Handling Job Rejections

Applying for jobs, internships or placements can be a time consuming and challenging process. If you've received multiple rejections, you're not alone. 

Most students and graduates will experience rejection at some point during their job search. It can be disappointing, frustrating and exhausting. You might start to question your abilities or wonder what you're doing wrong. 

It's important to remember that rejection is a normal part of recruitment. Employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single opportunity, and not being selected doesn't mean you're not capable or employable. 

If you're finding job searching difficult, support is available. 

Looking after your wellbeing

Job searching can take a toll on your confidence and wellbeing, particularly if you're dealing with multiple rejections or a lack of responses from employers. 

Acknowledge the effort you've made 

Most successful professionals have faced rejection before securing opportunities that were right for them. 

Try not to view a rejection as a reflection of your worth or potential. Instead, see each application as part of your learning and development. Every application, interview and assessment helps you build experience and improve your approach for future opportunities. 

It's easy to focus on outcomes, but applying for jobs takes time, energy and resilience. Try to recognise what you've achieved, including developing skills in researching employers, tailoring applications, and preparing for interviews. These are all positive steps towards your career goals, regardless of the immediate outcome. 

Wellbeing support 

Job searching can feel isolating, especially when people around you appear to be securing opportunities. If rejection is affecting your confidence, motivation or wellbeing, there is support available.  

Strengthening future applications

While rejections can be disappointing, they can also provide an opportunity to review your approach and identify areas for development. 

Follow these steps for improving your applications. 

Focus on quality rather than quantity 

Sending large numbers of applications may feel productive, but employers are looking for evidence that you've understood the role and organisation. 

A smaller number of well-researched, tailored applications is more effective than applying for hundreds of vacancies. 

Before applying, ensure that you are demonstrating ‘can-want-fit'. 

• What skills and experiences show I can do the job? 

• Why am I interested in this role? 

• Have I tailored my application to fit to this employer?  

Use our resources on CVs, cover letters and application forms for more support. 

Apply for the right opportunities 

Some of the most popular job search websites are not always the most relevant for graduate roles, schemes and work experience.  

Consider using more specific vacancy sites and information tailored to the sectors you are interested in. This may be more successful. Use Explore Occupations pages for detailed information on finding experience and graduate opportunities for a wide range of sectors. 

Our pages on finding graduate employment and part-time jobs can also be a good place to start searching for relevant opportunities. 

Book an information appointment to get more support in searching for relevant job opportunities to apply to via MyCareer. 

Use AI carefully 

AI tools can be useful for generating ideas, improving structure and checking spelling or grammar. 

However, employers are increasingly familiar with AI-generated content. Applications that rely too heavily on AI can sound impersonal and may not reflect your genuine experiences and motivations. 

It also makes it difficult to distinguish yourself from other applicants. 

Some employers specifically ask for you to not use AI and will reject applications that they suspect have used it. Be careful to check the job advert for any information about this. 

See our information about using AI for your career 

Uncover hidden opportunities  

Consider broadening your approach. Around 70% of roles are never advertised publicly, and many students and graduates find success through networking and direct approaches to employers. 

• Make speculative applications to organisations you're interested in, even when they aren't actively recruiting. See Explore Occupations for tips on finding hidden opportunities in the sectors you are interested in. 

• Use our NCL Graduate Employment and Work Experience directories to see where other students and graduates have worked for inspiration. International students can also look at our list of UK employers who have hired our international graduates. 

• Attend careers fairs, employer presentations and networking events to build professional connections 

• Connect with Newcastle University alumni via LinkedIn to learn about different career paths, gain sector insights and hear how they secured their first roles 

• Ensure you are thoroughly researching employers before sending speculative applications 

Build experience while you search 

Consider alternative ways to develop your skills and experience whilst you are searching. 

This could include: 

• complete a free virtual experience. For example, with Forage, you can filter by career interest to find virtual internships 

• sign up for free online courses to develop new skills  

• enter a related competition - prizes can often include internships. 

• volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact and gain experience, while enhancing your own development.

Careers Service Support

The Careers Service can help you review CVs, cover letters and application forms. 

We can also help you prepare for interviews, assessment centres, recruitment tests and career planning. 

Book an appointment for support in any of these areas via MyCareer.