Turning Rejection into Redirection

By: Shannen Gotay

If you’ve ever opened your inbox to see the words “Unfortunately, we’ve decided to move forward with other applicants at this time,” you know exactly how rejection feels. It’s that mix of disappointment and self-doubt that makes you want to shut your laptop, crawl into bed, and rethink your entire career path. But here’s the truth, rejection is not only normal in public relations, it’s practically a rite of passage. In an industry built on pitching, persuading, and hearing “no” more often than “yes,” learning to bounce back is one of the most valuable skills you can obtain.

The Reality of Rejection

Whether it’s an internship, a leadership position, or your dream post-graduate job, rejection hurts. You spend hours perfecting your resume, tweaking your cover letter, even rehearsing your interview answers in the mirror, and then… nothing. When rejection hits, it is much easier to start questioning your own abilities and potential, rather than staying positive and believing in yourself. You’ll ask yourself things like, “Was I not qualified enough?,” “Did I say something weird in the interview?,” “Should I have added one more bullet point about that project I did sophomore year?” However, the answer is probably none of the above. Sometimes, there are just more applicants than spots. Sometimes, another candidate had

slightly more experience. And sometimes, the opportunity wasn’t actually the right fit for you, even if it felt like it at the time.

What’s meant for you, won’t miss you.

While it sounds cliché, rejection really can be redirection. Every “no” helps narrow your path toward the “yes” that is meant for you.Take it from someone who’s been there. After applying to internship after internship my Junior year, I collected more rejection emails in my inbox than I could count. (talk about getting the fashion internship) So when a door closes, don’t stare at it too long. Another one really will open, and that rejection you faced will have made you more prepared to walk through it.

How to Get Back On Your Feet

Okay, easier said than done, right? I know that “stay positive” advice sounds great in theory, but when you actually experience career disappointment, it can feel like the world is ending. Still, once you’ve taken a moment or two to sulk, there are a few key things that could lead you towards redirection:

1. Take a minute to feel it. Don’t try to pretend something doesn’t hurt when it really does. Let yourself be upset for a bit, talk it out with a friend and do something you love to erase that feeling of not being good enough. Then, when you’re ready, you’ll be able to recognize that this one “no”doesn’t diminish everything you’ve worked for and the ambition you have.

2. Send a “thank you” email. Even if things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to, a quick “thank you” goes a long way when starting out in your career. Following up, even after being rejected, may make you stick out in a recruiters mind and you never know where that connection could lead you. It is so important to never burn any bridges, especially in the PR industry, you never know when your paths may cross again!

3. Ask for feedback. If you feel comfortable doing so, send a short message to the recruiter, asking if they have any feedback for you. Not everyone will respond and that is okay, but when they do, it’s usually helpful. Sometimes you’ll realize you just needed one stronger example or a more specific skill to make the cut next time.

4. Reflect and look for ways to improve. Once the initial disappointment fades, take a look at your materials with a fresh set of eyes. Consider things like, does your resume really highlight your best work, could your portfolio show more variety or skill? Use the rejection as a chance to polish things up, truly showcasing the best possible version of yourself for the next time.

5. Keep applying and stay positive. The right opportunity is out there, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. Keep showing up, networking, and saying “yes” to new experiences and opportunities that could build your skill set. Whether that's through volunteering, school based activities, or going on more interviews, every bit of involvement helps you grow.

Things To Remember…

PR professionals pitch stories that get turned down, clients say “not right now," and campaigns don’t always land perfectly, rejection is built into the job. But what makes someone great in this field is how they choose to bounce back and keep creating. So, next time you receive that rejection email, remember that it does not define your worth, it defines your direction. Every “no” pushes you closer to the “yes” that truly fits who you are and what you’re capable of.

Keep pitching yourself, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing that your perfect “yes” is on its way.