How to Handle Job Rejection, Ghosting, and Keep Going in Today’s Job Market
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Getting rejected from a job sucks. You might feel perfect for the position, but after multiple interviews and weeks of waiting, you get that dreaded “thanks, but no thanks” email, or worse, total silence. It’s a huge letdown. But rejection doesn’t mean your journey is over. In this post, let’s go through how to handle job rejection, what to do when you’re ghosted, and how to turn these setbacks into progress.
Rejection and Ghosting Are Part of the Process
First things first: job hunting today is seriously competitive, and rejection is often just part of the journey. Right now, it can take up to a year to find a job. And with many positions never posted online and referrals upping your chances of success by 40%, the odds might not feel stacked in your favor. But, as tough as this reality can feel, facing the facts and refining your approach can make a difference in standing out.
Step 1: Handling Rejection with Class (Yes, It Helps)
If a company lets you know you didn’t get the job, it’s actually a good thing. Getting ghosted is much worse! So, if you receive that polite “no thanks,” respond graciously and leave the door open for future opportunities.
Here’s a quick template:
Thanks for updating me on the status of the job interview. Although I wasn’t the best fit for this role, I’m grateful for the chance to connect with your team. If there are other roles that align with my experience, I’d love to be considered in the future.
Short, sweet, and professional—plus, it shows your gratitude and maturity. You never know what opportunities might come from staying on good terms.
Step 2: When Ghosting Happens, Let it Go
Being ghosted after multiple interviews is a special kind of frustrating. Unfortunately, it happens more than it should. Sometimes recruiters get busy, team priorities change, or they’ve just moved on to another candidate without updating you. It’s rude, but it’s reality.
After following up once or twice with no response, it’s time to let it go. If you were a top candidate, you wouldn’t drop off their radar because you didn’t check-in. Keep your options open, don’t hold out hope for just one position, and keep applying elsewhere. No single job should be the end-all-be-all, even if you’re super excited about it.
Step 3: Should You Ask for Feedback?
Asking for feedback after a rejection sounds like a great idea, but it’s not always realistic. Companies often avoid giving detailed feedback to protect themselves legally, and they may just not have the time. If they do offer feedback, great! But don’t expect it, and certainly don’t rely on it as part of your job-hunting strategy.
Step 4: Moving On with Confidence
Rejection stings, but bouncing back is crucial. Here’s a three-step process to keep your momentum going:
Allow Yourself to Feel the Disappointment: Rejection is a hit to the self-esteem, so let yourself be bummed if you need to. But don’t let it turn into a roadblock. Do something fun or productive to get your mind off it—hang out with friends, hit the gym, or take a break for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s a new day.
Be Honest About Your Job Search Approach: If you’re not landing any interviews, it may be time for an honest look at your resume, your applications, and even your interview skills. Ask yourself:
Is my resume tailored to each role?
Am I qualified for the positions I’m applying for?
Am I preparing thoroughly for interviews?
A trusted friend or mentor can give you a fresh perspective, too. If you’re struggling to get past first-round interviews, practice with someone. It’s easy to sound prepared in your head, but practicing out loud can make a big difference.
Focus on What You Can Control: It’s tempting to dwell on why you didn’t get a particular job, but there are always factors outside your control, like internal candidates or cultural fit. The best thing you can do is focus on improving your skills, building your network, and refining your application materials.
Step 5: Consider Alternative Pathways
If the job market feels especially tough, consider other pathways to get closer to your dream career. Most people don’t land their ideal role right out of school. Sometimes, finding that perfect job requires a few stepping stones along the way.
Take it from my experience: I didn’t get my dream PR role right away. My first job wasn’t even in luxury fashion PR—it was as an assistant at a celebrity PR firm. Not what I pictured, but that position introduced me to the right contacts, gave me critical experience, and helped me grow. Over time, each job brought me closer to the career I wanted. If you’re flexible, you might find new pathways that take you to your goals in unexpected ways.
Step 6: Keep Networking (and Don’t Be Shy About It!)
Networking really can be your golden ticket in a competitive job market. Referrals increase your chances of landing a job, so use LinkedIn to your advantage! See if any of your connections work at companies you’re interested in, and ask for introductions. Remember, tons of people are going through this same process. Don’t feel weird about asking for help—it’s more common than you think, and it’s all part of the game.
Step 7: Don’t Let Rejection Define You
It’s easy to let rejection feel like it’s a reflection of your value. But try to see it as just one step in the process, not a reflection of your worth. Many successful people have faced tons of rejection before getting where they wanted to be.
Focus on growth, stay curious, and keep an open mind. Every experience, even the ones that don’t work out, teaches you something and gets you closer to what you’re meant to do.
The Bottom Line
The job search can be a long, exhausting journey. But handling rejection with grace, refining your approach, and staying resilient will get you to the job that’s right for you. Remember, this process is about progress, not perfection. Keep learning, keep growing, and stay focused on the bigger picture.
Your dream job is out there—it just might take a few twists and turns to find it.