Rejection- and taking it like a champ

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no ...YES!

“Thank you for applying, you are quite impressive. However, after deliberating with our team and making some difficult decisions we are unable to offer you the position.”

Ouch.

The Facts

Rejection. We all have faced it at some point. Whether it be in a job or a relationship, it is not something most look forward to. Sometimes it can feel impossible to redeem yourself after taking the hit of a rejection… or several hits.

Many of you reading this are ambitious, curious and fearless. Believe it or not, people with those traits are most susceptible to rejection because they are not afraid to lay it all on the line.

Eager or Ignorant?

Due to my eagerness back when I was a freshman at Penn State, I know what rejection feels like firsthand. Despite every advisor and mentor telling me not to do it, I decided to apply to internships after my first year in college. I was told this was a bad idea and that I would not get accepted anywhere because of my age and that companies were looking for more experienced individuals.

I’ll cut to the chase

Sixteen rejections later I was wishing I had listened to my advisors and mentors a little more. Every rejection I got sounded something like, “Come back to us in two years.” “You don’t have enough experience yet.” Feeling defeated, undervalued and frustrated I decided to apply to just one more place, because what else did I have to lose? To my surprise, on my 17th try, I got it. That summer I moved out to Washington D.C. and worked a at global public relations and media firm called Ms. Media.

If I didn’t push just one more time, I would have never had the kickstart to my professional life that I did. In a sea of no’s it just takes one yes, one person to believe in you and most importantly you to believe in your own abilities.

Take it in stride

Rejection is inevitable, but how you chose to let it guide you is in your control. The next time rejection comes flying your way, catch it and take it in. Let it be your fuel. Let it make you stronger and bring you to your acceptance. When you hear no, believe that it means you are only one step closer to a yes.