Embracing Rejection: How to Keep Moving Forward in Your Job Search

I remember the year I spent in Montreal before moving to Alberta in 2008. During that time, I tirelessly applied for jobs, adjusting my CV for each specific job ad and company. However, with my not-so-proficient Quebecois French, I faced additional challenges just trying to get a call for a screening or job interview. Despite the numerous applications I submitted, I received no responses—no emails, no calls, not even a REJECTION. It was a disheartening experience.

But one night, at 2 a.m., I decided to shift my focus and began applying for jobs in the province of Alberta. To my surprise, I got a call the very next day, and within a few weeks, I landed my first job in Canada as an HR Advisor in Fort McMurray—a small town in northern Alberta. Remarkably, it was at the same level I had worked at in my home country before emigrating. This experience taught me that rejection is not always the end of the road; sometimes, it’s just a REDIRECTION toward success.

In terms of statistics, Canada's job vacancy rate in early 2024 remained relatively steady, though there were declines in provinces like British Columbia and Alberta. As of the first quarter of 2024, there were approximately 105,800 job vacancies in British Columbia (Statistics Canada) This highlights the importance of persistence and adaptability in a competitive market.

The journey of finding a job as a newcomer can be challenging and sometimes feel overwhelming. Rejections, slow responses, or lack of feedback can take a toll on confidence. Yet, these obstacles are part of the process. Every rejection brings you closer to the right opportunity. Understanding that failure is not a setback but a learning step is key to keeping yourself motivated and moving forward.

The Reality of the Job Search Journey For many newcomers and job seekers, the path to securing employment can be longer than expected. Statistics show that on average, a job seeker will apply to around 100 to 200 job postings before receiving an offer. According to a survey by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job applicant applies to 21 to 80 jobs before landing an interview, and the ratio of job applications to offers is approximately 1 out of 10 to 1 out of 100 depending on the field. These numbers highlight the importance of persistence and resilience in the job search.

Overcoming Failure and Rejection Rejection is a natural part of the job search process. However, how you respond to it will determine your success. Here are some strategies to overcome failure:

1.???? Reframe Failure: Instead of seeing rejection as a sign of inadequacy, view it as feedback. Each “no” provides valuable insights that can help you improve your resume, interview technique, or networking approach.

2.???? Stay Persistent: Understand that getting hired is a numbers game. The more you apply, the better your chances. Set small, achievable goals, such as applying to a set number of jobs per week, and celebrate the progress you make.

3.???? Learn and Adapt: Use rejection as a chance to assess your job search strategy. Are there areas where you could improve? For example, you might need to tailor your resume more effectively to specific roles, improve your LinkedIn profile, or practice your interview skills.

4.???? Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Engage with others who are going through the same process, and don't be afraid to seek advice from mentors, career coaches, or job search groups. Networking can be a powerful tool in uncovering hidden job opportunities.

Strategies for Moving Forward

Staying motivated through the ups and downs of the job search journey requires focus and self-care. Here are some tips:

·?????? Set Realistic Expectations: Accept that finding a job will take time. Adjust your expectations to focus on the process, not just the end result.

·?????? Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward is progress. Whether it's getting a callback, an interview, or simply applying for a set number of jobs, celebrate every small victory.

·?????? Keep Learning: Use downtime in your job search to upskill. Take online courses, attend webinars, or volunteer. Not only will this keep you busy, but it will also make you more competitive in the job market.

·?????? Practice Self-Care: Managing your mental health is critical during the job search. Regular exercise, maintaining social connections, and mindfulness practices can help keep stress levels manageable.

The job search journey, especially as a newcomer, can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth. Embrace the failures as part of the process, stay resilient, and keep moving forward. Remember, each rejection brings you closer to the right opportunity. By staying persistent, learning from every experience, and focusing on progress, you will find success in your job search.

Once again, thank you sincerely for investing your time reading my new article . I hope you found it enjoyable and insightful. Your feedback is always welcome, so please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Finally, if you believe this content could benefit others in your network, I encourage you to share or repost it.

#OvercomingRejection #ResilientJobSeeker #NewcomerSuccess #KeepMovingForward #EmbraceFailure #RejectionIsRedirection #StayPersistent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edmundo Cardenas is a Human Resources Professional with +20 yrs. of experience in different sectors including Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Forestry, Consulting and Education.?? He is an active member of the HR Association in Vancouver, British Columbia (CPHR British Columbia), former member of HR Association in Calgary, Alberta (CPHR Alberta) and HRIA in Calgary, Alberta and a Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR) in Canada since 2014. He has a Bachelor in HR and a MBA Master of Business Administration from IESA School of Business - AACSB, AMBA, EFMD, EQUIS.

Has been involved with Mentoring Programs in a Mentor and Mentee capacity supporting young talented HR professionals and recent landed newcomers in Calgary, Alberta and most recently Vancouver & Coquitlan, British Columbia. Most recently, joined in 2024 the IEC-BC Immigration Employment Council - British Columbia to contribute and support talented young professionals.

He is also a former Venezuelan National Champion Swimmer and multiple record holder, International Master Competitive Swimmer, Swim Alberta certified Official and Open Water Swimmer.

Dedicated father to Sabrina graduated from high school at National Sport School in June 2024 and starting at Victoria University, BC in September 2024, and Samantha graduating from Post-graduate in Public Policy at the University of Calgary in November 2024 and pursuing in the near future her professional career.

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