How to deal with rejection when job hunting

How to deal with rejection when job hunting

It can be hard to hear that you’ve not secured a job. Here are five tips to help you bounce back from professional disappointment

By Lizzie Fletcher

Applying for jobs can be a frustrating experience. It can often feel as if everyone around you is landing their dream role while you’re failing even to secure an interview for one you’re not that bothered about.

We are constantly told not to fear rejection, that even some of the world’s most successful business people have dealt with hearing “no”.

“At the end of the day when there’s only one position available, it can only go to one person,”...  

But while the story of Steve Jobs’s success is undoubtedly inspiring, it doesn’t exactly pick you up when you’ve been rejected from the fourth data entry assistant role of the week.

Here are five tips to help you live with the inevitable rejection that comes when looking for work.

1) Don’t take it personally

“At the end of the day when there’s only one position available, it can only go to one person,” says Peter Foy, a director at Just Recruitment Group Ltd. “That means every recruiter has to reject other talented applicants. It’s a simple matter of arithmetic.”

You may have all the relevant qualifications and a CV bulging with experience. But if someone else beats you to the role of your dreams, it doesn’t undermine your quality. It probably just means they were better suited to the role, or put in a slightly better interview performance on the day.

How to deal with rejection when job hunting2) Ask for feedback

We’re all prone to feeling defensive, and it’s normal not to want to hear the reasons you weren’t right for a job.

But as Just Recruitment senior consultant Jody Collings points out: “You won’t know how you can improve until you know where you are falling short, or what went wrong at interview.”

When you receive a rejection, ask your contact at the company to pass over any feedback from the interview. You’re entitled to request this, and it can be really helpful in preparing for your next application.

For example, if the feedback observes that you didn’t seem knowledgeable about the company, or the role you were interviewing for, you’ll know what to do next time: research the employer and the role so you’re up to speed with what’s on offer.

3) Reflect on the interview

When you’ve been rejected from a job, it can be tempting to put the whole interview experience as far from your mind as possible.

...you should set some time aside to look back on the application process and identify ways in which you could improve.  

But you should set some time aside to look back on the application process and identify ways in which you could improve.

It’s always difficult to be critical of yourself, but honesty is definitely the best policy. Don’t get too hung up on details or replay the interview over and over in your mind. But make an effort to determine what you would change if you could, and bear this in mind for future selection processes.

4) Reflect on the job

On occasion, the interview process (and subsequent aftermath) can make you realise that, actually, this wasn’t the job for you.

That can be a daunting realisation, but you should use the experience to help you identify what you really want to do. Have a look back over the jobs you’ve applied for and identify what it was about them that attracted you.

For example, you may know that you definitely want to work in project management, but decide that you’ve been looking in the wrong industry so far. Or maybe your interest in people means you should be going for a sales role rather than one in HR.

As Emma Kershaw, a director at Just Recruitment Group Ltd, explains: “Once you’ve identified what was wrong with the jobs you haven’t scored, you can identify roles for which you’re more suited. That should make the next application much more straightforward.”

How to deal with rejection when job hunting5) Be resilient. Bounce straight back

The world isn’t going to end because you’ve been rejected for a job. And besides, the jobs market keeps ebbing and flowing even though you’ve had a personal setback.

A job rejection is a little like a break-up: by all means, take some time to feel sorry for yourself. Put some sad music on the stereo and open a tube or two of Pringles.

But sooner or later you need to put your energy into reflecting, learning and getting yourself back in the game. That’s the way to bounce back from rejection and land the job of your dreams.

To find your next opportunity, check out the Just Recruitment jobs pages.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
Why encouragement is the greatest motivator
What do you do with an elephant you can't give away?

 

Published: 25 April 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Laboratory Technician
Sector: Science and Pharmaceuticals
Salary: £34,029 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB34
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a skilled Laboratory Technician to join a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

The role involves performing analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, ensuring consistent product quality, maintaining accurate documentation, and meeting both internal and external audit requirements.

Key accountabilities include:

  • Performing analyses and operations according to agreed work plans and schedules.
  • Producing and reporting on time only valid, accurate analytical results.
  • Reporting immediately, out-of-specification results, non-conformances, or any aspects of laboratory operation which are prejudicial to the laboratory operation/service to the Line Manager.
  • Achieving/maintaining the desired level of competency in all defined operations.
  • Undertaking operations to comply with world-class operation practices.
  • Carrying out work activities according to agreed work plans and schedules, following the written standard operating procedures.

Key attributes include:

  • Proven hands-on laboratory experience in Microbiological testing, sample preparation and serial dilution techniques, plating and plate reading.
  • Practical experience in chemistry-based analysis.
  • Familiarity with aseptic techniques and contamination/cross-contamination control.
  • Ability to prepare and handle media, reagents etc.
  • Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, balances, microscopes and exposure to use of higher level equipment such as HPLC and any other equipment along those lines.
  • Good understanding of GLP.
  • Accurate record keeping, completion of relevant spreadsheets, and associated databases.
  • Attention to detail for reporting and result verification.
  • Ability to interpret data.
Read more
New job
Process Improvement Lead
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB35
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a Process Improvement Lead to support a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring product quality and supporting the company’s reputation for excellence. You will also help embed improvements across the business by working closely with Team Leaders on-site and beyond.

