"Thank you for taking the time to apply for this position. We had a highly competitive applicant pool and unfortunately, we chose a candidate with more experience," are words that no one wants to read after they thought they nailed their job interview.

Being out of college for almost two years now, I have consistently been on interview after interview. The process of applying to and researching companies, laying out the perfect, professional outfit the night before, and buying bus tickets are all now cemented into my head.

Almost every time I finished an interview, I instantly imagined what pictures I would decorate my cubicle with, as I could taste the satisfaction of getting the job I sought. It would often hit me hard when I was notified of being turned down.

Rejection is not something that a lot of us are comfortable with, but it is something that we need to get used to. When it comes to jobs, there might be someone who is more experienced or a better fit, but that should not discourage us from achieving the goals we set for ourselves. So what if there is a lot of competition in the industry you desire a position in? Who are you to decide that you are not meant to win?

I know that one day, I will be where I am meant to be. I am still hopeful going into my 9th interview because...

Rejection motivates me to try harder for the next interview and I know how to bounce back.

Whenever I am denied from a position, I have a conversation with myself in my head. "Okay Jess...what do you think you did wrong? What could you work on? How can you use the interviewer's critique for next time?" It is important to have these evaluations of the interview because you might suddenly remember what the interviewer's reaction was when you might have said something you could have done better without.

My first interview, I remember like it was yesterday. I just wanted a job and I forgot to research the company. I was asked about it and I was silent, without any idea what to say. From that moment on, I told myself that I needed to actually want to work at places I interviewed for and couldn't just want a job to say I have a job. From now on, I make sure that I know enough about each company that I apply to, before pressing "submit" on the application.

Just working somewhere to satisfy financial needs will lead to a life of not truly being happy. I want to work somewhere and love what I do.

Each interview gives me experience.

I like to look at every interview as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every interview I have been on has been different, whether I have been one-on-one with a manager, had a group of interviewers question me, or go for coffee with an employee. It is interesting to see how each company interviews their potential candidates.

Every interview allows me the chance to practice. I don't think of each interview as daunting or nerve-wracking. I shut everything out and pretend it is me and a close friend. The more interviews I've gone on, the better at the process I am.

During each meeting, I find out more about the companies I apply to by asking questions. I am often given tours of the buildings I desire to work in. I usually come out of the meetings wanting to work at these companies more than I originally thought. Numerous interviews can only help you down the road.

I have a new excuse to go shopping for more interview attire!

Any reason to go shopping again, I will take you up on! Every rejection from a company means another day I get to spend going to find the "perfect" outfit since maybe the last outfit was bad luck - just kidding. It is still nice to treat yourself when you're rejected, in order to take away some of the sadness and to look forward to the next one. I don't go shopping after EVERY single interview, but I have gone a few times to stock up on my professional gear.

I know what I am meant to do and won't give up on my dreams.

Each time I set foot in front of an employer, I come with a clear vision. I keep going on interviews because I know what I want and I know what I am meant to do. I've wanted a job in radio/TV for most of my life.

Growing up, I loved listening to the radio and calling in to talk to the on-air personalities. I even won a contest for calling in and telling a joke! In college, I ran my own show at my college. I went on to work at five different internships, including ones at CBS Radio and Z100. Radio was always a huge part of my life. I know I am meant to have a radio show someday and will keep interviewing and improving until I am able to get there.

Rejection has allowed me to look at different industries and try everything out. When one door closes, there is one right next door waiting to be opened. From now on, take rejections as lessons and learn from them. You never know what the next one will offer.

So that being said... are you an employer and want to hire someone who's extremely organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated? Find me below ;)

Jessicahardingnj@gmail.com

Insta: Jessssharding

Twitter: Jessicakelseyy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-harding-5a1942...