In the competitive landscape of job hunting in the aviation and airline sectors, receiving a rejection can feel like a crushing blow to one's confidence and aspirations. One of my colleague’s favourite sayings when it comes to life and careers is that “Rejection is often Redirection”.
So, amidst the disappointment lies an opportunity for growth, resilience, and ultimately, redirection towards a more fulfilling career path in aviation.
Here is why rejection is often a form of redirection, especially when you don't get a job:
1. You build resilience
Rejection encourages resilience and perseverance. In fact, in an employer survey we conducted last year, resilience was featured as one of the top five soft skills that they wanted to see in new hires.
It strengthens your ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, equipping you with valuable skills for navigating the unpredictable nature of the job market. Each rejection is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow, ultimately preparing you for future successes and potentially making you more employable.
2. You explore other opportunities and directions in your career
A rejection opens the door to exploring alternative opportunities that you may not have considered initially. It encourages you to broaden your horizons, explore different roles or sub-sectors of maritime, and discover new paths that align more closely with your interests and strengths. Sometimes, the right opportunity comes along when you least expect it.
3. You create new relationships and improve your networking
Rejection presents an opportunity to build and strengthen your professional network. Even if you didn't get the job, maintaining a positive relationship with the hiring manager or recruitment consultant can lead to future opportunities. Networking allows you to expand your circle of contacts, gather valuable feedback, and potentially uncover hidden job openings.
4. You can build on new skills
Use rejection as the fuel to propel yourself forward. Let it ignite a fire within you to strive for continuous learning and excellence, pursue your passions with even greater determination, and prove your worth to future employers. Use it as an opportunity to learn something new or build on the skills you already have. Is there an online training course or certification you can take?
5. You get the opportunity to reflect
Rejection prompts introspection and self-assessment. It encourages you to evaluate your skills, experiences, and career goals for the job you applied for. Reflecting on the reasons behind the rejection can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and refinement in your professional journey.
6. You get the chance to think about your expectations
Sometimes, the job description and your expectations don't align as closely as you thought. The rejection serves as a reality check, prompting you to reassess whether the role would have truly fulfilled your career aspirations and personal goals. It's a chance to refine your job search criteria and focus on opportunities that are better aligned with your ambitions.
Remember that setbacks are often temporary, and with perseverance and resilience, you will eventually achieve your goals.
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