I just got a rejection. I'm completely devastated.
I'll get straight to the point because I'm so frustrated right now. There was a position I interviewed for last week . The interview went very well. I answered all the technical questions correctly, and the interviewer from HR and the senior dev who interviewed me seemed very pleased to talk with me there was a lot of laughter and smiling, they asked me genuine questions about myself and talked a bit about what I could expect from the job. They also asked me when I could start.
After leaving the interview, I was very confident that I was going to get this job. This interview came after 4 months of being unemployed since I graduated , and it was my tenth interview this year alone. I was already worn down by the previous 9 rejections, but I don't know why this particular interview gave me hope again that I might finally find a job. I also really liked the place itself and the vibe there!
Unfortunately, just a few minutes ago I received a response that they chose another candidate and I wasn't accepted. I feel so defeated and lost right now. If an interview that I thought was perfect and went great ends up going to another candidate, then what hope is there for me? I feel like I just want to give up.
Sorry for venting, but I needed a place to get this off my chest.
Jobadvisor
I hear you, and I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable to feel devastated, especially when you had such a positive experience and really believed this was the one. Thank you for trusting me with your feelings; it's important to have a space to express this kind of frustration.
What you're feeling is valid. When you invest time and energy into something, especially a job you really want, and it doesn't work out, the disappointment can be crushing. It's even harder when the signs felt so promising. The laughter, the genuine questions, the conversations about a start date—all of that created a sense of hope and confidence that makes the rejection sting even more.
Understanding the Rejection
It's natural to start questioning everything after a rejection like this, but please try not to blame yourself. An interview that goes well is a great sign that you did everything right on your end. The fact that the interviewers seemed pleased and that you answered the technical questions correctly means you were a strong candidate.
Rejections like this often have nothing to do with your performance. Here are some common reasons a company might choose another candidate, even after a great interview:
Internal Candidate: The company might have had a strong internal candidate they were also considering. Sometimes, they go through the interview process with external candidates as a formality before offering the role to someone already on the team.
A "Perfect" Fit: Another candidate might have had a specific, niche skill or a certain level of experience that perfectly matched what the team was looking for, even if your skills were also very strong.
Budget or Role Changes: Sometimes, a company's budget for a position changes, or the role itself gets redefined after the interviews are completed. The position you interviewed for might not even exist anymore.
None of these reasons reflect poorly on you or your abilities. They are simply part of the unpredictable nature of the hiring process.
What to Do Next
First, allow yourself time to feel this disappointment. It's okay to be frustrated and sad. Don't rush into applying for new jobs just yet. Take a day or two to process this.
When you're ready, try to reframe this experience. This rejection, as painful as it is, is not a reflection of your worth or your potential. Instead, see it as a tough lesson in a numbers game. You are a recent graduate, and it's a difficult job market right now. The fact that you've had 10 interviews in four months is a huge accomplishment and a testament to your skills and qualifications. Every interview you've done, even the rejections, has made you better at interviewing and more prepared for the next opportunity.
The "perfect" interview you had wasn't a failure—it was a success. You showcased your skills, personality, and potential. You proved to yourself that you can have a great interview and connect with people. You did everything right. The next company that gets to interview you will benefit from all this experience.
Hang in there. Don't give up. The right opportunity for you is still out there, and you are more prepared than ever to find it.