The Power of Persistence: How to Handle Job Rejection in 5 Steps

Rejection is an inevitable part of the job search journey.

Almost every working Australian will face job rejection at some point during their professional career. The average job advertisement will receive more than 250 applications. Of this figure, only 4-6 candidates will progress through to the interview stage and only 1 will be offered an opportunity to work with the company.

Although it often comes down to luck or perfect timing, getting turned down still feels terrible. Nobody enjoys feeling rejected. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t a worthy candidate, it may just mean that you applied at the wrong time, for the wrong role, with the wrong company, at an unsuitable location, or your resume didn’t get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Getting the “Sorry, your application was unsuccessful…” email can be hard to recover from, especially if you REALLY wanted that job. Even more so, attending an interview and not getting hired can be incredibly disheartening for any job seeker, regardless of their skills, experience, or job title.

Here are 5 ways you can respond to rejection and keep moving forward:

1. Set Realistic Expectations

According to SEEK, 75% of Australian job seekers have been job hunting for up to 6 months. Finding a job takes patience, persistence, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunity. Unfortunately, not every job application will lead to an interview. Most Australian’s will need to apply for multiple positions before getting hired. Most active job seekers will submit more than 10 applications per week, with the average job search lasting between 4-6 months. Be realistic and expect that it may take time to get an offer.

2. Review and Update Your Resume

After getting turned away, it can be helpful to ask yourself some important questions:

  • Does your work experience and qualifications meet the job requirements?
  • Is your application tailored to the specific role?
  • Is your CV and cover letter easy to read?

Make sure that your resume highlights the most important information to support your application. By using the correct design, structure and keywords, your resume is more likely to stand out from the crowd. In fact, writing a comprehensive, direct, and well-structured resume increases your chances of getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), this is important to consider when applying for jobs as 75% of resumes are filtered through AI screening bots before reaching human eyes.

3. Seek Constructive Feedback

When possible, ask for feedback. While not every employer will respond, those who do, can offer valuable insights into what you can improve. Seeking constructive feedback can make a significant difference in shaping your future applications.

More often than not, an application gets rejected due to poor resume formatting, bad timing, or a misalignment between the job seekers skillset and the key requirements identified in the job description.

Recruiters estimate that 45% of resumes are poorly formatted, causing them to turn down potentially perfect candidates. But rejection is not always linked to the resume, 8 in 10 applications are declined as the candidate does not disclose the relevant experience or obtain the necessary certifications needed for the role.

If you are overwhelmed by the confusing job titles and long, drawn out job descriptions, it can be beneficial to consult with an expert who can personalise the hiring process and find the perfect role for you.

4. Stay Optimistic and Remain Committed

The job search can be exhausting, especially when you are doing all the right things. It is easy for pessimism to take charge; however, it is important to remember that rejection is not a reflection of your potential.

In an article published by SBS News Australia, they reported that for every 1 entry-level role, 26 job seekers were competing for the job. However, job transitions are increasingly more common, during 2023 almost 10 million Australians searched for a job, highlighting the importance of using a recruitment agency, like Staff Australia, to get your foot in the door before new job openings are advertised to the public.

1 in 26 job seekers will score an entry level job
A bar chart on a green background with yellow and green bars representing data.

5. Discover and Utilise the Power of Networking

According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs in are filled by networking. Reaching out to others who have experienced the job search grind, can reduce uncertainty, and provide you with valuable insights that will keep you motivated during the employment process.

Building relationships and creating a professional profile can increase your chances getting contacted by a recruiter who is looking for a superstar just like you! Sometimes the hiring process can work in reverse, and instead of you finding an employer, the employer finds you.

Where to from here:

Rejection is scary. Especially if you have high expectations. But during the job seeking process, it is important to remain persistent and stay optimistic.

It is so much easier to get through job rejection when you have a support team of people that you can trust. Let the experts at Staff Australia be the support network you need at a time like this.

Trust the process, remain motivated, and believe in yourself. The right job is out there.