How to Handle Job Search Rejection Like Genovian Royalty 👑
Inside: Job search rejection is the pits. But with some help from our favorite ’90s and ’00s movies and career coaching, we can help you push forward!
My children have become well-versed in ’90s and early ’00s movie quotes, which I take 100% credit and blame for.
When my child shouts “Left Side, Strong Stride!” out of nowhere, my Remember the Titans-loving heart glows with pride.
When my child says, “Don’t you know how to knock, phlegm wad?” (a deep Home Alone cut, but a gem nonetheless), that’s on me.
This weekend I showed them The Princess Diaries for the first time, and while Eleanor Roosevelt said it first, and was properly credited in the film during Joe’s pep talk to Mia, I was glad that my kids got to hear these words while snuggled on the couch.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Job Search = Rejection
Powerful stuff, Eleanor.
And an important reminder for anyone at any stage of life.
The reason I bring it up here is that a lot of you scrolling may be job seeking.
With job seeking comes a lot of rejection. No good, not fun, rejection.
But a “no” does not mean you are inferior.
A “no” does not mean you are not worthy of success.
A “no” does not define you.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent, so don’t give it.
How to Manage Rejection in Your Job Search
Is managing rejection easier said than done?
Of course!
So here are some tips to navigate a sea of no along the way to YES.
Know the Numbers
In 2025, corporate job postings are getting an average of 250 applications each. 250! For one open role!
That means you are one of 249 candidates who also received a “no” in this process.
You aren’t alone, not at all, and keeping in mind the broader context can be really helpful!
Focus on Your Strengths
Hearing a lot of “no” in your job search can do a number on your confidence, and we need that confidence to help you push forward!
So let’s take a pause and focus in on all of your strengths and remind yourself of all the value you bring to the table.
One way to do that is with one of my favorite career and personality assessment tools, Clifton Strengths.
This assessment highlights your top 5 strengths and how those strengths work together to make you successful. Talk about a boost!
Celebrate Your Wins
I know that when you are being rejected, it feels like you don’t have any wins to celebrate. Womp, womp.
However, that’s simply not true!
If you received an interview, that’s a win! If you learned something about how to strengthen your career storytelling, that’s a win! If you found a role you were excited about, that’s a win because you can target your search in that direction going forward.
Celebrate those wins to keep your momentum!
Control What You Can Control
Remember what I shared about the number of applications per role? That further emphasizes the need to network, network, network in your job search!
Up to 80% of new roles are found through networking and referrals. So cold applications – that can’t be your only job search strategy!
Get some more tips on networking here to adjust your strategy and put yourself back in the driver’s seat.
Check Out Your Reviews
Feeling down? Pull out your old performance reviews!
I am willing to bet that you have dozens of great wins documented in there (that should be on your resume, by the way).
Those performance reviews also probably have some very nice words from colleagues and managers about YOU and your work. A compliment or two can go a long way in helping you feel your best!
Welcome to Genovia (or your new job!)
So please keep going, with your head held high.
Because sooner or later, you are going to be the one looking out the window, getting welcomed to Genovia (or your new job).
They will be so glad you pushed through, and so glad that you’re there!
