When applying for jobs and internships, we all dread receiving the email that starts kind of like this: “We regret to inform you that you were not selected…”
I can look through my inbox right now and find at least five emails that use that gruesome line, and each one came with their own jab at my self-confidence. From experience, reading that line made my heart sink into the pit of stomach (and it still does). You start asking yourself questions until your self-esteem starts to drown.
What did I do wrong? Am I not good enough? Am I worth anything? Where do I fit in?
These thoughts plant a seed that’s hard to get rid of—doubt.
As college students, rejection is something that we’re bound to face. It’s inevitable. A lot of us grew up used to getting what we want, so consider this a wake-up call. It’s next to impossible to avoid rejection—possible, but highly unlikely. It's best to come to terms with it now before you're blindsided.
Here are some tips that I've learned from experience that can help you prepare for and handle rejection.
Stay optimistic, but be realistic. When applying, you need to be confident about your qualifications. You need to believe that you're more than qualified to perform well in the position. Don't apply for something that makes you question your eligibility, unless you think you can adapt and advocate for yourself. That being said, you have to be realistic. There are going to be many circumstances where you are put in a pool of hundreds of applicants and only a select few can be chosen. Don't act like the position is yours just because you applied. If you do, a rejection email is going to hurt. A lot. So keep that in mind.
Don't let others bring you down. You may find yourself in a situation where you don't get the position, but somebody you know does. Take it from someone that's been there. There's going to be jealousy and a lot of discouragement—but don't let this get you! Yes, it stinks, and if someone rubs that fact in your face, shame on them. Otherwise, respect your competition and move on. The more you dwell on it, the more it hurts. Don't let it get under your skin.
This rejection doesn't define you. It isn't the end of the world. It isn't a projection of your self-worth. It doesn't mean that you should give up. Rejection is difficult, yes, but it doesn't have to define you. Picture rejection as just one step in your professional career. There are many steps left to take, but do you just stop walking? No. Some of the greatest success stories started off the backs of several rejection letters and emails—they are a stepping stone, not a stop sign. To quote a very underrated Disney movie, "Meet The Robinsons": keep moving forward. Don't let rejection stop you from achieving your own success story.
Remember, it's OK to sulk when you see that email in your inbox. That's normal. Just don't let it be where your story ends because you've only just begun.
