You weren’t looking for a new job when the recruiter reached out.

But here they are. Showing up with that seemingly perfect brand and title to match that would look so good on paper.

So into the interview process you go…

First round. Second round. Final round.

Then? The call you had been waiting for….

Where you learn you were NOT chosen.

You told yourself you wouldn’t get your hopes up; easier said than done.

Your heart drops.

Your head hurts.

Your helplessness feels like it’s here to stay.

You feel…rejected.

Rejection is a feeling we all do our darnedest to avoid.

But it can come with the “stretch yourself” territory from time-to-time.

So I’m here to remind you:

Just because you were rejected does not make you a reject!

We humans don’t like rejection.

We humans don’t like to be rejected.

We humans don’t like to feel like a reject.

Here’s the funny thing about the topic;

If you truly had a chance to present yourself in an interview….

You shared how you think.

You showed your true personality.

You strategized how you’d show up.

And if you were “rejected” for that?

Well…then…good.

It would have never worked out in the first place.

You would have eventually rejected that companies logic.

And you would most likely have rejected the organization’s leaders.

Fact is; if they rejected your thinking, most likely, you both reject each other.

Not too long ago, I was a co-founder of an organization where I was constantly at odds with my partners. It was as if every time I suggested, “we need to pivot right”, they’d volley back, “we need to turn left.” If I said, “it’s time to invest”, they’d spout, “it’s time to hit the breaks.”

This went on (and on) for a few years until we both finally had the courage to part ways from one another.

In my mind, they had rejected my logic. And in my mind, I had rejected theirs. It was the best thing for all parties to move on and all of us are better off for it.

Being rejected is nothing more than a datapoint that you’re simply not a match in both directions.

So lose little sleep.

Move on and carry on.

It doesn’t have to be any more emotional than that.

Better all this happens before you took a new job.

Dream Jobs quickly turns into Nightmare Jobs when you’re not a match.

Still want a new job? Then keep putting yourself out there.

Remember, you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you.

Rejection might mean nothing more or less than a “poor connection”.