© 2024 Puja Goyal
rejection: the act of dismissing, refusing, spurning of a proposal, idea, person.
Rejection is a strong, negative word that can go wrong in many ways. It is powerful and decisive. There has been a spurt of comments and articles from top-notch individuals who cite, with pride, their list of rejected prospective employees or people. perhaps that they are in a deciding position and therefore important. As much as the need to fill positions according to requirements are imperative and should be proceeded with utmost care; it is also important that it not be a reason to flex with pride about how important the job is that so many candidates applied.
Yes, it is inevitable that not everyone will get that position, and only one candidate will be chosen, and it is inevitable that many will either not know how to interview or are unfit for the job, for various reasons. But can we be respectable? Can we then approach this with dignity and not flaunt it on social media by mocking or making a fuss about prospective employees as if they are a burden. I would call it post interview teasing or bullying. Talking endlessly about what a bad day it was interviewing this person or that and that endless banter manifesting into what a dreaded ordeal it was for the prim and proper HR who was perfect.
Can we just leave it where it is as soon as the prospective employee leaves the cabin?
This position of power can become quite imposing if it is flaunted or used to assert dominance. The act of rejection can become a sensitive matter all the more, considering that we have no idea where people come from, but we can meet them where they are at. Rejection need not become a display of superiority and instead can reflect a commitment to find the right fit for the position, honouring mutual compatibility and foster authenticity in interactions.
So, how do you protect your integrity when you find yourself in the position of choosing or rejecting. The way this is handled speaks volumes about a persons intergrity, discernment and commitment to building relations and finding the right person for yourself. Approaching the subject of rejection requires finesse and empathy. It’s essential to recognize and validate the other person’s feelings while also being honest and transparent about your own intentions.
While we are not responsible for how a person feels when they don’t get the position they have applied for, we are responsible for managing the situation in a warm manner.
It is important to put yourself in the person’s shoes, empathize with their perspective, respect their feelings, and acknowledge the courage it took for them to put themselves out there. To understand that we were all in this position and to find a pattern of dialogue that is genuine, warm, and easy. Be honest and clear, use the correct words, and be upfront and transparent with your decision; without making anyone feel bad about themselves.
Articulate yourself correctly and provide reasons for rejection while being considerate. People do appreciate this, especially when they are given tools to improve themselves. It leaves them motivated—maybe something to work on. They may not have gotten the job, but they will have learned a lesson that can improve their game. Providing constructive feedback is key, however, being mindful of how you deliver that feedback is pertinent, as it can be constructive or destructive.
Express your gratitude for the efforts they made to come to your interview. They have certainly put in time to fill out those forms and prepare themselves for your job; and just because they don’t fit doesn’t mean that you can’t be thankful for it. It was after all these many options that you had a chance to fill your position. It helps soften the blow of rejection and maintains a sense of mutual respect. Be firm in your decision, and don’t talk about them in public, mock them, or make fun of them on social media about the various kinds of prospective employees you met. It isn’t professional.
In essence, the need for rejection stems from a desire for authenticity and alignment. It’s about honouring your own values and priorities while respecting the feelings and aspirations of others. Rejecting someone is not a display of power or superiority, its not about flexing your muscles; rather, it’s a manifestation of integrity and discernment, to find the right fit for your work and personal life. Approach it with grace, compassion, and a smile.
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