Defining Failure - Copeland Coaching

Defining Failure Job searching can truly be gut wrenching. Its probably like having children. After the pain of the birth is over, it can be largely forgotten. The job search is the same way, especially if you havent looked in a while. But, when youre in it, its like you can taste it. Every time you have an interview that doesnt turn into something, it hurts. Even if its a job you didnt really want, it can be painful. Not only do you wonder whats wrong, your friends and family may vocalize the same concerns â€" to your face. It makes you wonder if you picked the right career, if you should go back to school, or if you should give up completely. I often hear from job seekers who feel like theyve failed. The common story is this. They found a job that was perfect for them. They applied. They were interviewed a few times. Then, nothing came of it. The company ghosted them, or told them they found a more qualified candidate. Rightfully so, the job seeker can feel crushed. They feel like the loss of this job is a reflection on their abilities. But, the problem is this. We dont really know why they were rejected. Even when the company provides feedback, it can be hard to know if that feedback is the real reason the person was rejected. For example, perhaps the job was put on hold. Or, maybe an internal candidate at the company had been promised the job before the interview even took place. Or, the hiring manager may have recruited someone from their old company. Very rarely will you know the real story. But, what we do know is â€" job seeking is a numbers game. Most job searching happens online now. And, theres a saying that its harder to find a job online than to get into an Ivy League college (from a numbers perspective). I think we can all agree. Getting into an Ivy League college is hard! So, lets also agree that getting a job is hard work. And frankly, its a numbers game. Rather than be upset when you dont get one job, think of it differently. You may need to apply for one hundred jobs to land one. Those one hundred applications may turn into ten interviews. Those ten interviews may turn into one job offer. Every time you get a no, youre a little closer to a yes. And, so many times when you arent picked, perhaps its better. Maybe that team wasnt right for you. Maybe there was something dysfunctional happening at the company. As job seekers, its time that we reset our expectations. Instead of feeling that every job loss is a failure, look at it as practice. Its practice interviewing, and practice getting you ready for the right job. But, in order to find that right job, youve got to keep pushing ahead. I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here. Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If youve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in iTunes or Stitcher. Happy hunting! Angela Copeland @CopelandCoach