Rejection Action Plan Directions: Below you will find strategies for dealing with the inevitable rejection you will

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Rejection Action Plan

Directions: Below you will find strategies for dealing with the inevitable rejection you will experience during a job search. Select at least 3 strategies from each section, providing specific detail regarding how you will implement this plan.

Mental and Emotional Strategies

Adapt a sales attitude - Successful job searches are a numbers game and professional persistence pays off; every no is one step closer to the yes of a good job offer.

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Accept responsibility- Spend some time in honest introspection to recognize your mistakes to take control of your destiny by actively using your resources and support systems. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Adjust expectations- Be realistic; you may have to make compromises and consider a lower salary or different positions, industries or locales.

Be grateful - You don't want to accept a position that isn't right for you; keep a positive outlook that every rejection is signal that it was the wrong job.

Conduct an honest self-assessment - Spend time learning about yourself; technical/work content skills may get you the interview, but it is your intangibles such as your capabilities, character, personality, work ethic and people skills that establish your employability.

Conquer desperation - Desperation comes from anxiety and fear of an unknown financial future but it is not pretty, nor is it employable - you need an "I don't need this job" attitude.

Create a plan- Deal with your disappointment by developing a proactive, action-based plan for self-care and management of your job search strategies.

Redefine myself- Work is not the only thing that defines a person; take a hard look at yourself and focus your energy toward who you are meant to be.

Take it personally- Let your setbacks reinforce your resolve to "beat the odds;" Remember, without failure there is no real success.

Toughen up- The job search process is grueling. Waiting is difficult and rejection hurts, but it is temporary and you'll need to use all your resources to maintain your stamina.

Physical Action Strategies

Achieve a goal - Create a winning momentum by accomplishing even a small project to build a foundation of success. Keeping busy will also help you maintain skills and prevent negative dwelling.

Adjust habits - Don't be complacent! Move beyond the less effective "post and pray" Internet strategies to be more visible with proactive networking.

Avoid negative media- The news is more often than not discouraging and certainly laundry-list job postings do not inspire confidence; so minimize your exposure to focus on constructive activities.

Change the scenery- Get outdoors or make a quick getaway; nature or a different venue has way of helping you improve perspective and rejuvenate your energy.

Consult an expert- Sometimes it is helps to get a professional perspective on your employment efforts where you can also gain support and develop new job search strategies.

Maintain discipline- Keep to a healthy schedule that includes regular hours, sufficient sleep, and minimal time wasters like TV and video games.

Find a challenge- Get out of your comfort zone and channel your energies to develop new skills and perhaps develop a passion into a career opportunity.

Get exercise - Just 20 minutes of physical activity can help you feel better and help manage the stress of an extended job search.

Seek support - No one succeeds alone. Find and use personal and professional support networks to provide encouragement, feedback, and a sense of security and belonging.

Volunteer- Giving time to your community or for a cause not only keeps you busy, but allows you to develop and refine professional skills and networks.

Professional Development Strategies

Ask for feedback- Seeking information and ways to improve your job search skills, especially from employers who have rejected you is key to progressing toward your career objectives. Be sure to send a thank you for any such conversations.

Be gracious - No matter how surprised, upset or disappointed, accept the rejection graciously by congratulating the organization and thanking them for the opportunity to be remembered positively and be considered for future positions.

Gain experience- Build your skills by volunteering or job shadowing; practice with mock interviews to learn from your mistakes before they count.

Improve my skills - Seek feedback regarding your job search strategies including resume, body language, interview techniques to ensure you are not undermining your own efforts.

Learn from mistakes- Dissect each rejection; gather your courage to follow-up and take constructive criticism seriously to make positive changes in your job search strategies.

Perform a gap analysis- Reflecting on recent turn downs, determine whether there is a match between your qualification and the jobs for which you are applying.

Regain perspective- It is not always about how you did because decisions are not always based on capabilities. Just like life, the job market is not always fair; accept that it is a temporary process with a distinctly positive ending.

Research opportunities- Network and conduct informational interviews to gain access to the hidden job market and seek out potential growth opportunities.

Revive online image - Update and effectively manage your social networking and job searching profiles to ensure your online image reflects your personal brand.

Work my network- Talk to everyone to mine career opportunities and develop professional relationship that can lead to job prospects.

pick 3 out of each section and describe what you would do