Experiencing rejection for a promotion or career progression can be disheartening and challenging to navigate. It is natural to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even discouraged when you put in effort and are not rewarded with the outcome you were hoping for. However, it’s important to remember that rejection is a common part of professional growth, and how you handle it can greatly impact your future success.

  • Emotions
    It’s okay to feel disappointed or upset after facing rejection. Allow yourself to acknowledge and process your emotions. It’s important to give yourself time and space to reflect on your feelings and not suppress them. Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or family member to share your thoughts and emotions.
  • Seek feedback
    After the initial disappointment has passed, consider seeking feedback from your manager, HR representative, or colleagues to understand the reasons behind the rejection. Be open to receiving constructive criticism and feedback on areas that you can improve upon. This feedback can provide valuable insights into areas where you may need to focus your efforts for future opportunities.
  • Mindset
    Instead of viewing rejection as a setback, consider it as a learning experience that can help you develop resilience, perseverance, and determination. Reframe your thoughts to focus on the lessons learned and how you can use them to improve and become better in your career journey.
  • Review
    Take a step back and review your career goals and plan. Reflect on your long-term career aspirations and consider whether the promotion or career progression you were seeking is still aligned with your goals. Evaluate your skills, experience, and areas of improvement. Assess if there are any additional skills or qualifications you need to develop to increase your chances of success in the future.
  • Plan
    Once you have gathered feedback and reflected on your goals, create a plan of action to address any gaps and work towards your next opportunity. You can explore specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that are aligned with your career aspirations.
  • New opportunities
    Look for other opportunities within your current organisation or in your industry that can help you gain additional skills, knowledge, or experience. Consider taking up new projects, volunteering for leadership roles, or pursuing professional development opportunities, such as training programs or certifications. These experiences can enhance your qualifications and make you a stronger candidate for future promotions or career progression opportunities.