Hartley On Interview Rejection

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Hartley on Interview Rejection: My Brutal (and Hilarious) Lessons Learned

Ugh, interview rejection. Just the words make my stomach clench. I've been on both sides of the table – the interviewer and the interviewee – and let me tell you, rejection stings. It really stings. Especially when you thought you nailed it. Remember that time I interviewed for that senior editor position at The Daily Grind? I’d prepped for weeks! I even practiced my handshake in the mirror (don't judge!). I was sure I was a shoe-in. Then, radio silence. Brutal. Absolutely brutal.

The Rejection Rollercoaster: From Euphoric to Gutted

That experience taught me a few harsh truths about the interview process. Firstly, it's rarely about just your skills. Sometimes, it's about fit. Company culture, personality, even who is interviewing you – it’s all a huge factor. It’s like dating, but way more stressful and involves way more awkward small talk. And way more business casual.

I remember the initial shock – the deflated feeling after receiving that dreaded email. Then came the self-doubt. Was I not good enough? Did I say something stupid? My mind raced through every answer, every awkward pause, every slightly-too-enthusiastic nod. It's a rollercoaster, let me tell you. One minute you're riding high on the promise of a new opportunity, and the next you're plummeting into a pit of self-criticism. Don't let that rollercoaster win!

Picking Yourself Up (and Dusting Yourself Off): Practical Tips to Bounce Back

But here's the thing: rejection is part of the game. Seriously. You can't win 'em all. Even the most qualified candidates get rejected. It's not a reflection of your worth. So, what's a person to do? Here are a few things I've learned the hard way:

1. Analyze (But Don't Obsess): Okay, go ahead and analyze the interview. Where did you think you excelled? Where did you feel you could have done better? But don't spend days, weeks, or months dwelling on it. Learning from mistakes is crucial, but obsessing is counterproductive. Seriously. It’s a black hole of negativity.

2. Seek Feedback (If Offered): If the company offers feedback, take it! It's a golden opportunity to improve your interview skills. Even if it's tough to hear, it could be invaluable information. For the Daily Grind situation? No feedback. So, I had to rely on my own introspection, which wasn't ideal, but it did help!

3. Network, Network, Network!: Rejection can be a catalyst for networking. Reach out to your contacts. Let people know you're looking. You never know what opportunities might come from a simple conversation. This is a critical element of a successful job search strategy.

4. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: This is a must! After every job application (successful or not!), review your resume and cover letter. Fine-tune it based on your experiences, and make sure it’s targeted towards the specific roles you're applying for. Tailoring your resume and cover letter can make a huge difference.

5. Self-Care is Key: Rejection sucks. It genuinely does. So, treat yourself kindly. Do things you enjoy – watch a movie, take a walk, spend time with loved ones. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as prepping for an interview! Seriously.

The Silver Lining (It Exists!)

The rejection from The Daily Grind? It stung. Badly. But it ultimately led me to a different opportunity – a job that was an even better fit for my skills and personality. Sometimes, what seems like a setback is actually a redirection towards something even better. Trust the process, even when it feels like it’s dragging its feet. Keep applying, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself. You got this!