Overwhelmed by rejection? Here's a better approach.

 

Over the past few weeks, I've had so many one-on-one conversations with teachers who are ready to leave the classroom behind, but the job search is really wearing them down. 

You’ve probably felt it too. 

Putting in the prep work, sending out resumes, and then…nothing.

No response. 

No feedback. 

No updates.

It’s frustrating, and it’s easy to start taking it personally.

I’ve been there a few times over the course of my 25-year career, and I know it can feel like you’ve lost control of the process. 

Part of what makes the process so tough is being too attached to the outcome. 

We want that one job to come through, that one interview to go perfectly. 

When it doesn’t, it can feel like we’re losing control. 

But the reality is you can’t control everything, but you can control how you approach the process. 

By detaching from the outcome, you shift your focus to what you can influence, and that’s where you’ll start to find some relief. 

Let’s talk about how to do that, so you can move forward with more ease and confidence in your job search.

How to Master the Art of Being Unbothered in Your Job Search:

Step 1: Let Reality Be Reality

You can follow all the advice, craft a perfect resume, ace the interview, and still not get the job. 

It's frustrating, but it’s part of the process. 

Sometimes, external factors like company politics, budget cuts, or even an internal candidate, can affect decisions. 

Accept that you won’t always have control over these outcomes. 

What you can control is how you move forward.

Step 2: Surrender Control

Stop trying to manage how a hiring manager reacts to your resume or interview. 

Instead, focus on how you present yourself. 

How you show up in that interview is all you control. 

Trying to anticipate and control every aspect leads to frustration. 

Let go of the need to control the result. 

Do your part well and release the rest.

Step 3: Detach from the Outcome

When you’re overly attached to landing that one job, you start to give off a desperate vibe.

That’s when employers might feel like you’re too pushy, and nobody likes that. 

Stay calm. 

When you detach from the outcome, you come across as confident and grounded. 

That energy is magnetic and makes you stand out in a good way.

Step 4: Tune Out What You Don’t Control

You can’t control when or if a company calls you back. 

That’s up to them. 

Stressing over their timeline won’t speed things up and will only add to your anxiety. 

Focus on what you can control: your preparedness, follow-up strategy, and how you spend your time while waiting. 

The rest will unfold in its own time.

Step 5: Focus on Your Journey, Not Others'

It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others - who got hired faster, who’s making more money - but that won’t help you. 

Everyone’s path is different. 

Your worth is not measured by someone else’s success. 

Trust that doing your best and staying true to your own journey is enough.

Step 6: Stop Assuming

Not every job listing reveals the full picture. 

Instead of assuming the job is a perfect fit, ask good questions. 

During interviews, listen for the company’s pain points. 

This is your opportunity to show how you can solve their problems. 

Don’t assume you know what they need.

Ask and listen.

Step 7: Don’t Take It Personally

Rejection is part of job searching. 

A ‘no’ isn’t about your worth or capability, it’s just the nature of the process. 

Don’t let it mess with your confidence. 

Learn from each experience and move on.

Step 8: Be Present and Mindful

During interviews, it’s easy to let your mind race ahead to what you want to say next. 

But staying fully present and truly listening is more powerful. 

Mindfulness in the job search means focusing on the conversation at hand, not obsessing over future outcomes.

Step 9: Don’t Chase

Don’t chase employers who aren’t ready to engage. 

Respect your time and energy by focusing on companies that are serious about moving forward. 

The more you chase, the more you come across as needy. 

Instead, let your skills and preparation speak for themselves.

Step 10: Stop Convincing

You don’t need to sell yourself too hard. 

Ask insightful questions that lead the employer to their own conclusions. 

For example, "What kind of problems are you hoping this role will solve?" 

Let them realize why you’re the right fit, instead of you pushing that narrative.

Remember: 

Stay focused on what you can control - your preparation, your mindset, and your presence. 

The rest will unfold as it’s meant to. 

It’s not personal. 

Each step is just part of the process.

Next Step: 

This week, identify one area of your job search where you’re trying to control the outcome. 

Instead, shift your focus to how you can show up better in that area.

Then let go of the rest.

Onward!