Making the most of rejection
By Chaz Kyser
For the St. Louis American
“. . . Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” —James 1- 2:4, New King James Bible
You didn’t get the job? Don’t you hate it when people ask that question right after you told them you didn’t get it!? It’s okay to pout a little, but it’s not okay to get depressed and let your discouragement keep you from being optimistic about the next interview.
Understand that when you’re competing with people for a position, someone isn’t going to get it. Unfortunately, sometimes that someone may be you.
Don’t view a rejection letter or phone call as an insult or barrier to your achievement. You don’t know what God has in store for you. Focus on how you can do better next time. You may have not been chosen for any number of reasons. It might just be that you were great, but someone was better-qualified than you. You can’t help that.
The following are various reasons employers give for not offering someone a position:
1. Poor personal appearance
2. Overly aggressive
3. Inability to express information clearly
4. Lack of interest and enthusiasm
5. Lack of planning for career; no purpose and goals
6. Nervousness, lack of confidence and poise
7. Overemphasis on money
8. Unwilling to start at the bottom
9. Lack of tact and courtesy
10. Lack of maturity
11. Negative attitude about past employers
12. No genuine interest in company or job
13. No eye contact with the interviewer
14. Application form is incomplete or sloppy
15. No sense of humor
16. Late for interview
17. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
18. Failure to ask questions about the job
19. Gives vague responses to questions
If you really want to know why you didn’t get the position, simply ask the person who interviewed you. Be very tactful and explain that you’re inquiring so that you can be more successful on your next interview.
Source: “Reason’s People Don’t Get Hired,” published in Creative Job Search by the Minnesota Department of Economic Security.
Chaz Kyser is a journalism instructor and newspaper advisor at Langston University. Her articles are taken from a book she has written, “Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College.” Questions/comments on this article can be emailed to chazkyser@hotmail.com.