Casually touch base from time to time. Follow up with your recruiter to see if additional opportunities have opened up at the firm. If your recruiter is aware of your interest in working at this firm, they can keep you in mind the next time a position is available.

Seek Solidarity

Ask friends and trusted colleagues about their rejection experiences. It is heartening to be reminded that everyone has experienced it at some point. It helps keep things in perspective.

The legal support recruiting experts at Kent Legal can offer exceptional support throughout your legal support job search. Our recruiting expertise allows us to find opportunities that are the perfect match for you – so rejection becomes a thing of the past. Contact us today to learn more about our legal support job openings in Toronto.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *