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
Purchasing Supervisor
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC24
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing, industry-leading organisation in Ipswich to recruit a Purchasing Supervisor.

Working collaboratively within a fast-paced, team-oriented purchasing function, you will take responsibility for taking the highly successful Purchasing Team to the next level of procurement. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the emphasis of the role is to work with existing team members to build key skills and to improve current processes. It will involve resolving daily issues, building and maintaining supplier relationships and helping to build the future purchasing team.

Duties include:

  • Primary responsibility for the daily management of specific team members.
  • Provide structured training and guidance to proactively encourage individual and team development, ensuring team succession planning.
  • Empower the team to take ownership of their roles/responsibilities.
  • Responsible for managing up and organising updates/meetings with the Team Manager.
  • Actively work with other supervisors and management to ensure a consistent approach within the department.
  • Resolution of daily issues—including data collation of issues.
  • Manage supplier relationships and performance.
  • Lead on supplier lead time reviews and relevant internal updates.
  • Present data on monthly spend and KPIs, and non-conformance tracking.
  • Lead on-demand planning, working with the external Sales Team and suppliers to provide forecasting.
  • Participate in pricing reviews.
  • Deliver guidance and training daily to the team.
  • Proactively work on team engagement through coaching, mentoring and regular 1-2-1s.

Key skills/qualifications required include:

  • CIPS level 4 achieved or prepared to undertake.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain commercial awareness, internally and industry-wide.
  • A proactive approach with a “can-do” attitude and the ability to motivate others.
  • Analytical skills with strong problem-solving ability.
  • Proven negotiation skills.
  • Good understanding of supply chain procedures.
  • Proven advanced level of Computer literacy - Microsoft Excel/Word/Access.
  • Sound Administrative experience. Knowledge of ERP.

Hybrid working will be available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).

 

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
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC23
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

As a Brand Coordinator, you will manage the entire process from product development to customer delivery, including:

  • Product development and follow-up in collaboration with customers, Sales and Business Development Managers, and your international colleagues
  • Daily contact with customers
  • Daily communication with colleagues across multiple production sites
  • Creating and maintaining master data
  • Inventory planning
  • Monitoring KPIs such as delivery times and coverage

Role requirements include:

  • Strong commercial skills
  • Proactive, action-oriented and self-motivated
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain an overview
  • Service-minded and skilled at building and maintaining good relationships
  • Working systematically and structured
  • Desire to advance your career within the company and build long-term relationships with customers and colleagues
  • Have more than 2 years of experience in purchasing or as a purchasing assistant

Working hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

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
Sales Office Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC22
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Sales Office Coordinator to join a well-established company based in Ipswich.

You’ll be working within a busy, fast-paced, team-oriented, customer-focused Sales Office. The main emphasis of the role is to manage customer expectations by organising the pricing of materials to meet project deadlines. Previous experience in processing quotes, sales, purchase orders, and invoices is preferred.

The ability to problem solve and seek solutions is essential, as is the ability to control workload with varying demands, whilst applying attention to detail with a diplomatic and proactive approach. You will possess previous experience within a similar role.

Duties include:

  • Preparing project quotations.
  • Processing sales and purchase orders.
  • Preparing/checking customers' invoices.
  • Data validation/attention to detail checking customer purchase orders/project information.
  • Proactively managing customer relations with both approved contractors, suppliers and external sales teams.
  • Managing inter-departmental communications relating to project quotes/orders/deliveries/invoicing.
  • Co-ordination of project pricing, deliveries and problem-solving customer queries.
  • Ability to adapt communication style/approach to manage a diverse range of tasks throughout the project process.

Key experience required includes:

  • Previous experience in high-level administration, with strong attention to detail and excellent customer service skills
  • Experience within a sales support function would be advantageous.
  • A proactive approach to workload, rather than reactive.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period — a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

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

 

Read more
Warehouse Team Leader
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC21
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing company based in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Warehouse Team Leader.

Duties include:

  • Overseeing and coordinating daily warehousing activities, including receiving, storing, handling, shipping, and inventory management.
  • Getting stuck in and working with the team on a daily basis.
  • Implementing and enforcing safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a secure working environment.
  • Scheduling and assigning tasks to warehouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow.
  • Assisting in inventory control to optimise stock levels and minimise discrepancies.
  • Ensuring the team is equipped with proper safety attire for their protection.
  • Preparing and managing the smooth transfer of stock to and from stores.
  • Leading and motivating a team of 6 passionate warehouse associates.

Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm.
During peak seasons, you may be required to work a Saturday.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous experience in a warehousing role.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively manage a team.
  • Be able to prioritise own and team’s workload and use own initiative.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and build a pipeline of winnable projects.
  • Negotiate and close transactions.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — confident, clear, and customer-focused.
  • Strong ability to build rapport, listen actively, and translate customer needs into practical solutions.
  • Solid understanding of the sales process and relationship management.
  • Skilled at explaining technical products in an approachable way (training provided).
  • Effective time management, organisation, and follow-through.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

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

 

Read more
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background - used to handling large, heavy products, although candidates with no experience and a great attitude will be considered.

Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more