Rejection emails have their very own house style.
‘After careful consideration,’ ‘Unfortunately, on this occasion,’ ‘We’ll keep your details on file.’
Over the years, I’ve had my fair share.
Every knockback stings. Pretending otherwise is just kidding yourself.
But a no is one decision about one brief or one application. Made by a handful of people, or a bot, on one particular day.
It’s not a verdict on a whole career.
Somebody hired you once because you were exactly what they needed. The you-sized piece that fitted. You’re good at what you do. No email changes that. The right role just hasn’t come along yet.
In 1962, Decca Records auditioned four young musicians from Liverpool and turned them down. I think we know whose loss that was.
So get to know disappointment well, well enough that it stops surprising you. Then put it to work. Use it to sharpen the next pitch, the next portfolio edit, the next job interview. And when the next ‘unfortunately’ lands, read it, close it, and say with a smile: your loss.
Then get back to work, because one day the email will start differently.
‘We’re delighted to offer you…’
