Use rejection as a catalyst for change

Once you’ve moved past the humiliation stage, it’s time to put those emotions to positive use.

“Sometimes rejection can be the catalyst for us to realise what we really want and what’s really important to us,” says Stones. “It can push us to try something new – you never know, you might even look back in the future and be glad it didn’t work out.”

Looking at the bigger picture can help to ease the sting of rejection and help you get back on your feet – and before you know it, another fabulous opportunity might have come along.

It can help to consider why you’re so disappointed, as this will help you to pinpoint what you actually want.

“Try to work out what was most exciting to you about the job – was it the money, the opportunity to work with someone you really look up to or just because it would look great on your LinkedIn profile?” asks Stones. “It can be really useful to think deeply about why you wanted this job, and this knowledge can help you navigate what you want to do in the future.”

Didn’t get that new job? How to deal with rejection at work, according to the experts