I was recently rejected for a job I applied to…
As a Career Coach this is a difficult thing to admit, especially in such a public format!!
But I think it will be helpful for many of you…
For some context, I didn’t seek out this job. Someone in my network suggested that it would be worth throwing my ‘hat in the ring’, given my skills and experience in recruitment and career coaching.
The role wasn’t something I had ever considered or thought about. At the time I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. But I’m big on getting out of my comfort zone and diving into the unknown.
The application process in itself was a challenge. I hadn’t gone through a formal process in a very long time and it required time, patience and attention to detail (things I admittedly don’t have a lot of).
Immediately I could see gaps in what the role required and my skills/experience.
*Cue imposter syndrome*
Why the fkc am I even applying to this?
I don’t have time to do the job, let alone the application process..
I can’t do this…
Etc etc
Nevertheless, I pushed on and got the application done. A great experience not only for myself, but for my current and future clients. Mindset is key (duhhhh). But also, each job application process in unique and nuanced.
A little while later I was contacted for an interview.
I still felt a bit unsure but was keen to find out more and go through the experience of interviewing on the other side. Given my extensive experience leading interviews and being on panels, I had forgotten the nerves and vulnerability often experienced by the person being interviewed!!
The interview was an interesting experience…
Very different to how I ran my interviews. Again, this was useful intel as a Career Coach!
At the time and as I reflect back now, there was a deep feeling in my gut that things weren’t aligned. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I walked out feeling a bit ‘meh’ AND for the first time (in my life) I felt like I hadn’t interviewed well.
I also didn’t know whether it was something that I wanted. There was no desire, pull or attraction towards this opportunity. If anything the interview experience put me off more.
Weeks went by with ‘recruitment delays’ which I knew was code for ‘we have another preferred candidate’. I know all the tricks lol!!
I knew I hadn’t got it. And I felt okay about it.
Intuitively it didn’t align and it wasn’t a fit.
Finally I had the conversation post interview letting me know that I was unsuccessful. Even though I knew it was coming, the faint sting of rejection was still felt.
I’m not sharing this just to dump however, I want you to take away some key pieces.
You never know where a coffee can lead (this is where and how I first learnt about this opportunity).
Get in the arena without knowing the outcome.
You will either achieve your version of ‘success’ or you will learn something. This experience has made me a better coach to my clients as I have first hand insight into the vulnerability, mindset and rejection of a job seeker.
Your gut knows. Listen to it.
The ‘meh’ interviews are there to highlight the ‘fuck yes’ interviews.
Lastly, each rejection and ‘no’ is taking you one step further to the path that is meant for you. Trust the process!
I’d love to open up this discussion, if you resonate or simply want to chat more about this experience ^ I am more than happy for you to reach out (email or LinkedIn is best).
Big love,
Matilda x
