The 5 steps of dealing with your job application getting rejected
Let’s be honest — getting rejected from a job hurts. It can feel like a personal blow, but it’s not a reflection of your worth as a person! Your CV and cover letter provide a snapshot of your experience and motivation, but they don’t define you. And keep in mind, you’re not the only one facing rejection. The job you just got turned down for? Most of the other applicants were rejected too. You’re in good company.
However, rejection is something you’ll likely encounter more than once in your job search, especially if the Dutch jobmarket is not your native one! Let’s talk about how to handle it.
1. Take a moment to acknowledge the loss
At Make it in the North, we encourage you to personalise your job applications as much as possible. While this approach can make your application stand out, it also means you’re more emotionally invested in each opportunity. It’s natural to imagine what it would have been like to work at that company, so when you’re rejected, it can feel like a real loss. Give yourself permission to grieve the missed opportunity and be kind to yourself in the process.
2. Improve your next application
Rejection can be a valuable learning experience. Use it as an opportunity to improve. Reach out to the company and ask for feedback on your application (yes, really! You can find more details on how to do this in our Jobseeker Dashboard - which will be live at the end of September 2024!). Alternatively, take advantage of our Career Services, or seek advice from someone in your industry over a coffee. Honest feedback can help you refine your next application and increase your chances of success.
"Getting rejected doesn’t mean you’re bad. It means, for this particular job, at this particular time, other people were more suitable."
3. Enhance your skills through courses or volunteering
If the job required skills or experience that you lack, consider using your spare time to fill those gaps. There are countless free online courses available and many volunteer opportunities are open to internationals in the Netherlands. Not only does this improve your skill set, but it also shows future employers your commitment to professional growth.
4. Build resilience against future rejections
One way to soften the blow of rejection is to apply to multiple jobs simultaneously. If you’re in the running for several positions, one rejection won’t feel as devastating because you still have other opportunities on the horizon. Diversifying your job search can help you stay motivated and less affected by individual setbacks.
5. Gamify your job hunt
Sometimes, making a game out of your job search can help take the sting out of rejection. Celebrate your resilience by doing something small and fun every time you get a rejection. Here are a few ideas:
- Go for a run or engage in a physical activity that makes you feel good
- Put a sparkly sticker on a sheet to track your progress
- Treat yourself to your favourite snack or activity that you enjoy
- Write down one positive thing you learned from the application process
Adding a positive twist to rejection can help you stay focused and motivated.
Final thoughts
Rejection is never easy, but with time, you’ll build resilience. The more competitive your industry, the harder it might be to get your foot in the door. That’s why we recommend not only applying for jobs you find online (which is what most people do) but also sending personalised open applications and dedicating time to expanding your network in the Northern Netherlands.
Remember, each rejection brings you one step closer to the right opportunity. Stay persistent, keep learning, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support along the way.
