What to Do When You’re Rejected for a TEFL Job

Rejection in any shape and form just plain sucks. It is more frustrating when you’ve taken months to prepare for the TEFL job, worked hard to get certified and you are sure your application was flawless. But it is equally as important to note that some rejections have nothing to do with you as a person or your application (which may very well have been perfect.) Learning to deal with rejection will mean a world of difference in whether you apply for another job or quit something that we don’t recommend. It all begins with accepting that you will get rejected at some point and the following tips should help you get over your rejection and soldier on;

Take Time to Process Your Emotions

rnAs soon as you receive that rejection letter, call or email, you will feel certain negative emotions, one of which is frustration. It is very easy to get lost in this feeling and find yourself giving up completely. But as much as you must avoid giving up, you should also allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you feel. Doing so prevents you from acting out and saying something in anger that you may regret later.

Thank the School for the Feedback

Even though you may not be feeling all that charitable at the moment, it never hurts to email the school expressing your gratitude for the feedback they’ve sent you. If they didn’t give any particular reason for rejecting your application, you may want to ask them to provide you with actionable feedback. Was it the CV? Was there something in your Application? Did you do something wrong during the interview? rnYou’ll find that most schools are actually happy to give you feedback, which will be invaluable in future job applications.

Act on the Feedback

rnOnce you have come to terms with your disappointment, it is time to take a critical look at the feedback you have received and do some serious reflection. Depending on the feedback you got, you may want to ask yourself questions like;

Did you convince the school you were right for the job?

rnIf you think you didn’t, take a closer look at your resume and cover letter. It is possible that the information in either one or both of these documents doesn’t relate to the position open at the school. Make sure that you are clearly communicating your skills in relation to the open position only.

Are there Typos and Other Grammatical errors?

rnGrammatical errors and typos are simply unprofessional and will get your application rejected even if everything else is right. While you are at it, take the time to make sure that you submitted all required materials including a photo.

Is your Search Limited?

rnYou may also want to widen your search a little bit. If you are hard set on a specific location or job market, it is likely that you are unable to find a placement because the market is saturated. Try identifying other areas to increase your chances and possibilities.

Are You Following Up?

rnSometimes you can get a rejection email or letter if the hiring team is simply getting too many applications to go through. This is why it is a good idea to send a polite follow-up email a few weeks after submitting your application. This will make you more memorable and the hiring team is more likely to look at your application. Above all, don’t give up! It may take some time, but as long as our qualified and all your application materials are in order, you will get a job.