Rejection Action Plan

Directions: Below you will find strategies for dealing with the inevitable rejection you will experience during a job search. Select at least 3 strategies from each section, providing specific detail regarding how you will implement this plan.

 

Mental and Emotional Strategies

Adapt a sales attitude - Successful job searches are a numbers game and professional persistence pays off; every no is one step closer to the yes of a good job offer. 

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Accept responsibility- Spend some time in honest introspection to recognize your mistakes to take control of your destiny by actively using your resources and support systems. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Adjust expectations- Be realistic; you may have to make compromises and consider a lower salary or different positions, industries or locales.

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Be grateful - You don't want to accept a position that isn't right for you; keep a positive outlook that every rejection is signal that it was the wrong job.

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Conduct an honest self-assessment - Spend time learning about yourself; technical/work content skills may get you the interview, but it is your intangibles such as your capabilities, character, personality, work ethic and people skills that establish your employability.

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Conquer desperation - Desperation comes from anxiety and fear of an unknown financial future but it is not pretty, nor is it employable - you need an "I don't need this job" attitude.

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Create a plan- Deal with your disappointment by developing a proactive, action-based plan for self-care and management of your job search strategies.

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Redefine myself- Work is not the only thing that defines a person; take a hard look at yourself and focus your energy toward who you are meant to be.

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Take it personally- Let your setbacks reinforce your resolve to "beat the odds;" Remember, without failure there is no real success.

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Toughen up- The job search process is grueling. Waiting is difficult and rejection hurts, but it is temporary and you'll need to use all your resources to maintain your stamina.

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Physical Action Strategies

Achieve a goal - Create a winning momentum by accomplishing even a small project to build a foundation of success. Keeping busy will also help you maintain skills and prevent negative dwelling.

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Adjust habits - Don't be complacent! Move beyond the less effective "post and pray" Internet strategies to be more visible with proactive networking.

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Avoid negative media- The news is more often than not discouraging and certainly laundry-list job postings do not inspire confidence; so minimize your exposure to focus on constructive activities. 

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Change the scenery- Get outdoors or make a quick getaway; nature or a different venue has way of helping you improve perspective and rejuvenate your energy.

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Consult an expert- Sometimes it is helps to get a professional perspective on your employment efforts where you can also gain support and develop new job search strategies.

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Maintain discipline- Keep to a healthy schedule that includes regular hours, sufficient sleep, and minimal time wasters like TV and video games.

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Find a challenge- Get out of your comfort zone and channel your energies to develop new skills and perhaps develop a passion into a career opportunity.

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Get exercise - Just 20 minutes of physical activity can help you feel better and help manage the stress of an extended job search.

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Seek support - No one succeeds alone. Find and use personal and professional support networks to provide encouragement, feedback, and a sense of security and belonging.

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Volunteer- Giving time to your community or for a cause not only keeps you busy, but allows you to develop and refine professional skills and networks.

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Professional Development Strategies

Ask for feedback- Seeking information and ways to improve your job search skills, especially from employers who have rejected you is key to progressing toward your career objectives. Be sure to send a thank you for any such conversations.

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Be gracious - No matter how surprised, upset or disappointed, accept the rejection graciously by congratulating the organization and thanking them for the opportunity to be remembered positively and be considered for future positions.

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Gain experience- Build your skills by volunteering or job shadowing; practice with mock interviews to learn from your mistakes before they count.

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Improve my skills - Seek feedback regarding your job search strategies including resume, body language, interview techniques to ensure you are not undermining your own efforts.

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Learn from mistakes- Dissect each rejection; gather your courage to follow-up and take constructive criticism seriously to make positive changes in your job search strategies.

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Perform a gap analysis- Reflecting on recent turn downs, determine whether there is a match between your qualification and the jobs for which you are applying.

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Regain perspective- It is not always about how you did because decisions are not always based on capabilities. Just like life, the job market is not always fair; accept that it is a temporary process with a distinctly positive ending.

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Research opportunities- Network and conduct informational interviews to gain access to the hidden job market and seek out potential growth opportunities.

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Revive online image - Update and effectively manage your social networking and job searching profiles to ensure your online image reflects your personal brand.

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Work my network- Talk to everyone to mine career opportunities and develop professional relationship that can lead to job prospects.

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pick 3 out of each section and describe what you would do