How well do you handle rejection?

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:30:51 -0400

I could be wrong but I don't remember anyone ever saying "No" to me while I was on active duty. (It could be that I knew better than to ask for something that I couldn't have) But it's something that you hear a lot in civilian life. (In fact, I wish I had heard it on one occasion - when I asked my first wife to marry me). But, seriously...

When looking for a job, don't let "no" stop you. You're going to hear a lot of them before you hear "yes". And, remember, sometimes "no" simply means "not now".

When you hear "yes", say thank you. Then clarify what "yes" means.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made May 26 at 2016 2:37 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:37:03 -0400

Nice!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 26 at 2016 2:42 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:42:21 -0400

It really depends on what I am getting rejected for. Personally though, I wish people were more straightforward with you. As the comic demonstrates, people have a tendency to skirt around the issue instead of just coming out and saying it because they don't want to hurt feelings.

I remember a couple times where I was struggling in the job search and people just wouldn't give me a straight answer. Instead they'd feed you hope that someone will get back to you shortly and then when you call back, the person is out to lunch etc. If I was flat out told no thanks or the position has been filled, then ok thank you for your time. At least then I can move onto someone else.

There was one position I applied for where I was told I was a shoe-in with a personal recommendation and glowing references. Despite my best attempts all the communication was one-sided. I eventually got a call back... 3 months after I accepted a position elsewhere.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made May 26 at 2016 3:08 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 26 May 2016 15:08:58 -0400

I went to one interview in Corpus Christi that I'll never forget. The guy doing the interview made it plain that I was not getting the job but his job was to waste my time with the interview anyway. So when I got the mandatory question, "What did you do in the Army?" I answered with a deadpan look on my face and in a monotone voice, "I broke things and killed people, have a nice day." And I got up and walked out before he could recover and say anything else. I'll bet he's never forgotten that interview either.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 26 at 2016 3:18 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 26 May 2016 15:18:29 -0400

"No" is an old companion of mine.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made May 26 at 2016 3:44 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 26 May 2016 15:44:11 -0400

"(In fact, I wish I had heard it on one occasion - when I asked my first wife to marry me)."
Up vote just for that alone...lol

I've become extremely familiar with "no" over the years. I try to get some constructive criticism, if possible. And i feel its their loss, not mine.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 6:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 18:43:45 -0400

I don't handle being rejected well. I hate it worse when jobs say no looking all over town for that job only to get told no or we aren't hiring really makes me upset that's why I don't job search anymore. Constructive criticism I especially don't take that very well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 7:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 19:56:04 -0400

No = Regroup and Retry.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made May 27 at 2016 10:38 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 27 May 2016 10:38:14 -0400

I have always used rejection as a tool to try harder.