Job rejections can be devastating. But you can turn them into opportunities with these strategies.

1. Rejected Again!
Tips for turning job rejections around
Marie Gervais, PhD., Director
Shift Management
http://shiftworkplace.com

2. What we will cover
• You and the job market
– reality check
• Preparing for the job
interview
• Ways to turn rejections
around via: email,
phone and in-person
• Practical tips to
remember
• Dealing with your
emotions
• Restoring confidence
• Beyond Plan B

3. You and the job market – share
your experience!

4. You and the job market
PROS
• You have what it takes
to succeed
• Your skills and
personality are unique
• Somebody is looking for
you specifically
• Yes you can – Plan B
CONS
• Competition is stiff,
others have your skills
• No body owes you a job
• Life is not fair
• Your job will not make
you happy
• Expect rejection

5. First things first
• Your resume(s) 1,2,3…
• Your online profiles
• Your desired outcome
• Where do people who have the job you have
hang out?
• Networking

6. Next on the list
• Dressing the part
• Your presentation of yourself
• Study the company profiles
• Look for people who work there and connect
• Know Canadian business cultural norms

7. DID YOU MISS ANYTHING?
Share your comments!

8. Knowing your target

9. You’ve done all that and now…
• You get an interview
• They love you
• You are sure you got the job
• Time passes… you worry
• Letter or email comes and you were not
chosen
• You feel terrible

10. AARRGG! Rejection!

11. Time for Plan B- emails
If the email says… “We regret to inform you …”
Email back:
“Thank you for contacting me, would it be
possible to arrange for a phone conversation to
find out what I could do to improve my chances
for the next position?”

12. Time for Plan B – phone calls 1
If the person on the phone says:
“I’m sorry but we don’t have any positions
available right now…”
You can say:
“Can you tell me when you expect new
positions to be available?”

13. Time for Plan B – phone calls 2
OR say:
“Do you know of other companies that are
hiring?”

14. Time for Plan B: Phone calls 3
OR say:
“Who should I talk to about preparing myself to
be ready for a position when it becomes
available?”

15. Time for Plan B: in-person 1
If the person at the reception desk says…
“Please apply online, we don’t take any in-
person applications…”
You can ask:
“When people are interviewed for a position
here, who do they speak to?”

16. Time for Plan B: in-person 1
OR
“Would you happen to have the name and
contact information for your recruiting/HR
person?”

17. Time for Plan C: going further 1
If you are told you are not a good “fit” for the
company…
You can ask:
“Could you describe an employee who would
be a good fit?”

18. Time for Plan C: going further 2
OR
Could you tell me what I would need to
develop to become a better fit?”

19. WHICH OF THESE IDEAS CAN YOU
TRY?
Type your answers in the chat box

20. Wait! There’s more…

21. Practical tips:
• Assume the first no is just a maybe
• Remember the “three cups of tea” principle
• Look for ways to be of service – how can you
help the other person?
• Leave them thinking good things about you

22. Practical tips:
Always try for:
1. A referral
2. A new lead
3. Something you can learn

23. But I feel so low…

24. Dealing with the emotions
• Expect the worst and respond to good news
cautiously
• With people you don’t know, you have a 1-
10% chance for the job
• Get to know someone and you will increase
your chances by 40%
• Don’t attach emotionally to any one position

25. Restoring confidence
• Take care of yourself, find ways to de-stress
• Exercise, get some fresh air, breathe
• Talk to a friend or relative
• Ask others what they would say your strengths
are
• Rethink how you are presenting yourself
• Consider how you could improve next time

26. WHAT DO YOU DO TO DEAL WITH
THE EMOTIONS?
Please share your tips in the chat box!

27. Beyond Plan B
• So what if everything fails?
• How long should you continue?
• Thinking about a different career
• School or no school?
• Community participation and service

28. You can do it. Play another tune,
recombine your skills. We believe in you!

29. More tools:
Coaching
Contact us on http://Clarity.fm
for career coaching.
Find a mentor with:
http://mentorcity.ca
Contact for mentors:
• ERIC - Edmonton
• CRIEC - Calgary
• TRIEC - Toronto
Work and Culture Online
Take the facilitated course:
Register by Dec 1 and get 20%
off.
Course runs Dec 1-Jan 30.
Cost: $120 (with discount)
http://workandculture.com