How I learned to handle being rejected for a job 😮‍💨

I recently quit my job without a backup plan. I had savings to last me a couple of months, but I had NO IDEA what I wanted to do next.

I was a public school teacher. I'd had enough of the expectation that I would work myself to the bone: create a curriculum, volunteer my time to chaperone events, and grade on weekends, all in addition to teaching.

Even after all that dedication, I was displaced. More families enrolled in private school and our numbers dropped, so I was torn from the community I had built for 8 years. Then, we went on strike.

It was too much. The only way I could see anything changing for me was to quit. I was too maxed out during the school year to change careers and teach. It was time to go.

But as time wore on, I got more nervous about where my money would come from. Even worse, it was hard to get excited to apply for jobs that I might hate.

Finally, I found something that could use the skills I built in my last job in a new way. I worked my connections and got an interview! I thought it went well. They said they had a lot of success hiring former teachers, and I thought I gave strong answers to their questions that showcased my skills! But, I didn't get the job.

Luckily, I have some practice with rejection that helped me keep hope alive.

Don't ignore your feelings. Embrace them. No matter how painful and bottomless they feel, you're only going to get through them by feeling them for a bit.

Photo by Spring Fed Images on Unsplash

Take part in stress-relieving activities. It can be tough to get motivated to do these when you're feeling low. Choose something that sounds good and do what you can. It doesn't have to be perfect! I suggest:

• Reaching out: Human connection heals immune systems and reduces stress.

• Exercising to put all that energy and tension to good use! Find some that fit your needs.

• Laughing! It's a wonderful medicine. Find a funny podcast, or go to a comedy show. Bonus points if you do it with someone!

• Journaling to distance yourself from your feelings a little.

Pro tip: If you're doing these things and still feel down, please seek counseling. Job search depression is real.

Okay, now that you have processed your feelings, and you might be feeling a little more objective. Now you can learn from this disappointment! Ask yourself some of these questions to figure out your next moves.

What went well?

Which of the interviewer's questions did you knock out of the park? What about your answer was so good? What were some other ways that you impressed the interviewers? What are you proud of?

These are your strengths. Take time to list them and celebrate them!

How did I reallyfeel about the position and the company?

It's easy to get excited about a job you need, but was it really as great as you thought it was? How much of the company's values aligned with your own? Was the position what you expected? How can this inform your job search?

What was I not expecting?

Was there a part of the interview that caught you off-guard? Were you surprised by a question they asked you? What can you practice more for the next interviews (that you definitely will get)? These answers will give you the confidence you need to nail your next interview.

What would I change?

This is a little harder, but you've come this far — you can do it! What do you want to do differently next time? Would you research the company more? Sit differently? Use a different example for an answer to a question to showcase a different strength?

Your interview skills are boosted and you're focused. Let's get back to applying.

This isn't a job search Byte, but I have learned some things that might help you:

• Upskill: What can you learn or get better at to make you a stronger candidate the next time around? Network: Go to meet-ups for people like you in your industry. Get specific in your search!

• Volunteer: If you have the luxury of time, try volunteering in the industry you want to enter. You'll make connections, and learn skills — plus, helping others reduces stress!

Don't freak out! It can feel overwhelming, but you've done hard things, and you can do this! Keep in mind these steps to make it through this tough time: