Turning rejection into redirection

Caitlin Sinclair sheds light on the fact that rejection doesn't always mean you're going to fail

Caitlin Sinclair
19th October 2020

Rejection is something that everyone will experience in their lifetime. As a law student seeking a training contract at a firm, rejection is something I have grown accustom to. Changing your view of rejection shouldn’t be about no longer feeling disappointed as this is often inevitable, but rather about how you can use it as a tool to progress going forward. 

Without rejection, you aren’t able to reflect on your motivations behind applications or your intentions with a specific course of action. Initially, I had applied for several commercial training contracts as this is what I felt was the desirable route after graduation, however, after subsequent rejections I realised that my motivations were entirely wrong. I wasn’t applying because this was something I longed to do as a career but rather because I felt it was something that I should be doing. There is value in assessing the situation and rejection allows time to reflect on what you want in your career, allowing you to either redirect or improve to meet goals. 

It isn’t just about whether you are the right fit for them, it is also about whether they are the right fit for you. 

Working with rejection, rather than against it is essential. This can be done by using rejection as a tool for personal growth. What did you learn throughout the application process and how will this help going forward? This allows you to grow with the process and adapt your approach in application or interviews. 

Caitlin Sinclair shares a rejection email she recieved from a law form.

Use the process as an opportunity to explore company’s and firms and learn what you want from them. Although in application processes it feels like you are under a lot of scrutiny, it is a two-way process. What is it about the company you were drawn to, was there anything that didn’t appeal to you? It isn’t just about whether you are the right fit for them, it is also about whether they are the right fit for you. 

The fault doesn’t lie with you personally. It may simply be that it wasn’t the right time.

Try and separate yourself from the rejection. It doesn’t mean that you are inadequate, it may just mean that your strengths didn’t align with the weaknesses of their current team to allow for a well-rounded workforce. The fault doesn’t lie with you personally. It may simply be that it wasn’t the right time. Or perhaps there is growing room for you to develop in the next round of applications. You are more than adequate for the right company or firm. 

Ultimately, give yourself credit for putting yourself out there and know you are better equipped for the next round of applications. 

Feature Image: Pixabay @Ghinzo

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