No one enjoys rejection, but it happens far too often when we’re looking for jobs. It can be hard to hear the word “no” so often and not take it as a personal attack. But there are ways to turn job rejection into an opportunity.

Here are a few things you can do to turn your luck around.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Sometimes accepting rejection is the best way to turn it into something positive. Never burn bridges. Be gracious about the circumstances even if you believe the rejection is unfounded or the wrong decision. You never know when you might talk to the company or that individual again in the future. Always keep the relationship professional and cordial.

Ask for Feedback

One thing you can do is ask for feedback about your application or interviews. If you receive a rejection, consider following up with an email. Say something like, “Thank you so much for the opportunity. To ensure I’m putting my best foot forward at all times, is there any feedback you could provide that would help me in my future job search?” You may not hear anything back, but it will be valuable information when you do.

Revise Your Process

After rejection, it’s easy to get caught up in the same cycle. Instead, consider how you can change your approach to make a better first impression. How are you finding jobs? Look for additional resources. If you apply online most of the time, try joining LinkedIn to network with others in your industry. Take another look at your cover letter to make sure you’re customizing it for each job and avoiding common mistakes.

Make Connections

Finally, don’t be afraid to make connections along the way. Just because someone doesn’t have an opportunity for you right now doesn’t mean they won’t in the future. Connect with the people you met on LinkedIn. Follow up from time to time to check in on a professional level, not to ask if they’re still hiring. Finding a job is about building relationships, and it’s worth putting the time and effort into it over the long haul.

Are you looking for your next job opportunity? Contact the team at Nextaff today.