Being ghosted is fairly common for me.

I also get rejected quite often, and hear a lot of “no’s.”

One might be quick to assume I’m talking about my (past) dating life. However, as a happily married man, I’m actually talking about my job.

I’m a Recruiter.

It’s not for the faint of heart. Being a recruiter requires a constant mental state of moving forward, even when your deal was just about to cross the finish line before it fell apart. And it’s always for the reasons that are out of your control, the “Human X Factors.”  It requires a lot of rolling with it, shaking it off, and not wallowing in self-pity.

I know the next client might be a resounding “Yes!” But it also might not be.

In the not-for-the-faint-of-heart world of recruiting, rejection, and setbacks are an inevitable part of the process. Recruiters face numerous daily challenges, from candidates that ghost them to deals that fall through literally in the final hour. However, how recruiters respond to these obstacles ultimately determines their success in the talent acquisition industry.

Facing Rejection Head-On

Regardless of having one year of experience or a decade, recruiters will deal with rejection — and they must become accustomed to it, or they’ll experience limited success. Every day, one of the following is bound to happen: 

• A candidate will be unresponsive to your outreach
• A client will choose another agency
• A deal won’t quite materialize as expected

This constant stream of rejection and setbacks can take a toll on even the most seasoned recruiters, leading to frustration, self-doubt, and burnout. The emotional impact that comes with constant rejection should not be ignored. The cycle of highs and lows can be draining, so recruiters need to take the necessary time to process these emotions rather than attempting to ignore them. 

The Mindset of Tenacity

Tenacity is the ability to persist and bounce back even in the face of adversity. It’s about having the resilience to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. Tenacious recruiters are not deterred by rejection. Instead, they use it as a source of motivation to propel them forward. It flows through the blood of the best of us! 

In the face of rejection, having a mindset of tenacity is crucial. Rather than allowing rejection to discourage them, resilient recruiters view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. They understand that rejection is not a reflection of their worth or abilities but simply a part of the process. By embracing tenacity, recruiters can bounce back from setbacks stronger and more determined than ever before.

Strategies for Overcoming Rejection

Recruiters can use several practical strategies to overcome rejection and stay motivated. They can reframe failures as learning opportunities, focusing on what can be gained from the experience rather than dwelling on what went wrong. They can seek feedback from clients and candidates, using it to improve and refine their approach. Finally, recruiters can stay motivated by focusing on the next opportunity rather than dwelling on the most recent rejection.

In the often harsh recruiting world, self-care typically takes a backseat to the job’s demands. However, recruiters need to prioritize their well-being to lessen the negative impact of rejection. This can include taking breaks when needed, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and engaging in activities outside of work that feel fulfilling. By practicing regular self-care and seeking support when needed, recruiters can better cope with the daily emotional challenges of the job.

Harnessing Tenacity for Success

There is a clear correlation between persistence, resilience, and long-term success in recruiting. Recruiters who can weather the storms of rejection and setbacks are more likely to achieve their goals in the long run. By staying focused, determined, and tenacious, recruiters can overcome these obstacles and move on to the next client.

Tenacity comes with many psychological benefits for recruiters. It increases resilience, allowing them to bounce back quickly from setbacks. It instills a sense of determination and perseverance. Perhaps most importantly, it fosters optimism — reminding recruiters that for every rejection, success is likely right around the corner. Combined, these benefits of tenacity enable recruiters to stay focused despite the constant challenges they face. 

Building a Culture of Tenacity

Leadership is crucial in fostering a culture of tenacity within recruiting teams. By providing support, guidance, and encouragement, leaders can empower their teams to bounce back from rejection and stay focused on their goals. This includes offering praise and recognition for their hard work and constant resilience and providing resources and training to help recruiters hone their skills.

For leaders looking to support and empower their teams, there are several tips to keep in mind: 

• Lead by example, demonstrating resilience and tenacity in the face of challenges.
• Create a supportive and inclusive environment where recruiters feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking help when needed. 
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help their teams build their skills to succeed.

Embracing tenacity is essential for recruiters, who need to overcome the negative feelings associated with rejection to achieve success in their field. Recruiting recruiters can easily navigate challenges by cultivating a mindset of resilience, adopting practical strategies for overcoming rejection, prioritizing self-care, and fostering a culture of tenacity within their teams. Ultimately, it’s tenacity that ensures the long-term success of every recruiter.

Adam Posner

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Adam Posner is the Founder and President of NHP Talent Group and Probably Nothing Talent, and the host of top global career podcast ThePOZcast which has aired over 350 episodes with 1.5 million+ downloads. Before pivoting to recruiting, Adam spent 15 years working in advertising and marketing, managing accounts and strategy for American Express, SIRIUS XM, and more. This instilled a unique perspective when working with candidates to understand their career DNA and ensure a good fit on both sides of the recruiting equation.