Rejection is an inevitable part of every career. There will be jobs you apply for and do not get. It is alright to be disappointed, but it is crucial that you don’t allow yourself to become discouraged. The key to success is not in avoiding rejection but in having the resilience to bounce back from it over and over again.
My daughter Lucy once applied to a job she really wanted and was rejected. I wrote her this letter to help put this rejection in perspective:
Dear Lucy,
I am sorry that XYZ Company rejected you today. It is truly their loss. However, I want to make sure that you understand how it can truly be your gain.
As you pursue a career in business, rejection is a constant. Employers will turn you down. Prospects will turn you down. Investors will turn you down. Candidates will turn your offer to join your company down. However, none of these rejections should turn you upside down.
Resilience. Resilience. It is as important to me in business, as tradition is to me in celebrating Judaism.
I have been rejected countless times in my career. For jobs, by investors, by employees I have tried to hire. Nevertheless, I have been resilient and rebounded each and every time.
What is my secret that I want to share with you?
Persistence, Passion, and Patience.
As you have seen in the meeting you attended with CUSTOMER A, we failed in our initial effort. It was truly one of the worst meetings I have had in my career. Did that stop me? no, never, no how! I just got back up, brushed off my knees, swallowed my pride, healed my ego, learned and reviewed and thought very very carefully.
As you can see with our recent CUSTOMER A success (thanks to your role and contribution), we have persisted and succeeded.
Lucy, you are a rock star! You will do amazing things.
I am so so proud of you beyond words.
Love,
Dad
