Redirection not rejection: Lessons learnt from being turned down for a role

Receiving the news that your application for a role has been rejected is a bitter pill to swallow, especially if you have dedicated a lot of time to get prepared for a position you really wanted.

However, rejection doesn’t have to be devastating, as with the right frame of mind, it can be turned into an opportunity for self-development and career growth.

Whether the individual is searching for a lower-level role or a C-level one, job rejections are a natural part of the job-hunt process which can ultimately be beneficial in the long run.

This was the case for Brigette Hyacinth, Founder and CEO of Leadership EQ, a leadership development and performance organisation.

At one of her previous workplaces, Ms Hyacinth, who is also a keynote speaker on leadership and management, had applied for a new internal position which she thought she was the “top candidate” for. However, her application was rejected, and she later learnt that the person hired was a friend of her boss.

“I got tired of the office politics and started applying at other companies, and within three months I got a much better job,” she said.

However, some time later, her old boss contacted and told her to come back for the same promotion, to which she replied with: “Thanks, but no thanks.”

Through this experience, she learnt five vital lessons that one has to keep in mind when faced with rejection for a particular role.

Firstly, she noted that one can be the best candidate, yet still not get selected for the position due to various reasons that are beyond their control.

“If you didn’t get the job, it was never meant for you,” Ms Hyacinth added.

She continued by pointing out that a candidate has to understand that they were ultimately not rejected, but “redirected”. This means that the individual has faced delays in their path to success, but has not been denied progression. Rejection can be transformed into a positive event, as it can be seen as a sign that one has to have a slightly different journey towards career growth.

“Your value does not decrease based upon someone’s inability to see your worth,” she explained.

Lastly, she pointed out that it is important to believe in oneself and keep on trying, as “the right door” will open for everyone.

Getting turned down for a job happens to everyone. The most vital thing is to how to embrace it and learn from that experience.