You didn’t get the job and that’s OK

A young woman appears saddened behind a computer screen. CREDIT: ANTONIOGUILLEM
Jobs are our livelihood. But, if you don't get the one you're hoping for right away, it will come when you're ready.

If you’re reading this, there’s a chance you just found out you didn’t get that job you so badly wanted. Or you can relate to the feeling. That horrible, pit-in-your-stomach feeling where you didn’t get your dream job. It might feel like the end of the world, but it’s not. It will all be OK.

Whether you get the job or not, this is part of your path. There is a reason for everything and you were not meant to have that job right now.

“Job searching is a very stressful time,” said Christina Larke, consultant with Fanshawe’s Career Services team. “There is financial need, and many people have maybe a dream or goal for their career that they’re very passionate about. So when we’re applying for jobs, it often feels like there’s a lot on the line.”

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Larke added that when you’re applying for jobs, you’re putting yourself out there completely. You are putting your fate in the hands of the employer. But when you’re waiting to hear back, there are some things you can try to do to ease the anxiety and avoid disappointment if you don’t get the job.

“Try to shift your approach to your job search from the outcomes more to the effort that you are putting in. For example, rather than setting a goal such as ‘I will definitely have a job by the end of the month,’ your goal could be something more along the lines of I will get my resume prepared this week and then I will apply for 10 jobs.”

The mindset change and the focus change can make a world of difference, especially when you’re not putting as much pressure on yourself.

When it comes to following up after a job application, there are very mixed responses sometimes. But, Larke said as long as they don’t explicitly state to not follow up, then it is fair to follow up about a week after the application period closes if you have not heard about an interview. If you have received an interview, ask at the end of the interview what next steps are and when you will hear from them. Give them an additional one or two business days before calling or emailing.

“Sometimes I suggest two follow- ups. If you still don’t get the response you want after two follow- ups, I suggest to try and set that opportunity aside for now and try to focus on other opportunities.”

Down the road, you never know what opportunities could come back to you. Many employers keep resumes they receive and reach out down the road if an opening in the company comes up. Especially if you continue to network and make good impressions within your industry.

Overall, if the answer is no and you don’t get the job, that’s okay. You never know what could come up down the road.

If you’re questioning your interview skills, your resume, or your cover letter, Fanshawe’s Career Services is always open for current students and alumni. They are there to help update your paperwork and skills, and find jobs that fit your skills and industry.