Engaging with the daily operational teams, the role involves providing laboratory analysis to advance performance improvement opportunities. It also includes supporting multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting and promoting Lean manufacturing principles.

Role will involve:

  • Conducting non-routine analysis of in-process materials, raw materials and finished products.
  • Interpreting, analysing, and communicating results to relevant departments.
  • Following standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices.
  • Generating and updating existing standard operating procedures and test methods.
  • Troubleshooting laboratory issues and recommending solutions.
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all testing performed.
  • Facilitating plant and process problem solving.

Knowledge and qualifications requirements:

  • Degree in Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
  • Experience in Food and Beverage, or Food services industry is essential – experience of unpredictability and variability in production.
  • Previous experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment.
Read more
New job
R&D Technician
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB36
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a skilled R&D Technician to join a manufacturing company in Braintree, Essex.

In this role, you will be involved in designing and developing new products, ensuring the successful completion of work on both new designs and product modifications.

Role will involve:

  • Designing and developing new products: taking note of the client’s specifications and participating in their analysis, producing all the technical documents necessary for development.
  • Ensuring feasibility/maintain vigilance on the capability of the industrialisation of the project, creating models and prototypes, etc.
  • Contributing to modifications and adaptations of existing products.
  • Implementing instructions, item sheets, and technical specifications of subcontracted products/components.
  • Contributing to the production of technical files as well as those given to the client.
  • Writing the reports of investigation and qualification tests that have been carried out.
  • Taking charge of projects that do not require interaction with the customer and following a known design.
  • Contributing to the creation of digital simulations of new products to accelerate the product investigation phase in their area of expertise.

Key knowledge and skills required:

  • 2D/3D drawing/Design/Modifications.
  • Knowledge of materials, their properties and constraints: synthetic, ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Know how to recognise the relevance of the value of a measurement or a calculation.
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise.
  • Organisational ability.
  • Critical thinking and continuous improvement.
  • IT and digital tools.
  • Ability to adapt.
  • Ability to collaborate and have a team spirit.

Qualifications required:

  • Evidence of higher education is essential, a relevant technical degree plus 2 years of experience in industrial product design.
Read more
New job
Warehouse Manager
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB33
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an experienced Warehouse Manager to join a manufacturing business in Braintree, Essex.

This is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the warehouse, supporting the business as it grows and meets increasing demand.

You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation and coordination of the warehouse and logistics functions, while continually seeking and implementing ways to improve performance, processes, and organisational standards.

Duties will include:

  • Managing the warehouse team.
  • Handling raw materials.
  • Handling finished goods.
  • Goods in; picking; packing and dispatch processes.
  • Converting raw material to finished goods.
  • Managing inventory; storage, accuracy, and cycle counting.
  • Coordinating with third-party logistics.

Key skills required:

  • Significant operational leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of applying Lean/CI principles to realise business goals and deliver productivity.
  • General Computer Skills.
  • Minimum of 2 years Team Leader/Supervisor experience in Stores/Warehouse function.
  • Organisational skills.
  • Strong Problem-solving skills.
  • Team Player.
  • Current FLT licence – counterbalance/ flexi truck.
Read more
New job
CNC Turner
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £32,448 - £40,560 per annum
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB32
About the role

Due to continued growth and succession planning, Just Recruitment is recruiting an experienced CNC Turner to operate CNC lathes with FANUC controls for a well-established company in Braintree.

Scope:

  • Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
  • Loading and running programs through prove out according to the tools list and works instructions.
  • Producing a valid first-off component in line with component drawing and quality requirements.
  • Loading and operating machines to meet desired quantities.
  • Conducting in-process inspection, checking against drawings and specifications to ensure they are made accurately and to the highest standards.
  • Completing QA records.

Skills:

  • Capable of programming FANUC CNC machines (Specific robot program training/operation will be given to the successful candidate).
  • Selecting the correct tooling and setting the machines as required to produce quality components by reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.
  • We will consider transferable skills from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

Hours of work: 39 hour working week
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm or 9.00am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Read more
Warehouse Operative (3 month fixed term contract)
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913748
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Braintree - they are looking to add a 'Warehouse Operative' to their team, initially on a 3 month fixed term contract.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse team, ensuring all duties are completed to a high standard and stock is processed accurately both in and out of the business.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with the unloading/loading of vehicles and the checking in of stock.
  • Sorting and placing materials or items onto racks and shelves.
  • Collecting items from throughout the warehouse, preparing and completing warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule.
  • Performing warehouse inventory controls via scanner and/or through a computer.
  • Stock counting and location checks.
  • Forklift driving (counterbalance) duties as required.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous warehouse-based experience, ideally holding a full and valid counterbalance licence.
  • Good IT and communication skills - able to input stock accurately on the system and on other systems as needed.
  • Previous experience of using a hand scanner.

Please note you need to have a full and valid driving licence for this role, as some van driving duties may be required on an ad-hoc basis.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm - some overtime may be required.

This role offers a competitive salary and great company benefits as well as an incentive package.

This is a great time to join a growing organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more