What if I don't get the job?

It is easy to become disheartened if you do not get the job after putting so much energy into writing the application, preparing for and attending the interview - especially if you miss out more than once. It is important to treat each job application process as a learning experience. So in order to learn, you need to look back over your applications and interviews and see where you can improve.

Review your résumé

If you are not getting interviews for jobs you know you have the skills and experience for, then maybe your résumé, cover letter or required responses are not correctly reflecting your suitability. If you are advised you have not been successful in an application, contact the employer or recruiter and ask for some constructive feedback. Be sure to convey a genuine desire to improve and therefore know why they decided against you this time. Try also to get some feedback on some of your applications from recruitment agents or other employers you may know.

Post-interview

If you make the interview but do not get the job, be sure to call the employer, thank them for the opportunity to be interviewed, and ask for some tips for improvement for your next interview. Again, be sure to be good natured and genuine when seeking feedback and not resentful that you missed out.

You never know, the employer may have been impressed with you but felt you were not the best fit for this job, but may be for the next one. Your quest for self improvement could make a further positive impression.

Keep applying, stay positive!

• If you keep asking for feedback and using it to improve your applications and interview performance you will eventually be successful and land the job best suited to you.
• While it may be difficult at times, it is important to remain positive and keep applying as every application is one step closer to getting back to work!