

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.
[Tweet "Job rejection is a time to reflect, revise, and rejoice."]
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.
[Tweet "Remain humble and resilient even after receiving rejection. "]
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 ›
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
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At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
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Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Black girl joy is a powerful force, lighting up the world in unforgettable moments of triumph, love, and celebration. Throughout the decades, we have witnessed countless moments from Black women in entertainment, sports, and more. These moments, filled with grace, resilience, and unfiltered happiness, continue to uplift and inspire generations. Below are 10 remarkable Black girl joy moments from the last couple of decades.
Whitney Houston singing "Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem)" (1991)
Whitney Houston's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" has gone down in history as one of the best performances of the National Anthem.
Lauryn Hill winning 5 Grammys for ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ (1999)
Lauryn Hill became the first Black woman to win five Grammys in one night.
Brandy becoming the FIRST Black Cinderella (1997)
This was the moment little Black girls everywhere saw themselves in a fairy tale for the first time. Not to mention,Brandy’s iconic Cinderella performance with Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother? PURE MAGIC.
Halle Berry becoming the FIRST Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress (2002)
Halle Berry’s emotional, joyful acceptance speech was herstoric: “This moment is for every nameless, faceless woman of color,” she said.
Serena Williams winning her first Grand Slam (1999)
A young, beaded-braid-wearing Serena Williams winning her first U.S. Open in 1999 was only the beginning of her GOAT status!
Oprah giving everyone a car (2004)
“You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!” Did Oprah know her joy and excitement would still be so memeworthy decades later?
Michelle Obama’s carpool karaoke with Missy Elliott (2016)
Michelle Obama rapping “Get Ur Freak On” with Missy Elliott on James Corden’s show? Just one of the reasons she will always be our FLOTUS!
Issa Rae’s ‘I’m rooting for everybody Black’ moment (2017)
Issa Rae’s unapologetic joy at the Emmys went VIRAL. The energy? The truth? The confidence? Chef’s kiss. Her viral became an anthem.
Mary J. Blige performing at the Super Bowl (2022)
Mary J. Blige SERVEDDD at the Super Bowl halftime show. With her iconic thigh high boots, fur coat, and legendary vocals, she showed us why she's the queen.
Beyoncé & Blue Ivy performing together at the Renaissance World Tour (2023)
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Feature image by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images