It doesn't matter if it comes from a crush, boyfriend, or friend, no one likes rejection. Actually, being ignored or rejected by a job can feel just as bad, if not worse. But the reality is that it doesn't matter how hard we prepare for a job interview or how "good" we think we are for the job, sometimes being "good" isn't good enough.
I know you've been there before. You've put in application after application, held numerous phone interviews, snuck away from work to interview in-person, and stillyou were denied. It doesn't matter if you are rejected immediately after sending in the job application, or after finishing the last round of interviews, rejection sucks. When we are rejected from a job, we tend to feel disappointed, angry, sad, and confused, especially if we are consistently receiving rejection after rejection. Unfortunately, feeling like this stifles your growth and it can put a damper on your confidence.
If you do receive the "thank you, but no thank you" email or call, think of this as a time to reflect, revise, and rejoice. There is so much that you can learn from being rejected.
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Here are 5 tips on how to cope with job rejection.
1. Get out of your feelings
When we are rejected, it is easy to stress over what we think is wrong with us. We downplay our skills and education, and sometimes question whether we are good enough. Just because you didn't get the job doesn't mean you were not qualified. There are other factors that play into hiring decisions. Maybe the company couldn't meet your minimum salary requirement or maybe the company decided to hire internally. The reason behind the hiring decision is out of your control, so why stress yourself out about it? 
Also, sometimes not getting the job is actually the best thing that could happen to us. Sometimes, we apply to work with companies that do not have our best interests at heart, and we do not see the red flags during the interview process. I remember when I applied for a company that I really, and I mean really, wanted to work for. After I was rejected I felt terrible. Months later, this company had to lay off thousands of their employees. I was so happy that I didn't get that job!
2. Ask for feedback
A close mouth doesn't get fed. If you really want to know why you didn't get the job, simply ask the person who interviewed you. I will admit that some employers avoid answering this question, but sometimes you will come across a hiring manager, like myself, that doesn't mind giving feedback. If you decide to ask for feedback, be prepared for the outcome. You may receive information that you would rather not hear, but it can definitely help you in the long run.
If you do decide to email the hiring manager for feedback, always tell them that you were "thankful for the experience and to consider you if any related positions become available."
3. Don't think of it as a "no", but think of it as a "no, not right now"
As aforementioned, there could be a thousands of reasons why you didn't get the job. Maybe you didn't get hired because you were not a good fit for that certain position or for the company at that time. If this is the case, you will not know this at first because this isn't information that hiring managers typically disclose. After you receive the rejection email, respond with humility and resiliency--you never know what other positions the hiring manager has you in mind for.
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When I was applying for jobs, I was abruptly denied after my phone interview. However, a month later I received an email from the same recruiter, asking if I was interested in interviewing for a similar position that she thought I would be a good fit for.
All of the time, a "no" just means "no, not right now" so we have to learn how to be accepting of decisions, how to be humble, and positive no matter what. Unless the hiring manager looks at your application and thinks "oh hell no", your job application will remain in the company's database and can be considered for future opportunities.
4. Reflect and revise
After every job rejection, I don't recommend driving yourself crazy and spending every waking minute thinking about the woulda, coulda, shoulda. However, I do think you should take a little time out to revise your master plan for getting your dream job. Maybe you need to practice on your elevator pitch, or work on talking about your weaknesses. Nonetheless, after you experience a job rejection, you should definitely take a few moments to reflect on areas that you can improve on. Focus on your strengths and identify weaknesses that you can turn into strengths. Use this time to really think about your career goals and your passions. Apply for jobs that align with your passions, and find ways to communicate this in interviews.
5. Consider having a plan B
Never put all of your eggs in one basket. I always believe that you should have a plan A, B, C, and D (and more if you can). If you get the job--great, if you don't get the job, that is still great. When you are job searching, pursue multiple opportunities so that if one job doesn't come through, you will still have other jobs to consider. Even if you are applying to multiple jobs and receive offers from all of them, you will then have the luxury of choosing and deciding which is the best for you.
When I was graduating from undergrad, I applied and interviewed with so many companies. In then end, I received a few rejections, but also a few job offers. It felt so good to have more than one offer!
Just because you are rejected from a job doesn't mean that you can't push pass that time of denial. Use the time of rejection to your advantage and learn from it.
What are some different ways that you cope with job rejection? Share your tips below!
- How to Move on When You Didn't Get the Job - The Muse ›
- Turned down for a job? You are now one rejection closer to success ... ›
- The First Thing You Should Do After a Job Rejection - Work Coach ... ›
- Ten Reasons Qualified Job Applicants Get Rejected ›
- Coping with rejection while job hunting | Career FAQs ›
- Why Your Job Search Rejection Is Actually A Good Thing ›
- How to Handle a Job Rejection Gracefully ›
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The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
