Dealing with career setbacks

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Life can deal us many blows.  Some of the toughest events to deal with are those related to the career.  This is because many of us have our identity tied to what we do for a living, and when this is threatened or taken away, there is a profound feeling of loss and confusion. These events could be anything from being laid off, get passed over for a promotion opportunity, missing out on an employment opportunity, frequent rejections of your resume and so on. 

When your resume gets frequently rejected, or you don't clear the final round of the interview at the organization where you were very keen on working, or if you are laid off, your morale can really drop.  You start wondering if you are good enough, or if you ever will be.  The imposter syndrome kicks in, and you end up feeling worse. Check out my article about using your strengths to tackle your imposter syndrome.

Here are some ideas to deal with career setbacks, particularly job interview rejections:

• First, introspect honestly on the circumstances that brought you through your current place. Clearly articulate your role in the entire process before anyone else's role.
• Revise your strategy and keep trying.
• Reflect on top 3 situations / interviews that you think went really well.
• Identify and note down 5 things that you did particularly well in those situations.
• Similarly, for 3 situations / interviews that you feel went really poorly. Reflect on what could have gone better. Note these down.
• Consider how you could enhance the use of your strengths to improve.
• If you can call someone who was present at the time for feedback, you can ask them for 3 things you did well and 3 things you can improve on. Don't get defensive during these calls and only make notes of their suggestions.  Thank them of course.
• Consider how you can improve your adaptability to the environment.
• Finally, remember that what happens to you can define you personally, only if you let it get to you personally.  It's ok to fall down now and then, just don't stay there.

Accordingly, you can now modify your approach and restart.  You could consider engaging a strengths-based career coach (like myself) to help you polish your approach.

Wish you all success in bouncing back from your setbacks.