Rejected from your dream HR role? Here's why it's actually a gift

"Thank you for your application. After careful consideration, we will not be progressing with your candidacy for this role."

As an HR leader, you've probably sent out versions of this email countless times. But when you're on the receiving end, it hits differently. After weeks or months of interview prep, assessments, case studies, and presentations, that carefully worded rejection can feel like a punch to the gut.

I know this feeling intimately. Over the years, I’ve gone through several intense interview processes for senior HR roles. Each rejection stung, especially after investing so much time and emotional energy. The irony wasn't lost on me – here I was, a seasoned HR professional with years of experience at companies like UBS and Barclays, feeling destabilized by the very process I had orchestrated for others countless times.

But here's what I've learned, both from my experience and from working with other senior HR leaders: these "failed" interviews are actually golden opportunities for growth and clarity. Let me explain why.

Remember, it only takes one "yes" but every "no" brings you closer to the right opportunity.

First, every interview process is a window into different organizational cultures. As HR leaders, we're usually the ones shaping and defining culture. Being on the other side gives you unique insights. Maybe you noticed the hiring manager interrupted you repeatedly, or the panel seemed disorganized and unprepared. These moments are valuable data points about what you don't want in your next role.

Second, the interview process reveals what truly matters to you. Perhaps you realized during the final round that the company's approach to employee relations doesn't align with your values. Or maybe that "exciting transformation project" they described sounds suspiciously like a cost-cutting exercise in disguise. These revelations can help to clarify your non-negotiables.

Third, each interview makes you sharper. You learn to articulate your achievements more clearly. You get better at reading between the lines of seemingly innocent questions. You develop stronger examples of your impact. These skills don't disappear with rejection. They are yours to keep and build upon.

So what can you do to maximize your learning from rejection?

1. Reflect on the process while it's fresh. What questions caught you off guard? Which of your examples landed well? What did you learn about the organization that surprised you? It’s highly unlikely that you’ll receive any feedback from the organization, so this is your opportunity to assess your own performance.

2. Update your "brag file" with any new achievements or examples you articulated during interviews. Even if this role wasn't right, these stories will serve you well in future conversations.

3. Notice what energized you during discussions. Were you most animated talking about

transformation? Building teams? Solving complex people challenges? These are clues about what types of responsibilities you should seek in your next role.

Remember, it only takes one "yes" but every "no" brings you closer to the right opportunity. I faced my fair share of rejection, but I also landed roles that I loved, precisely because I had gained such clarity about what I wanted through those previous processes.

If you're navigating the job search journey and need support in turning rejections into opportunities, let's talk. The group “Job Search Accelerator program for senior female leaders in HR” may be just the thing for you.

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I work with female senior leaders in Human Resources who feel stuck to help them love their work or find work they love. Like this newsletter? Please sign-up, share + follow me if you found this interesting. I write about:

👂 Executive & career coaching

📄 Career development and career transition

🎯 Job search strategy

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