Job searches can be exhilarating journeys filled with hope and possibilities, but they can also be challenging and frustrating. Finding a new position comes with a lot of uncertainty, and facing rejection is common. Often, that leaves you feeling unmotivated and disheartened, mainly if you aren’t sure about how to overcome the obstacles you’re encountering.
Fortunately, there are excellent strategies that can make overcoming common job search frustrations easier. Here’s a look at issues candidates often face and how to address them.
No Response After Applying or Interviewing
When you put a lot of effort into your application or interview, few things are as frustrating as not hearing back from the employer. Often, it leaves you feeling undervalued or unappreciated and may leave you wondering if you did something wrong during the process.
While you can’t force a company to contact you, there are steps you can take to encourage it. Sending a polite, professional follow-up email can work well. Reassert your interest in the opportunity and request a status update. Sometimes, that can prompt a reply, which at least lets you know where you stand.
A Lengthy Series of Rejections
During a job search, some rejection is incredibly standard, but getting a series of contradictions is often hard to shoulder. It can take a toll on your enthusiasm and confidence, and while you shouldn’t take any of them personally, it’s hard to keep them from getting under your skin.
If you’re dealing with this challenge, there are a few steps you can take. First, request feedback from the hiring manager and let them know you’d appreciate any insights that can help you improve your position as a candidate. That can help you learn why you aren’t being selected and may identify some actionable steps that can help you succeed during your job search.
Second, reviewing the jobs you’re applying to and assessing whether you’re a good fit is critical. There’s a chance you’re not aiming at the right opportunities, so compare what you bring to the table with the requirements. If you don’t have most of what the hiring manager was after, you may have been rejected simply because you aren’t an intense match. Then, update your search strategy to focus on better fits.
Long Hiring Processes
Some companies use longer hiring processes than others, potentially spanning weeks or months before they make a decision. This delay is frustrating, particularly if a job feels like an exceptional fit.
With this issue, there isn’t much you can do to speed up the timeline. Instead, the best step is to manage your expectations. Understand that companies are working on their timetables and that their timeline might not align with your preferences.
While waiting is annoying, it’s often unavoidable, but you can use this time to your advantage. Continue your job search, as you may find other opportunities that are also excellent matches. You can also use the time to enhance your skill set, as more capabilities can elevate your position as a candidate, giving you access to more potential options.
Finally, partnering with GSG Talent Solutions can help you land a position faster. Our team partners with a wide array of employers looking to higher quickly. If you want to accelerate your job search, GSG Talent Solutions wants to hear from you. Contact us today.