The Rejection Letter

When you’ve interviewed for a job, maybe even a second interview, third interview, etc. rejection can sting. And for me, the absolute worst way possible to receive a rejection is the dreaded the blanket HR email.

It’s like being broken up with by text message. You spend valuable time on the application, writing the perfect cover letter, and navigating the online application process. You network, ensuring your name is brought up to the hiring manager by as many people as possible. In my case, with this position, at least 7 different individuals spoke directly with the hiring manager to recommend me. Then, you spend hours preparing for the interview, nailing it (or so you you thought), and biting your nails waiting to hear about the second interview. And after all that, all the work, all the worry, all the excitement, you receive…..an email???….from HR???

I repeat the cliche mantras:

• It’s just a job
• There are other fish in the sea (who knew this advice would apply to so many life situations)
• You’re doing all the right things – something will pop up
• If you didn’t get it, you probably wouldn’t have liked it anyway
• If this is the way they reject people, you don’t want to work for them
• Blah
• Blah
• Blah
• Wah
• Wah
• Wah

But at the end of the day, just like being broken up with via text message is always harsh, getting an HR email after going through an interview process is always the wrong way to hear the news of “You’re not good enough.” For those of you who are or have ever been job seekers, you know the feeling. For those who are or have ever been hiring managers, don’t do that. And for me, move on move on move on.

So now we’re back to the drawing board on the job hunt. Officially well into month number four unemployed and truthfully, hating every minute of it. But life is meant to teach us lessons, and there are lessons to be learned here. I’m learning them. One day of unemployment at a time.