A friend called to say he didn't get the job. He was frustrated, angry, and hurt. He had put a lot of effort into the organization and felt he was due this job, but he didn't get it. Why?
Over time, we've all experienced that "I didn't get the job" scenario. Years ago after many successful years of good jobs, a relative hit a dry spot when he was laid off from one job and then didn't get one job after another as he sought new employment. It was a frustrating almost-two-years of searching. Yet, he didn't give up and learned a lot about networking, interviewing, job seeking, and other aspects of life during that work hiatus.
When we "don't get the job" we feel all kinds of emotions, and have the potential to make some mistakes too. I remember once when I didn't get a job I thought I was well-suited for. My reaction was to be angry and to make some unkind statements. That was not the right response, instead I should have reached out to those choosing for the position seeking more informatin about why they didn't choose me and what I might do to make myself more prepared and attractive for similar positions in the future.
To get or not get a job should not be seen as a singular act, but instead as part of the journey to become the best that you can be and to fulfill your dreams.
Over the years, I've learned a lot about getting the job you want via my own work and the work of others.
First, make sure you are putting your best self out there. Review your resume and cover letters. Let a skilled employment professional from a college career office or other group look over what you are presenting. Study interview skills and make sure you look presentable no matter whether your interview is online or offline.
Next, think about your qualifications for the positions you seeek. Do you have what they are looking for? If you're not sure, reach out to find out.
And, think realistically about your career path. If you are going for positions that are very competitive it's likely that you'll have a lot of work to do to get one of those positions. Perhaps, you'll want to start your career path in a less competitive position, location, or organization.
Prioritize what is most important for you. Looking back there was a time when I didn't really know what I wanted to do professionally. It would have been smart for me to go for the money at that point to bolster my ability to get more training and live a decent lifestyle. Instead I chose a low level, low paying job that was painful, but as in all of life's endeavors, I did learn a lot during that stint and the skills I learned still help me today.
So, having a positive, curious mindset, availing yourself to the learning possible, and seeing this path as a journey rather than a yes or no proposition will set you up well for success as you move along.
We will all not "get the job" from one time to another, and what matters is how we respond to that experience. I say, use it as one rung on the stepladder that will take you to better places. Onward.