Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Career
8 ways to cope with constant rejection in job search and career
Excerpts from article by Jack Kelly, published in Forbes
Interviewing for a job or seeking advancement at work is stressful and nerve-racking. During job search, it’s common to meet rejection – and it’s even worse now.
It’s especially hard to handle rejection when you’re worried about your financial situation, how you’ll pay the bills, rent or mortgage. When you think you did exceptionally well in an interview and haven’t heard back after several weeks, it’s devastating. If you’re stuck in the same role at work and no one is giving you a chance, it’s hard to keep making it through the day.
Here are some ways to cope with and rebound from rejection:
1) It’s not just happening to you
Take a small measure of comfort in knowing that everyone is going through the same thing. We’ll all be in this together. Yes, there will be some people who look like they’re getting all of the breaks, but those are the rare exceptions. Take comfort in knowing that everyone else is experiencing similar feelings of fear, stress and bouts of depression. Everyone at one point in their career gets rejected for a coveted role, loses out to an office rival for a lucrative promotion or gets ghosted after a great series of interviews.
2) Maybe it’s not meant to be
Once in a while, you catch a break and you’re in the right place at the right time. More often, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not getting selected to move on in the interview process nor getting a raise or big bonus may have nothing to do with you. It could be due to a host of other factors.
3) Consider your approach
When you’ve been beaten down, it’s easy to start feeling bitter, resentful and angry. These unattractive traits could come out and alienate people. If a manager senses that you’re unhappy and blame others for everything that’s happened in the past, they won’t be interested in extending an offer or giving you more responsibilities. In this job market, they’ll believe that there are many other smart, capable and level-headed people with positive attitudes available.
4) Make adjustments
Share your presentation style with trusted friends and mentors. Ask them for their honest evaluation, constructive criticism and feedback. Really listen to what they have to say and enact the necessary alterations to your approach. You should also take a step back and assess other elements. Review your résumé, LinkedIn profile, networking strategy and social media postings. Ensure that you are presenting yourself in the best light.
5) Manage your expectations
Pre-pandemic, your goal may have been to find a job within one to three months. You also wanted to receive a certain title and compensation. In a strong job market, that’s fairly reasonable. Today, you need to adjust your definition of success.
Pat yourself on the back when you get an interview. Get excited about a second round. Keep in mind that the odds are stacked against you. So, if the offer does not materialise, it won’t crush you.
6) Keep a running list of your good qualities
Rejection can sap your self-confidence and question your abilities. You may start ruminating on all of the bad breaks that hurt you in the past.
Replace the negative feedback loop with a recitation of all of your stellar qualities and crowning achievements. Mentally repeat all of your accomplishments — both big and small. It will serve as a reminder that you’ve succeeded in the past and can prevail against all odds in the future.
7) Positive mantras help
Self-talk yourself into a success-oriented mindset. Have a list of positive affirmations and play them on loop to fight back against the obstacles and hurdles in your path.
- “This is merely a minor setback; I will find a new job!”
- “Just because I was rejected for the job does not diminish my self-worth and value.”
- “I am smart, talented and have a lot to offer.”
- “I won’t give up and will make it through this tough time!”
8) Stay strong and tough
You need this to power through the daily challenges. A helpful tip is to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Don’t wallow in self-pity or engage in destructive behaviours. Hit the pause button and stop obsessing over your situation.
Engage in activities that you excel at for a confidence boost. Take a walk in the park to clear your head, set a workout routine, listen to thoughtful and encouraging podcasts and read books or stories of successful people who triumphed over failure and rejection.
Education
Understanding the 7 main branches of social sciences
Excerpts from article published in Study International
The social sciences deal with human behaviour in its social and cultural aspects. It all began with rationalist inquiries into human nature, the state, and morality. The social sciences are different from the natural sciences because they examine and focus on human behaviour and the community rather than the physical world.
These sciences help us understand the who, what, when, where and most importantly “why?” of our existence. We also understand the systems and institutions that flood our news feed every day.
Here are the seven main branches of the social sciences:
1. Anthropology
Anthropology studies the past and present of humans and societies, looking at patterns of behaviour and cultural meanings. It also looks at how language has an effect on our development. It’s basically studying what makes us human, using a broad approach to process several different aspects of the human experience. It considers the past, and through archaeology, explores how human groups lived thousands of years ago, as well as what makes up our bodies and genes.
Anthropologists uncover fascinating discoveries, from the most mundane to the most fantastical. The “new superfood” turmeric turning up in lattes, ice-cream and smoothies all over Europe? Turns out it isn’t that new after all. That Asian spice can be traced to a market in the Levant 3,700 years ago!
2. Sociology
Sociologists study human interactions and the dynamics that preserve and change them. This is through observing the constituent parts of societies like population, gender, racial or age groups. Social life regulates the behaviour of humans because we largely depend on social institutions and organisations to make informed decisions and act accordingly — something sociologists are constantly observing and studying.
3. History
History is one of the social sciences that observes the chronological record of events based on a critical examination of source materials, explaining their causes. History studies the change over time, covering all branches of human society: political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, and so forth. If you have a passion for details, and perhaps comparing Minecraft to World War II, or finding out what in “Game of Thrones” is factually incorrect, this could be for you. Were there really dragons 12,000 year BC?
4. Geography
Geography is the study of the diverse environments, places and spaces of the Earth’s surface and how they interact with each other. This field on our list of social sciences chases answers to questions like why things are the way they are, and where they are. It studies the characteristics of places, in particular their natural environments and its inhabitants, and the connection between the two. Did you know: dinosaurs used to live in Antarctica?
5. Political Science
Political science studies the dynamics of a government system and political activities, thoughts and behaviours through methods of analysis. It mainly examines the state and its institutions, focusing on the power structure. It also includes the analysis of political activities, thoughts and decisions. Think of the “Trump Effect” on international students in the US since his becoming the president in 2017. It led to less diverse student bodies, which in turn had a ripple effect on global higher education as well as the makeup of American society.
6. Economics
Economics is a social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth. Why is Elon Musk worth 147 billion USD? Why are only a few able to afford the Tesla but not others? Such are the questions that an economist seeks to answer.
The ultimate goal of this social science is to improve the living conditions of people in their everyday lives.
7. Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. It is concerned with the historical development of languages in written texts and in the context of literature and culture. The linguist gives priority to spoken over written languages and the problems that deal with analysing them. You could be a lexicographer — a person who compiles dictionaries — or if that’s not exciting enough, turn it up a notch and look into forensic linguistics who have an average salary US$40,000 to 100,000.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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