Thank you for taking the time to attend an interview with us.  I am sorry to inform you that, on this occasion, you have not been successful…

Here we go…

You didn’t get the job.

• Was it your first job interview ever and you panicked?
• Have you been out of work for a while and couldn’t handle the questioning?
• Have you not had an interview since you got your last job and are a bit rusty?
• Are you in full job seeking mode but someone else was better?

Doesn’t matter. 

Rejection can hit anyone.

Being rejected is hard but I’ve got 5 good reasons for you to stay positive after hearing the news.

First, let me tell you a story:

When I was on maternity leave, a job opportunity came up. I was ready for a step up so I applied, and got an interview. 

The day before my interview I felt as prepared as I could be. I had spent a week thinking hard about what questions I’d be asked and writing down well constructed examples.

On the big day, I sat in the interview room ready to open my notebook full of all the great answers I prepared.

But as soon as I was asked the first question, my brain froze! I realised I’d left my mojo at home (or in the delivery suite). 

I couldn’t remember any examples (or even that they were right in front of me in my book), could barely string a sentence together, half way through an answer forgot what the question was and to conclude I did a nervous over the top laugh… 

It was awful!

And it won’t come as a surprise when I tell you that I didn’t get the job…

But I didn’t beat myself up. 

Why?

Because I focused on the positives. 

When you interview for a job, regardless of how well you performed, you’ll go home thinking about all the stuff you should have said. 

You’ll spend the next week constantly checking your phone for your outcome and if a rejection email hits your inbox, you will feel like crap. 

It’s normal. 

But pick yourself up, you have 5 reasons to stay positive!

1. Be proud of yourself: You got out of your comfort zone and pushed yourself to go for it. This rejection means that you’re one step closer to getting your next job! 
2. Learn from it: Yes, the interview was a disaster, but you know what went wrong. Ask for feedback too. And use your insight to avoid making the same mistakes twice.
3. Don’t dwell on it: You know what you could have done better and what questions to expect next time. Instead of thinking about what you should have said, just write down ready for next time. 
4. This was just practice: And practice makes perfect. This job just wasn’t for you. Keep looking, your dream job awaits.
5. You’re worth it: Maybe you could have done better. Maybe there was someone stronger. Maybe the interviewer failed to see your worth. You haven’t been successful but you should never tell yourself that you’re not good enough! You WILL find the job you deserve. 

Remember that any interview experience, good or bad, is an opportunity for you to get even better.

So f*** it! Go for the job and give it your best shot.

If you don’t try you don’t get and if you don’t fail you don’t improve.