When I started the search for my first remote job, it was a trial. Everywhere I looked, there always seemed to be someone more qualified, someone more experienced, someone who had already gotten the job. I tried to be unrelenting, so I would type send out applications, speaking glowingly about all my past work, only to receive rejection mails here and there—it seemed like an endless cycle of crafting that perfect proposal and having it slammed back in my face with the short paragraphs of advice to “try again later” began to have an effect on me.
After some time, I noticed I had stopped applying as much as I used to because of that fear. I didn’t want another rejection, so I passed up opportunities I saw and reclined myself to that space called the comfort zone. Although there were no rejection emails, there were also no emails that hinted of the job I wanted, the comfort that I preferred was making me stagnant and Sis was already broke!
When I finally got my first opportunity, and wanted to upgrade to another, I still had to go through the same process, applying for things and risking rejections. Thankfully, the process got easier now that I knew what to expect. Putting yourself out there for a skill you feel you’re good in will undoubtedly cause one or two of those emails thrown your way, here’s how I learned to handle mine.
Document your process
I did that by having a journal where I wrote on well, EVERYTHING. From all the feelings of self-pity to mistakes I made during applications and even when I felt all was perfect and still didn’t get it. The journal helped me see errors that I didn’t see initially and when I did get the job, it reminded me of how far I had come and how nothing was ever set in stone.
Identify your ideal work situation
What do you envision in your mind when you think of a job or an opportunity you’d like to have and what is your ideal work team? It helps to note that down so you can cut out applications of what you don’t actually want and just focus on what is the best fit for your skill set.
Practice self affirmations
Gas yourself up every time even when it seems things are not falling in place. Look in the mirror and remind yourself of how amazing you are. Say it continuously and don’t attempt to water down your awesomeness.
Take a break
While you work to further improve yourself, take a break, if you feel you have to do so, but as much as this might sound as cliche, don’t give up. Ijeoma Umebinyo, a poet has a quote that I feel relates perfectly to pesky rejection emails ” You must allow the pain to visit, you must allow it to teach you, you must not allow it to overstay.” So learn what you can from each one and then let it go.