The Art of Rejection

Art of Rejection

Whether it’s a prospective candidate or current employee, rejection isn’t easy. We’ve all felt rejection at one point in our life, and it often feels like a swift punch to the gut. Rejection in Latin means “thrown back”. When we are rejected, we can feel pushed back in the opposite direction of which we thought we were headed.

The reality of life is that rejection will form a part of it.

It is even harder to be the “rejector” over the “rejectee”.  But there are a few ways that we can soften the blow and keep the relationship intact. You never know – the person you rejected may be someone you need further down the line.

Here are a few ideas:

  1. Be Timely– Don’t leave someone hanging. It’s best to deliver your unwelcome news as soon as possible.
  2. Honesty is the Best Policy– Be brief but honest in your reasons.
  3. Show Empathy– Make sure you genuinely thank that person for their time and work as well as acknowledge their feelings.
  4. Stay in Touch– It’s your responsibility as the “rejector” to do this. Rejection can be the launching point of a professional relationship.

Rejection is a necessary part of success and nobody is immune to it. We encounter rejection daily in our personal and professional lives and it is a necessary part of success. How many people have become successful without a series of slights?

A Positive Reaction to Negative Feedback

To stay positive while receiving negative feedback, Dick Grote of Harvard Business Review recommends that employees acknowledge that they hear and understand the feedback.  Use active listening skills and listen instead of trying to refute or justify behaviors. “Even if the negative feedback we’re getting is demonstrably wrong, it’s not in our best interest to immediately try to prove it,” Grote says. “Try to prove someone wrong and we become argumentative. We’re close-minded to the useful information that may be hidden in the poorly presented feedback.”

After the feedback is given and accepted, make any necessary changes, but don’t dwell on the negative—move on with a positive attitude. When delivering negative feedback, managers should show they care about an employee’s growth.

Dale Carnegie said, “Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stores to success.”

It’s beneficial to be proactive when delivering rejection, whether it’s a current or prospective employee. As experts in the hiring process, we can take the responsibility of eliminating the unattractive hires and find the talent worth the hunt. Contact us today to learn more.

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