First Jobs: Rejection Happens

BiB Contributor | Anonymous News Director

Let me start off this week’s post with a scenario. You have a new job as a reporter.  You work hard every day, hoping to be promoted to anchor when that job becomes available.  Within a few months, the noon anchor moves on, and you eagerly apply for the job. You put your best foot forward, and nail the audition.  Weeks later, you are passed over for the job. The boss has hired someone less experienced than you to fill the vacancy.

How do you react?

One one hand, you can take it on the chin and continue working hard.  On the other, you can express your disdain to anyone who will listen.  Often times the people who were passed over will also make it difficult for the new person to succeed.  These type of things happen time and time again.

The hiring manager always has his or her reasons as to why certain people get the job, while others don’t.  When confronted for reasons, they will often use vague phrases like “right fit,” and “best person for the job.”  He or she will rarely get too specific.  Inevitably, every employee who aspires to climb up the ladder will run into this issue.

My advice to you: respect the decision and focus on what you need to do to get better.

If you put forth your best effort every day, chances are the hiring manager has noticed.  Even if you don’t fit into his or her plans for certain roles, your efforts will pay off.  It may not work out where you are but keep in mind you are building a resume with everything you do and with everything you say.  Reputations are easy to make, but hard to break.  Make yours a good one.  You will find the right place for you.

Tags: breaking, broadcasting, First Jobs, rejection