On Perspective and Rejection

I see this trend where rejections have a complex emotional effect on applicants to the point where they feel entirely discouraged and even get sick and start doubting their value to an extreme level. You're not crazy, but you're not living in perspective.

It's important to remember that when you get rejected, it's often not even a person refusing you. For example, on Linkedin, there's a setting to reject anyone who doesn't answer Yes to all required questions. The recruiter never even sees your application (So yes, say Yes to everything and then work your magic when you have that call!). I don't have a degree, and I always check that I have a Bachelor's, and then I show them how worthless that degree is compared to what I have to offer. In fact, I was thinking of getting a degree recently and changed my mind because I want to stand by what I preach: you don't need a degree to succeed in tech.

Rejection is not personal, and even when it is, as someone sees your application and manually rejects you, it's still not personal because they don't know you. They're rejecting you based on assumptions. We all know that assumption is the mother of all fuc…ups. Besides, assumptions are also often discriminations. So yes, they're making many mistakes, but that's not your problem; it's theirs.

Remember, the world is made up of many kinds of people, and a majority are "dumb" because they don't practice critical thinking; they go by a set of guidelines and don't think outside of the box. Mainly because they're lazy and not because they're bad. As our Tech Mindset Community member, James, jokingly says, "I just want to get paid." They just want to get paid.

The best recruiters and hiring managers are always thinking outside of the box. They are fearless in hiring because hiring the wrong person is often better than not hiring the right person! And often, that wrong person turns out to be the right person.

You go on a date, have a great time, are excited, follow up for the next date, and are told, "You're such a great guy/girl, but it's not quite it. I'm looking for something else." So you're all hurt and rejected and move on, find someone fun and kind only to bump into that one who rejected you, and they say something like, "I never knew you were such a fun person, or such a this or that.." all these blah blah compliments because other than people naturally wanting what isn't available to them anymore you were likely rejected based on assumptions (Nobody can know you after one date). But do you really want to be with someone who judges you based on assumptions instead of caring about getting to know you? It's much more fun to work for a company that thinks you are the sh#t because they took the time from day one to find out that you are!

How about you start reaching out to recruiters and find the ones who actually care about getting to know you? A recruiter is your friend, your agent, who will be with you during your professional career and grow with you. Then, when it's time to change jobs, you will call them, and they will find you another. That's the type of recruiter you want. Are there many recruiters like that? No, but there's one for you, and you only need one. Just as you only need one job.

I would prioritize connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn to applying for jobs. When buying a house, finding a great realtor to help you find the perfect home makes more sense. It's the same when looking for that ideal job. Find the expert who will help you find the right job for you.

A friend of mine once told me to change my Facebook profile picture because everyone can see that I have long hair, and he knows this girl who is into me, but she doesn't like long hair. I thought he was kidding, but he was serious. So I undid my ponytail and took a new profile picture where I looked like some lead singer from a death metal band. Obviously, she lost complete interest, but good riddance.

I don't want you if you don't want me the way I am.

I want you the way you are at the Tech Mindset Community. Join us by clicking the below link: https://www.patreon.com/how_to_get_hired_in_tech