Handling your first rejection email (and the following!) 💪

You've put yourself out there, polished your CV, customised your cover letter and sent in that application… only to receive a rejection email. Ouch. I know it stings. But before self-doubt creeps in, let's reframe this.

✨ Rejection is redirection. This wasn't your opportunity, but that doesn't mean the right one isn't coming.

✨ It's not always personal. Many applications don't even reach human eyes. You heard about ATS, right? ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and AI filters can screen out CVs based on keywords, formatting, or other unseen factors. If you didn't get a response, it doesn't mean you weren’t qualified.

✨ Optimise for the system. Make sure your CV is ATS-friendly: use clear formatting, include job-specific keywords, and avoid fancy designs (and even certain fonts 🤦🏻‍♀️) that might not be readable.

✨ Refocus on what you bring to the table. Instead of dwelling on this rejection, take a moment to remind yourself of your strengths, achievements, and the value you offer. This one “no” doesn’t define your worth or your future success.

✨ Keep going. Every successful career is built on resilience. Each “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”

Rejections happen to everyone, sometimes before a human even sees your application. Instead of letting it shake your confidence, focus on what you can control. What's one change you've made to your job search that's helped?

And sometimes, rejection emails can even be "creative" and make you smile… like the one of the attached picture!