The most difficult thing to experience when searching for a new opportunity is awaiting feedback. You must keep your cool in the face of little to no feedback. This is a must!
Accept the fact that you may never know ‘Why’ a particular company doesn’t pursue you and it has nothing to do with you specifically. Jumping to the conclusions will tear you up inside so resist the urge.
I always tell candidates that if it’s meant to be, it will happen. This may sound trite and axiomatic, but the fact is that if a particular company does not handle you very well through the interviewing process, you probably don’t want to be an employee.
Consider this, a company is on it’s best behavior when courting new talent. It’s just like any relationship, if it’s rocky in the start, what makes you think you will be able to handle it for the long haul?
In order to combat your anxiety during this period I suggest the following:
1. Practice your interviews. Practice with a friend or family member. I really suggest practicing in front of a mirror. If you can say something straight faced into a mirror looking at your own reflection — key point, without laughing — you will be able to deliver it at anytime.
2. Exercise. We all should be doing this regardless but at times of dramatic change and stress finding a way to channel energy is great way to release stress. You will feel like a million bucks.
3. Get a coach, a counselor, and a cheerleader. Surround yourself with friends that can serve some of these key roles in your life and search. You may consider paying a professional because depending on the individual, they may be able to handle all three roles.
When in doubt, run hard until you get our next opportunity. Your job search is done only after you have finished your first full day on the job at your new company. If you commit to a company, make certain that the time between you committing to the job and starting is no more then 2-3 weeks.
Best of luck.
