Tip #1: Remember that rejection is normal
Let’s start with something we don’t talk about enough: rejection is not a reflection of your worth.
Rejection happens to everyone, even the most accomplished people you admire. In fact, you’ll likely face just as many rejections as wins and often, the rejections teach you more. As Psychology Today points out, job rejection can impact your self-esteem – but most rejections aren’t about you. They’re about fit.
According to Indeed, job seekers often apply for 20 to 80 roles before securing one1 and for some, that number is much higher. Breaking into the job market is tough, but it’s not a dead end. It’s important to remember that while the process can feel disheartening, the goal isn’t to avoid rejection. Each ‘no’ is building your capacity to adapt, reflect and try again.
Tip #2: Make a point to ask for feedback
Asking for feedback after a job rejection can feel daunting, but it’s a powerful way to grow early on in your career. If you only received a generic job rejection, don’t be afraid to politely follow up and ask for specific feedback. It shows initiative and a willingness to learn. While not every employer will respond, those who do can offer you a chance to improve your approach and future applications.
When you do receive feedback, take it with an open mind and don’t dwell on what went wrong. Look for patterns or areas to improve. Every insight moves you closer to landing the right role.
Tip #3: Timing and market activity matter
Job outcomes aren’t just about effort; they’re also about timing and market conditions. Depending on the industry, location or season, the number of available roles can vary significantly.
If you are graduating into a slower hiring period, you’re not alone. Some fields hire in waves, and others are influenced by budget cycles, economic conditions or rapid shifts (hello, AI). And let’s be honest: the recruitment process is also changing. From AI screening tools to automated emails, it’s no longer a human-to-human process at every step. That doesn’t mean it’s hopeless, it just means you need to keep learning how the system and your industry works.
That’s why RMIT’s Career Connect exists: to help you make sense of these dynamics. For new graduates, through the New Alumni Pass you can access services like tailored advice, job listings, resume reviews and employer events up to 12 months after graduation. You don’t need to navigate the market alone.
Tip #4: Don’t give up
When rejection starts to pile up, it can chip away at your confidence. But there are ways to stay grounded.
- Track progress, not outcomes. Count applications sent, interviews secured and contacts made. These are all wins and the small goals that will get you to where you want to be. Celebrate the steps – not just the destination.
- Leverage your network. Let people know you’re looking, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends, mentors, tutors and RMIT connections can offer feedback on your applications, help you prep for interviews, or just be there for moral support. Get curious on how others have dealt with rejection, too – you are not alone!
- Reflect and adjust. Was your application tailored? Could you strengthen your skills? Consider what you can do to level up and improve for next time by exploring resources like these articles on improving your CV and translating your skills from uni to work
Remember – you will land a job
Rejection isn’t the end of your story; it’s part of how it begins. Every ‘no’ brings you closer to the job that’s right for you. Every time you reflect and adapt, you’re building career muscles that will serve you well for years to come.
At RMIT, we know that our grads are capable, talented, and employable even if it takes a little longer to find that match. Stay persistent. Stay open. And stay proud of what you’ve already achieved.
Unsure where to start? You have tools at your fingertips.
From workshops to mock interviews and employer meet-ups, Career Connect has practical steps you can take now for free.
Story: Angela Brayton
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