Rejection is a common experience in anyone’s career, and it’s something everyone will face at some point. You may be passed over for a role due to someone else’s experience, an internal candidate being prioritized, or even unforeseen economic conditions that put the position on hold. This can happen whether you were highly referred, or even if you’re applying for a role within your current organization. It’s important to remember that these setbacks are part of the journey, and each one provides valuable insights that can help you grow and prepare for the right opportunity ahead.
In my 20 years of experience within People and Talent Management, I have observed and received feedback on numerous instances where both external candidates and internal employees mishandled the disappointment of not receiving a job offer. The interview process can be arduous, often requiring candidates to invest significant time and emotional energy as they prepare, balance current job responsibilities, and attend multiple interview rounds. In some cases, these processes can extend over several months, adding to the emotional toll. It’s crucial for individuals to handle these situations with professionalism, as the way they respond can leave lasting impressions on hiring managers and potentially impact future opportunities.
In some of the most extreme cases I’ve observed or received feedback on, candidates have responded with high emotional intensity, exhibiting behaviors such as anger, abusive language, and even public social media criticism aimed at the organization. While these are extreme examples, they still occur frequently. Many candidates fail to recognize that a well-structured organization often keeps runner-up candidates in mind for future opportunities, either within the same department or across other teams. In some cases, hiring managers will actively recommend strong candidates to their peers for other roles, even if they weren’t the perfect fit for the initial position. I’ve seen numerous individuals secure roles this way, thanks to the positive impressions they left on interviewers.
Another important factor to remember, as I’ve often emphasized, is that the professional marketplace is much smaller than it seems. Leaders and teams you interact with during an interview process at one company can easily reappear at other organizations you may target in the future. People may remember positive interactions, but they are even more likely to recall unprofessional conduct. It’s crucial to handle rejections with grace, as they are an inevitable part of every professional’s journey.
