Rejection after the job interview: What to do?

You apply for a job, overcome all the hurdles at the assessment center and in the interviews with flying colors, but you still get a rejection.
Of course, this is a bitter disappointment, especially if you had high hopes.

Especially if this was your dream job, this rejection feels like a major setback, but it is also an opportunity from which you can learn a lot. Instead of losing motivation, you should use this situation to develop yourself and be better prepared for your next opportunity. In this article, you will find out why rejections happen, what types there are, how to react correctly and how to learn from them for the future.

What is a rejection and why does it happen?

A rejection means that the company has decided against you - either after the interview or after you have submitted your application documents. This can be frustrating, especially if you had the feeling that everything was going well. Then the question arises, what was the reason? In fact, there are many reasons why a company might reject you, and often these reasons have nothing to do with your qualifications or skills. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Better applicants: In many cases, other candidates
   have simply applied who fit the requirements better. This does not mean that you are not qualified, but that someone else was even better suited - perhaps due to specific experience that exactly matched the profile you were looking for.
2. Lack of experience or knowledge: Sometimes, during the interview, it turns out that you lack a certain skill or experience that is particularly important for the job. This can also be the case if the requirements for the job change during the process without you being aware of it.
3. Lack of chemistry or personality fit: A job interview is also a way of getting to know each other. Sometimes the personal chemistry is simply not right, and that is completely normal. Companies are often looking for candidates who not only fit into the team professionally, but also culturally.
4. Overqualification: What many people don't realize is that you can also be overqualified. In this case, companies believe that you are too qualified and would quickly feel underchallenged. In such cases, the company is often worried that you won't accept the job in the long term.
5. Internal decisions: Sometimes the rejection is due to internal factors such as budget cuts, restructuring or the decision to fill the position internally after all. These are reasons that you cannot influence and that have nothing to do with your performance.

How does the rejection come - and how do you react?

It is important to remain professional and learn from rejections. There are various ways to do this. In most cases, you will receive a rejection in writing, either by email or by post. This type of rejection gives you the opportunity to read the message in peace and take time to think about your reaction. Here are a few tips on how you should react:

• Keep calm: Allow the disappointment, but don't get lost in it. It is completely normal to feel frustrated, but a rejection is not a personal attack.
• Thank you letter: Briefly thank them for the opportunity to introduce you. A friendly letter shows that you are professional and leaves a positive impression.
• Ask for feedback: Ask politely for feedback. Even if the company is not obliged to give you an answer, a simple question such as "Could you give me some brief feedback so that I can improve?" can often provide helpful information. Even if you don't get an answer, it shows that you are willing to learn.

If the rejection is verbal, for example in an interview or on the phone, the same applies: remain friendly, thank them for their feedback and ask directly for suggestions for improvement. If you don't receive any feedback at all, you can get in touch yourself after one or two weeks and politely ask about the status of the application - this shows interest and commitment.

What can you do after a rejection?

A rejection is not the end, but an opportunity to land the next dream job. Now it's about making the best of it and strengthening yourself for the next opportunities. Here are some concrete steps to help you:

• Reflect on the interview: Think about what went well in the interview and what you could do better next time. Were you well prepared? Did you answer all the questions clearly? This analysis will help you to recognize your strengths and work specifically on your weaknesses.
• Use feedback and continue to improve: If you receive feedback from the company, see it as an opportunity. Perhaps there are points that you can emphasize more in your next applications or aspects that you should work on. 

Especially if you are thinking about changing jobs at 40, specific tips and opportunities could help you.

• Further training and skills improvement: Use the time after a rejection to further your education. Online courses, seminars or workshops can help you to acquire new knowledge and expand your qualifications. 

Especially if you come from a different industry, i.e. you are a career changer, you can take the opportunity to train yourself in a new field. Take a look here at what a cover letter for a career changer should look like.

• Maintain and expand your network: A strong network can open doors for you that go beyond the traditional application process. Attend industry events or exchange ideas with experts. A good network can help you find out about new jobs and learn from others.
• Keep at it and keep applying: A rejection is no reason to give up. See it as a learning process and approach the next application with renewed energy. Every experience, whether positive or negative, brings you closer to your goal. So: prepare well for your next job interview.

Your rights as an applicant: What to do if the rejection seems unfair?

Do you feel that the rejection was not fair or that you were treated unfairly? Then you have certain rights in Germany that can protect you and help you to take action.

• Suspicion of discrimination (AGG): Do you think the rejection was because of your age, gender, origin or similar? This violates the General Equal Treatment Act. You can address this or take legal action against it.
• Unjustified questions or unfair treatment: Were you asked questions during the interview that have nothing to do with the job, such as about your health or family planning? This is not permitted. You can address this violation.
• Insight and justification: Even if companies are not obliged to give you a precise reason for the rejection, you have the right to ask politely. You can ask for a written explanation, especially if you suspect that the application process was not fair.
• Data breaches: Is your data being used or stored improperly? You have the right to request access to and deletion of your data.

Stay motivated and look for a new opportunity

Take away from this article that rejections are part of the application process. They are often not an assessment of your skills, but offer you the opportunity to learn and come back stronger. With the right steps, you can take something positive from every rejection, optimize your application and develop yourself further. Stay motivated, reflect and prepare yourself well for your next opportunities!

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