In a presentation to a group of executive job seekers in transition, a recruiter made the point that after years of reviewing C-level résumés, she had noticed a commonality: None of these top professionals had escaped having some setbacks, rejections, or missed opportunities. This information surprised the audience of recent layoff victims, who realized that they were in good company when it came to career misfortune. The recruiter was right: Failures and regrets need not derail your career, and, in fact, can propel it forward if handled wisely.
Use Failure as an Opportunity to Reflect on Your Strengths
Rejection hurts — but it isn’t the end.
July 18, 2019
Summary.
Being able to identify the silver lining in a perceived failure or missed opportunity can help you move on to bigger and better things — while maintaining your self-confidence in the process. There are three strategies you can try for recovering when a career goal you coveted slips away. Start by acknowledging your pain. Being rejected hurts. The physiological response it creates in our bodies and minds is akin to physical pain, so don’t dismiss how you are feeling. It can also help to take a step back and recognize that no one may be to blame when things go awry. It could just be a matter of fit. And finally, make a conscious effort to embrace your strengths and to look forward instead of back.
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New!
HBR Learning
Difficult Interactions Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Difficult Interactions. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts.