I have experienced five job rejections this week. It has been disheartening, because I spend time and money for each job interview. I make an effort to look my best, and I always try to be punctual. I like being prepared by researching on each company that I apply for. I also eat a hearty breakfast before every interview, and ensure that I am sensible during the interviews with HR.
Sadly, I am either overqualified or lacking in the life experience department. it has been disappointing to be told that I am not good enough for certain companies because at thirty-three, I am still single. It was an issue with one company that I did not have first cousins to refer as character references (most of my cousins live overseas and that company wanted two first cousins whom they could contact within the country). And a couple of companies rejected me because I’m a devout Catholic who refuses to convert to another religion (never mind that these companies were Christian, and being Catholic is also Christian anyway).
I have quickly learned that job hunting here in the Philippines is unfair. People have their biases. I am an only child who is unmarried and currently unattached, so that makes me character-deficient in the eyes of many recruiters. I have tried convincing them otherwise, by saying that I have more time to focus on my job since I do not have a husband and kids to mind. I also told them that being single and an only child will not affect my productivity. However, these explanations have fallen on deaf ears.
Here I am, still unemployed and looking for the right job for me.
While this has been a frustrating journey so far, I have also learned a few lessons. Here are some of them:
It pays to say please and thank you, even when recruiters are already being unfair.
Being told that they seem to have an issue with my being single and an only child is annoying, but the interview must go on. I tend to ask them to please explain further, so that I will also know why they find who I am undesirable. And I still thank them for their time, because at least I know that their company does not favor people like me.
Never take things personally
There is nothing wrong with being overqualified, single, unmarried, childless, an only child, with a recently deceased parent. Thus, I know my worth. I never take these rejections to heart because I am made to be stronger than these rejections
Someday, all my hard work will pay off
Being rejected has built my resilience. I have learned to be prepared and I can keep my composure during tough interviews and long waiting times. I believe that being a job seeker is work in itself. Someday, my efforts will be worth it. I believe that I will eventually find a company that will focus on my potential and talents, rather than on why they should not hire me.
I just need one company to give me a chance. I really hope to get hired soon, so that I can apply myself and be the best that I can be. There is nothing wrong with being unemployed, so while waiting for the right job for me, I will do my best to improve myself by listening to podcasts, reading books, attending conferences, and volunteering.
Rejections have only made me stronger, and more thankful for what I still have in my life.