What To Do When You Don’t Get the Job

February 1, 2024

Experiencing a job rejection can be disheartening, especially when the role seemed like the perfect fit.

You attend the interview, give it your all and thank the recruiter — feeling confident about hearing back from them.

If you’ve been waiting for weeks with no response, it’s natural to feel frustrated. And when you realize that you didn’t get the job, it can be a tough moment.

What’s next?

We’ll share tips on what steps to take to turn this experience into a positive learning one and cover potential reasons you didn’t land the role.

Table of Contents

10 Possible Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job

Not getting the job can occur due to a wide range of reasons and it’s often a combination of factors rather than a single issue.

Possible reasons you didn’t land the role include:

Interview performance: The interview is one of the critical elements of a job hunt, as it demonstrates your suitability for the role. This includes your answers, communication, confidence and enthusiasm for the position.
Mismatch in skills or experience: The role may require skills that you don’t currently have. For example, the role might require knowledge of a particular software, which you never used before.
Cultural fit: Hiring the ideal candidate is also based on how well they align with a company’s culture, not just the skills. If your values, work style or personality don’t align with the company’s culture, it might be a reason for not getting the offer.
Better-fitting candidates: Other candidates might have been a better fit for the job, in terms of skills, experience or rapport with the team.
Internal candidates: Companies might have internal candidates in mind for the role, making it tough for external applicants to get the job.
Hiring freeze: Positions are sometimes put on hold or canceled due to cost cuts or organizational restructuring.
Inadequate preparation: Not researching about the company, not understanding the role fully or being unable to effectively convey your skills and experiences can hinder your chances of securing the job. It may signal a lack of interest and commitment to both the role and the company.
Misalignment of salary expectations: If your salary expectations were higher than what was offered, employers might choose a candidate with more aligned financial expectations.
Incomplete or inaccurate application: Inconsistencies in your employment history, such as unexplained gaps, can raise red flags on your resume.

List of reasons you didn't get the job

What To Do When You Don’t Get the Job

While not landing the job can be disheartening, there are methods to transform this experience into a positive stepping stone for your career.

1. Navigate Your Emotions

It’s common to feel a wide range of emotions, including disappointment, frustration and even self-doubt.

Acknowledge these feelings without being too hard on yourself. Remember that job rejections don’t define your worth or capabilities.

To help navigate your feelings:

Foster resilience and determination to achieve your professional goals
Ask your family and friends for emotional support
Speak to a therapist who can help equip you with strategies to manage negative emotions, if needed

2. Reflect on the Interview Process

Take some time to reflect on the interview process. Consider what went well and what didn’t. What were your strengths and weaknesses? Did you prepare for the interview? Or maybe your lack of confidence outshined your knowledge?

Reflecting on the interview questions can help you identify areas for improvement and prepare for future job opportunities.

To reflect on the interview process:

Review the interview questions and your responses.
Assess your body language, communication and interpersonal skills during the interview. For example, did you maintain consistent eye contact throughout the interview?
Develop a plan to enhance your interview skills and confidence for future opportunities. For example, you can perform mock interviews with friends to practice your responses and receive constructive feedback.

3. Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback from the interviewer or hiring manager can help you identify areas for improvement.

Send a polite and professional email thanking them for the opportunity and ask them if they can provide any insights into areas where you could improve.

However, keep in mind that not every employer can provide feedback due to company policies or time constraints.

4. Learn From the Experience

Utilize the feedback you received — together with your reflections — to improve your overall approach to job hunting.

This can include enhancing your soft skills, practicing your interview techniques and reassessing the types of roles you’re applying for.

Take this challenge as an opportunity to improve your resume and cover letter, develop a more effective method to showcase your strengths and gain a better understanding of what potential employers are looking for.

A graphic of two employees talking to each other

5. Contact Your Network and Seek Support

Connect with industry professionals and join professional associations to expand your career circle.

In addition, networking can help you find new job opportunities and get a fresh perspective on your job search strategy.

To get in touch with your network:

Identify and list existing professional contacts, including colleagues and mentors. Then, email them or give them a call to reconnect with them.
Attend industry-related events, conferences or seminars to meet new professionals and explore potential job openings or referrals
Join online forums or social media platforms that are relevant to your field of work

6. Improve Your Skills

Whether it’s taking up a new course or getting a certification, improving your skills can help make you an attractive candidate.

It also opens opportunities in different industries you haven’t considered before.

7. Maintain Contact

If you still see yourself as a good fit for the role you applied for, communicate with the interviewer one to two months after your initial application.

Write an email to the human resources department and inquire about new openings that match your qualifications.

Highlight any new skills or experiences you’ve acquired since your last interview, as this demonstrates your commitment to professional growth.

For example, you can say:

A template of how to maintain contact with your network

8. Practice Self-Care

Job searching can be stressful, making it important to take care of your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that you enjoy and can help you relax.

For example, you can practice calming exercises, such as meditation or yoga, to help reduce stress.

Allocate time for these activities, making sure that you have a healthy balance between your job-searching efforts and well-being.

By looking after yourself, you’ll be in a healthier mental state to approach your job hunt with positivity and resilience.

9. Have a Positive Outlook

Maintain a positive outlook and keep moving forward. Continue applying for other opportunities and don’t hesitate to broaden your search if needed.

Remember that not getting a job offer doesn’t mean you won’t succeed in the future.

Sometimes, it’s just not the right fit. Something better suited to your skills, knowledge and interests might just be around the corner.

To maintain an optimistic perspective:

Practice daily gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of your life, such as your health and personal relationships
Focus on your achievements, such as completing an online course
Set realistic goals to keep yourself motivated and focused. For example, break down larger career aspirations into smaller milestones, like actively applying to a specific number of job openings each week.

10. Be Prepared

Always be prepared for the next opportunity. Update your resume and stay informed about industry trends and news.

Regularly engaging in mock interviews or seeking feedback from peers can also sharpen your interview techniques.

How To Respond to a Job Rejection Email

Responding to a job rejection email can be a valuable opportunity to maintain professionalism and potentially keep the door open for future opportunities.

Say thank you: Thank the interviewer for considering your application to demonstrate professionalism and leave a positive impression.
Express continued interest: If you are still interested in working for the company, notify the interviewer that you would like to be considered for future opportunities.
Be direct and positive: Keep your response short and direct to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. Avoid unnecessary details or expressions of disappointment.
End on a positive note: Acknowledge something positive you have learned or observed about the company during the interview process, such as the company’s emphasis on employee development.